The Ultimate Cure for Perfectionism: Arthur Ashe's 'Start Where You Are' Quote
A deep dive into Arthur Ashe's legendary quote on taking action. Learn what it truly means and how to apply it to overcome perfectionism and procrastination.
Have you ever felt paralyzed by the idea that conditions aren’t quite right yet? You tell yourself you’ll launch the project when you have more funding, start the diet when life is less stressful, or write the book when you have more time. You’re not alone. When we struggle with perfectionism, we convince ourselves that waiting is a productive strategy.
Arthur Ashe, the legendary tennis champion and civil rights activist, captured the antidote to this feeling perfectly.
The Quote
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
The Context: When and Why Did Arthur Ashe Say This?
To truly understand the power of this quote, we have to look at the immense barriers Arthur Ashe faced. As the first Black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open, Ashe operated in an environment where the odds and the establishment were entirely stacked against him.
He didn’t have the luxury of waiting for perfect conditions, unlimited resources, or universal acceptance. He recognized that waiting for a level playing field or the “perfect time” was a guarantee of failure. This quote became his life’s philosophy, allowing him to take immense action both on the tennis court and later in his philanthropic and civil rights work.
What This Quote Actually Means for You
At first glance, it might sound like a simple platitude, but let’s break it down. When Ashe says “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can,” he isn’t just offering encouragement. He is dismantling the core excuse of the perfectionist.
Perfectionism is rarely about high standards; it is usually a defense mechanism against the vulnerability of being a beginner. We tell ourselves that we lack the resources, the knowledge, or the timing to start. Ashe’s framework completely invalidates that excuse. It forces you to look at the present moment and realize that, regardless of your deficits, there is always some action you can take right now.
Here is how you can apply this to overcome perfectionism:
- Start Where You Are: Acknowledge your current limitations without judgment. If you are a beginner, start as a beginner. Don’t wait until you feel like an expert to take the first step.
- Use What You Have: Stop hyper-fixating on the tools or resources you lack. Whether it’s budget, software, or connections, look at what is currently at your disposal and use it to the absolute maximum.
- Do What You Can: Focus on the micro-action. You may not be able to complete the entire project today, but you can write one page, send one email, or make one phone call.
Recommended Reading
If this quote resonated with you, I highly recommend diving deeper into books that explore how to dismantle perfectionism and start taking meaningful action today.
The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control
Katherine Morgan Schafler's brilliant take on why perfectionism isn't a flaw, but a power that needs to be channeled into taking action.
* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Ryan Holiday's modern introduction to Stoicism. Learn how the world's most successful people turn their lack of resources into their biggest advantage.
* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Did this quote change your perspective on taking action? Share it with a friend who is waiting for the “perfect time” to start their dream!