The famous quote often attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, emphasizing persistence and gradual achievement, is: "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
The Essence of Perseverance
This profound statement encapsulates a philosophy of persistent effort and faith in incremental progress. It suggests that monumental achievements are not born out of a single grand leap, but from a series of consistent, incremental steps that build upon one another.
- Understanding the Quote:
- "Start by doing what's necessary": This initial phase emphasizes tackling the immediate, fundamental tasks at hand. It highlights the importance of grounding oneself in reality and addressing basic requirements, laying a solid foundation.
- "Then do what's possible": Once the essentials are covered and a base is established, the next step involves pushing beyond the bare minimum to what is achievable within one's current capabilities and resources. This phase encourages growth, expansion, and the utilization of available strengths.
- "And suddenly you are doing the impossible": This final phrase conveys the remarkable and often surprising outcome of this disciplined, step-by-step approach. By consistently performing what is necessary and then what is possible, one eventually transcends perceived limitations, achieving feats that once seemed unattainable or out of reach.
Practical Applications of the Quote
The wisdom embedded in Saint Francis's words offers timeless guidance that can be applied across various aspects of life, from personal development to large-scale endeavors.
- In Personal Growth and Development:
- Identify Core Habits: Begin by establishing small, necessary changes in your daily routine (e.g., dedicating 15 minutes to learning, consistent exercise).
- Expand Gradually: Once these foundational habits are consistent, incrementally add more challenging but possible routines or skills (e.g., taking on a new responsibility, learning a complex skill).
- Achieve Breakthroughs: Over time, the cumulative effect of these consistent efforts can lead to significant personal transformations and the realization of ambitious goals.
- In Project Management and Business:
- Define Basic Requirements: Prioritize essential tasks, foundational elements, and minimum viable products or services.
- Execute Feasible Steps: Break down the project into manageable, achievable phases, tackling one part at a time.
- Realize Ambitious Goals: The disciplined and cumulative execution of these steps can lead to the successful completion of seemingly overwhelming or "impossible" projects.
Saint Francis of Assisi: A Brief Overview
Saint Francis of Assisi (born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, c. 1181/1182 – October 3, 1226) was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon, and mystic. He founded the men's Order of Friars Minor, the women's Order of Saint Clare, and the Third Order of Saint Francis for men and women who did not wish to live the life of a religious institute. He is one of the most venerated religious figures in history, known for his deep commitment to poverty, love of nature and animals, and efforts to live a life resembling that of Jesus Christ.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone |
| Born | c. 1181/1182, Assisi, Duchy of Spoleto (modern Italy) |
| Died | October 3, 1226, Assisi, Papal States |
| Venerated In | Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Lutheranism, other Christian denominations |
| Patron Saint Of | Animals, ecology, merchants, Italy, and numerous cities and organizations |
The quote attributed to Saint Francis offers timeless guidance on approaching challenges with patience, diligence, and an unwavering belief in the power of incremental progress.
