“Hesitating to act because the whole vision might not be achieved, or because others do not yet share it, is an attitude that only hinders progress.”
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Attribution note
Very widely attributed to Gandhi, but the wording reads modern and no dated primary exists; likely a paraphrase, so treated as commonly attributed rather than verified. No alternate author identified.
Likely origin: Credited to Gandhi (some cite 'Encyclopaedia of Gandhian Thoughts'), but the modern managerial phrasing suggests a paraphrase; no primary source located.
About this quote
Holding off until the plan is complete, or until everyone finally agrees, feels responsible but mostly just stalls things. Momentum tends to come from starting the doable part now and letting early results win over the doubters, not from waiting on perfect, unanimous conditions.
When to use it
- A team shipping a rough first version to learn from real users instead of polishing for another year.
- A neighborhood starting a cleanup on one block before the whole council has signed off.
- Someone paying down one small debt today rather than waiting to design the flawless budget.