“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
This powerful mantra comes from the legendary tennis player and humanitarian, Arthur Ashe. These twelve simple words form a profound philosophy for action. They cut through the noise of excuses and perfectionism. Furthermore, they provide a clear, accessible path forward for anyone feeling stuck. The quote is a universal call to begin, regardless of your circumstances. It empowers you to take control by focusing on the immediate and the possible. Let’s explore the deep wisdom packed into each part of this timeless advice.
Start Where You Are
How often do we delay our goals? We wait for the perfect moment, more knowledge, or a better starting position. This hesitation is a common trap. Arthur Ashe’s first directive, “Start where you are,” directly confronts this mindset of procrastination. It encourages an honest assessment of your current situation. You don’t need to be somewhere else to begin. Your journey starts right here, right now, with the skills and circumstances you possess today.
This principle is about accepting your present reality without judgment. It removes the pressure of an idealized starting line. Consequently, it makes the first step less intimidating. Instead of focusing on what you lack, you focus on what is immediately actionable. This shift in perspective transforms overwhelming ambition into manageable progress. Every great achievement began with a single, simple step from a specific starting point. Yours is no different.
Use What You Have
The second piece of advice, “Use what you have,” champions resourcefulness over resources. Many people believe they need more funding, better equipment, or a larger network to succeed. However, this belief can become a convenient excuse for inaction. Ashe reminds us that innovation often springs from necessity. The tools you currently possess are often more than enough to get started. This includes your existing skills, knowledge, relationships, and even your creativity.
Look around you. What assets are at your disposal? Perhaps you have a unique skill, a supportive friend, or access to a local library. These are your tools. Waiting for the ideal set of resources is a passive act. In contrast, making the most of what you have is an active, creative process. It forces you to think outside the box and find unconventional solutions. This approach not only gets you moving but also builds resilience and problem-solving abilities that will serve you throughout your journey.
Do What You Can
Finally, “Do what you can,” addresses the scale of our ambitions. We often envision a grand, perfect outcome. This vision can be so massive that it paralyzes us. We feel our small, daily efforts are insignificant in comparison. Ashe’s wisdom provides the antidote to this overwhelm. It asks you to focus only on what is within your capacity to do at this moment. It is a call for consistent, sustainable effort rather than sporadic, heroic bursts of activity. Your contribution does not need to be monumental to be meaningful.
This mindset helps prevent burnout. It frames progress as a series of small, achievable actions. On any given day, your capacity may change. Some days you can do more; on others, you can do less. The key is to do what is possible for you today. This steady application of effort, no matter how small, compounds over time. It creates momentum and builds a foundation for larger accomplishments in the future.
The Man Behind the Mantra: Arthur Ashe
Understanding Arthur Ashe’s life adds incredible weight to his words. He was more than a world-class athlete. Ashe was a trailblazer, an activist, and a symbol of quiet dignity. He became the first and only Black man to win the singles titles at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. He broke down formidable racial barriers in a predominantly white sport. Source
Ashe’s philosophy was forged through immense adversity. He faced systemic racism throughout his career. Later in life, he contracted HIV from a blood transfusion and dedicated his final years to raising awareness about the disease. He didn’t wait for the world to be fair to compete. Ashe used his platform and his voice to advocate for change. He consistently did what he could to fight for justice and public health. His life was a testament to his own philosophy, proving that one can achieve greatness by starting from a challenging place, using the tools of talent and integrity, and doing everything possible to make a difference.
Applying the Quote in Your Daily Life
This quote is not just for athletes or activists. It is a practical guide for anyone pursuing a goal. Whether you want to change careers, learn a new skill, or improve your health, the principle applies.
For example, if you want to start a business, don’t wait for a huge investment. Start where you are by creating a simple business plan. Use what you have, like your personal laptop and free social media platforms. Do what you can by dedicating a few hours each week to your new venture. Research shows that many successful companies began with minimal resources.
Similarly, if you want to get fit, don’t wait for a fancy gym membership. Start where you are by going for a walk in your neighborhood. Use what you have, such as bodyweight exercises or online workout videos. Do what you can by aiming for 20 minutes of activity each day. These small, consistent actions build habits and lead to significant, long-term results.
Ultimately, Arthur Ashe’s words are a liberating call to action. They free you from the weight of perfection and the paralysis of indecision. They invite you to engage with the world as it is and with yourself as you are. So, take a moment to consider your goals. Then, start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.