Strong Opinions, Loosely Held
Starting Builds Momentum
Starting is the hardest yet most crucial step in driving innovation and execution. At Build with Assembly, we turn ideas into action, breaking inertia to build momentum and deliver measurable progress. By starting small, we help organizations gain clarity, overcome challenges, and achieve success.
This approach embodies our belief in "Start. Simple.," a principle from The Assembly Way.
During innovation and execution, one truth stands out: starting is the hardest but most important step. It’s the act of moving from planning to action that turns ideas into reality. By starting, you ignite momentum and prevent the inertia that leads to stagnation. Here’s why taking that first step is essential and how it sets the stage for progress.
Momentum Is Born from Action
It’s easy to get caught in endless cycles of planning and deliberation. While preparation is essential, overthinking can paralyze progress. Starting breaks this cycle. Even a small action creates movement, and movement builds momentum. Each step forward provides clarity, uncovers opportunities, and fuels the energy needed to keep going.
Momentum is self-reinforcing. Once the ball is rolling, it becomes easier to maintain its pace and direction. The early effort put into starting sets the tone for consistent progress, making it far less likely for a project to stall.
According to Newton’s First Law of Motion, an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force. This principle applies to projects—taking that initial action creates the momentum needed to sustain progress.
The Danger of Stagnation
Stagnation thrives in the absence of action. When projects linger too long in the planning phase, they lose urgency. Teams lose focus, enthusiasm wanes, and opportunities slip by. Stagnation doesn’t just halt progress; it erodes confidence and saps creativity.
Starting is the antidote to this. Moving forward, even imperfectly, establishes a culture of action that keeps the momentum alive and the team engaged. Mark Twain famously said,
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”
Starting as a Catalyst for Progress
1. Overcome Fear of Failure
Starting requires courage. It means accepting that perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. Fear of failure often holds people back, but action diminishes fear. The sooner you start, the sooner you learn, adapt, and improve.
2. Gain Valuable Insights
Action generates data and feedback that planning alone cannot provide. By starting, you test assumptions, reveal blind spots, and gather insights that inform better decisions.
3. Build Confidence
Every action taken, no matter how small, builds confidence. Progress reinforces belief in the vision and capability of the team. Starting shows that success is achievable and energizes everyone involved.
4. Inspire Others
Starting sets an example. It shows initiative and encourages others to contribute and collaborate. Momentum isn’t just individual; it’s contagious, sparking collective energy and alignment.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable actions significantly reduces procrastination and increases the likelihood of completing goals.
Start Small, Start Now
The secret to starting is not waiting for the perfect moment or plan. Begin with what you have and where you are. Take the smallest actionable step. Each step will illuminate the path forward and make the next step easier.
Remember, action begets action. The simple act of starting creates the momentum needed to move mountains. Don’t let fear or overthinking hold you back—start today, and let momentum carry you to success.
What This Means for You
Starting is the key to unlocking progress, whether leading a team, managing a project, or pursuing personal growth. By taking deliberate, actionable steps, you create the momentum that drives success and keeps stagnation at bay.
At Build With Assembly, we’re here to ensure your starting point is strong. Whether you need guidance, a clear plan, or the tools to move forward, we’re here to help. Let’s start the conversation if you’re ready to turn your ideas into action and build lasting momentum. Otherwise, feel free to explore some of our other Strong Opinions, Loosely Held, for more insights and inspiration.