I like starting. It's pretty cool.

In the journey of life, there is an undeniable excitement in beginning anew—whether it be a new venture, a fresh challenge, or the start of an adventure. Al Leiter’s words, “I like starting. It’s pretty cool,” are a reflection of the profound joy found in the beginning of any endeavor. This simple yet powerful statement speaks to the essence of the human spirit: that the thrill of starting—of creating something from nothing—is one of the most powerful experiences we can have. It is in the beginning that we find hope, possibility, and the energy to fuel us through the unknown.

In the ancient world, the act of beginning was often seen as the most sacred part of any undertaking. The Greeks, for instance, understood that to start something was not simply to take a step forward, but to invoke the gods, to seek the blessings of fortune, and to embrace the unknown with courage. Heracles, the great hero, began his Twelve Labors with a single, uncertain step, but it was that first moment—his first choice to take action—that set the course for his greatness. Beginnings were seen as sacred, imbued with the possibility of transformation, and the first step was always the most daunting yet the most exhilarating.

Al Leiter’s enjoyment of starting speaks to the adventurous nature of the human soul. Throughout history, those who have achieved greatness were not afraid to embrace the unknown and the new. Christopher Columbus, when he set sail for the New World, did not know what lay beyond the horizon, yet it was his courage to begin that led to the discovery of lands previously unknown. The beginning of his journey was marked by uncertainty and fear, but it was also filled with the excitement of possibility. It is this spirit of adventure—the willingness to start, to step into the unknown—that shapes our world and moves history forward.

In the world of sports, we find a similar story in the career of Muhammad Ali. Ali's first steps into the boxing ring were not just physical movements, but declarations of ambition and purpose. He did not know where his journey would take him, but he had the courage to begin, to fight against what seemed impossible, to push against the limitations of the world around him. His victory was not just in the championships he won, but in the willingness to start, to embrace the struggle, and to carry the energy of beginnings throughout his career. His first step was the beginning of a legend, a story written in the arena, not just of physical battles, but of a journey defined by starting, again and again.

The lesson in Al Leiter’s simple but profound statement is this: there is immense power in starting. In every new beginning, there is potential. It is easy to become complacent, to wait for the perfect time or the perfect conditions, but true growth, true greatness, comes from the willingness to take that first step, to dive into the unknown without the promise of success. As Buddha said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." It is not the destination that defines us, but the courage to begin and the energy we bring to the start of any endeavor.

Thus, we must seek to embrace the beginnings of our lives, to greet them with enthusiasm, for it is only through starting that we discover what is possible. Whether in business, creativity, or personal growth, we must have the courage to take the first step. Just as Leonardo da Vinci began his masterpieces with simple sketches and ideas, so too must we begin our journeys with nothing more than a spark of inspiration. But that spark, once kindled, can ignite a fire of creation and transformation.

The practical action here is to start—to not be afraid of the unknown or the uncertain. Begin that project, take that first step toward your goal, and know that the excitement of beginning is the fuel for the journey ahead. Just as Al Leiter finds joy in the act of starting, let us find our own joy in the beginnings of our lives, for in them lies the potential to shape our futures in ways we cannot yet imagine.