Start by Doing What's Necessary; Then Do What's Possible; and Suddenly You Are Doing the Impossible - Francis of Assisi

Copy link
1 min read
Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. — Francis of Assisi

Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. — Francis of Assisi

What lingers after this line?

Step-by-Step Approach

This quote emphasizes the importance of taking a gradual approach to achieving goals. Starting with necessary tasks lays a foundation for further progress.

Gradual Progress

It highlights that by consistently accomplishing small, achievable tasks, you build momentum and capability to tackle more difficult challenges.

Achieving the Impossible

The idea is that what once seemed impossible can become achievable through persistent effort and incremental improvement. Over time, your ability to take on greater tasks increases.

Mindset and Perseverance

The quote underscores the power of a positive mindset and perseverance. Believing that small efforts matter can lead you to accomplish things you never thought possible.

Historical Context

Francis of Assisi, an Italian Catholic friar and preacher, founded the Franciscan Order in the early 13th century. His teachings often emphasized humility, simplicity, and gradual progress in spiritual and practical matters.

Recommended Reading

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

One-minute reflection

Why might this line matter today, not tomorrow?

Related Quotes

6 selected

Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. — Francis of Assisi

Francis of Assisi

This quote emphasizes the importance of beginning with essential tasks before progressively tackling more ambitious ones. It suggests that great achievements are built step by step.

Read full interpretation →

Everything seems impossible until it is done. - Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela

This quote highlights the notion that difficult tasks often seem insurmountable at first. However, with perseverance and determination, what once seemed impossible can ultimately be achieved.

Read full interpretation →

Anything worth having is worth waiting for, and everything worth doing is worth doing with patience. — Confucius

Confucius

At its core, this saying ties value to delay. Confucius suggests that truly meaningful things do not arrive instantly; instead, they ask us to endure uncertainty, effort, and time.

Read full interpretation →

True craftsmanship is found in the willingness to return to the task, not for perfection, but for the beauty of the work itself. — Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin

At its core, Ursula K. Le Guin’s statement shifts attention away from flawless results and toward a deeper kind of dedication.

Read full interpretation →

You must always be willing to work without applause. — Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway’s line points first to a stern but liberating truth: meaningful work often happens in silence, long before anyone notices it. In this view, applause is not the engine of effort but only an occasional byproduct.

Read full interpretation →

Discipline is rarely enjoyable, but almost always profitable. — Darrin Patrick

Darrin Patrick

At first glance, Darrin Patrick’s observation sounds almost severe: discipline is seldom pleasant, yet it nearly always yields returns. The quote reframes discomfort as an investment rather than a punishment.

Read full interpretation →

Explore Related Topics