The Power of the Force

My favorite expression of the Power of the Force is often mistakenly attributed to the German philosopher Goethe (1749-1832). The real source of this quote is complicated, but it’s a great passage nonetheless:

Until one is committed,
there is hesitancy.
the chance to draw back,
always ineffectiveness
concerning all acts of initiative (and creation).

There is one elemental truth,
the ignorance of which kills countless ideas
and splendid plans —
that the moment one definitely commits oneself,
then Providence moves all.

All sorts of things occur to help one
that would never otherwise have occurred.

A whole stream of events
issue from the decision,
raising in one’s favor
all manner of incidents
and meetings and material assistance
which no one could have dreamed
would come his or her way.

Whatever you can do or dream you can,
begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Begin it now.

When you reach the point of knowing that no matter how many times you get knocked down, you won’t give up, it’s as if the universe acquiesces and says to you, “Well, OK… if you’re serious about it, I won’t stand in your way. And here’s a little something to help you get started.” But if you wait for the universe to make the first move, you’ll be waiting a long time.