Have you ever tried pushing a car that’s at rest? At first, it feels almost impossible. The car doesn’t move, your muscles scream, and your mind wants to give up. But then—suddenly—it begins to roll. What changed? The force didn’t multiply. The car didn’t get lighter. What changed… was inertia.

That’s the power of starting.

From my basic science lessons, I learned that objects at rest tend to stay at rest. That’s inertia. It takes more energy to start motion than to keep it going. This physical truth applies just as powerfully to life, dreams, and leadership. The hardest part of any journey is the beginning—but once you’re moving, momentum takes over, and all you need is direction and control.

Starting is a Spark

A dream not started remains a burden. A dream in motion becomes a purpose.

What if I told you that the mountain in front of you isn’t as tall as it looks?

Using the principle of mirage, what looks difficult from a distance often becomes clearer, simpler, and more achievable the closer we get. What you fear from afar might simply be a distortion. Once you take that step—just one—you begin to see solutions, opportunities, and helpers you couldn’t see before.

Many of us don’t begin because we overestimate the difficulty and underestimate our potential. We look at the size of the goal, the steepness of the climb, and we freeze. But here’s the truth:

Why You Must Start Now

Africa stands on the edge of greatness. A continent rich in talent, resilience, and untapped potential. But talent without action is like an engine without fuel. For Africa to emerge as a global technology powerhouse, our youth must learn to start—early, boldly, and consistently.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to begin.

• Start writing that code.
• Start learning that skill.
• Start building that prototype.
• Start pitching that idea.
• Start organizing your community.

Key Takeaways

• Inertia is Real: It takes more effort to begin, but once in motion, it becomes easier.
• Fear is Often an Illusion: Difficulty often reduces the closer you get to the goal.
• Momentum is a Gift: Starting creates movement, movement creates opportunities.
• Perfection is a Trap: Waiting to be perfect only delays your growth.
• Africa Needs Starters: Our continent’s future depends on leaders and doers, not just dreamers.

Actionable Steps

• Break it Down: Don’t think about finishing—think about starting. What’s the next small step?
• Time Yourself: Set a 10-minute timer and do something that contributes to your goal.
• Start Before You’re Ready: Progress makes you ready, not preparation alone.
• Tell Someone: Accountability increases the likelihood that you’ll begin.
• Celebrate Starts: Every small beginning is worth celebrating—it’s a step toward your future.

You were made for more. Not just to consume innovation, but to create it. Not just to admire leaders, but to become one. Whether you’re a student with a dream, a startup founder with doubts, or a young person searching for purpose—know this:

You don’t have to be great to start. But you do have to start to be great.

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ABOUT DESMOND KITSI

Desmond Kitsi is a visionary digital strategist and leader, committed to empowering young people and businesses through innovative technology solutions in Africa. With expertise in Digital Skills, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship, he is passionate about driving Africa’s transformation into a global hub for technology and innovation.