Start Today, Thank Yourself Tomorrow: The Power of Taking That First Step

How one simple choice today can change everything a year from now — and why your future self is counting on you.

Monday, April 21, 2025

A year from now you may wish you had started today.

— Karen Lamb

💬 Expanded Review:

This quote serves as a gentle but powerful nudge to take action today rather than postponing your dreams, goals, or personal growth. It speaks to a common human tendency: procrastination. We often delay starting something because we’re waiting for the “perfect time,” doubting our readiness, or overwhelmed by the journey ahead. But time moves forward whether we act or not.

Karen Lamb’s words remind us that a year will pass no matter what — and when it does, the only question is: will we be closer to our goals, or will we be wishing we had started when we first felt the urge?

Whether it’s going back to school, starting a business, building a healthier lifestyle, learning a new skill, or writing that book, the hardest part is often simply beginning. This quote is a call to overcome inertia — to make even a small step today — because consistency over time is what leads to transformation.

The essence of the message is this: the pain of discipline today is far less than the regret of inaction tomorrow.

🧠 Added Value:

  • Think of the compound effect — small efforts repeated daily over a year can lead to massive change.

  • Visualize your future self — will they be thanking you for starting, or resenting the time lost?

  • Progress is rarely instant — but the time will pass regardless. Why not let it work for you?

🕰️ Origin and Context:

Karen Lamb, the author of this quote, was an American writer and educator, best known for her biographies and work in education. While she may not be as widely known as other motivational figures, this particular quote has taken on a life of its own, widely used in self-improvement communities, productivity tools, and motivational talks.

It's often cited in contexts like New Year’s resolutions, personal development, and goal-setting. It captures a timeless truth in just a few words — a truth that resonates with anyone who has looked back and wished they’d started something sooner.

Final Thought:

This quote is a reminder that while today might feel ordinary, it has the power to be the beginning of something extraordinary. One year from now, you’ll arrive — the question is: where?

📚 Resource List: Start Today, Not Someday

1. Book: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Learn how small, consistent actions over time lead to massive results — exactly what this quote encourages.

2. Article: The Psychology of Procrastination (by Psychology Today)
Understand why we delay starting and how to overcome mental barriers to action.

3. Tool: [Habit Tracker Apps – Habitica, Streaks, or HabitBull]
Use these to build daily habits and track progress on your goals. A little every day adds up over a year.

4. Video: “Atomic Habits in 5 Minutes” by James Clear (YouTube)
A quick breakdown of habit-building strategies that align with starting small — but starting today.

5. TED Talk: Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator by Tim Urban
Funny, insightful, and relatable — a great motivational push to stop delaying your goals.