Most things begin much sooner than we realize.
A hockey game doesn’t begin when the puck drops at centre ice. It begins when a team comes together, trains, and practices.
A space flight doesn’t begin when the rocket launches. It begins when the mission is set, the technology is designed and developed, the astronauts are selected and trained, and mission control prepares.
A successful Kickstarter doesn’t begin when it goes live on the platform. It begins when a creator identifies a real need, designs a viable and valuable solution, and does the work to earn trust and build a following over time (before ever bringing their project to Kickstarter).
A job doesn’t begin on your first day. It begins as you learn about the company, submit your application, and go through the hiring process.
A meeting doesn’t begin when it’s the top of the hour. It begins with the decision that a meeting is needed, its purpose is clarified and planned for, and meeting invitations are extended.
How something begins has a huge effect on how it carries forward. True beginnings shape trajectories.
