“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
This powerful statement, often attributed to the writer C.S. Lewis, resonates with a universal human experience: regret. We all have chapters in our story we wish we could rewrite. Perhaps it was a missed opportunity, a poor decision, or a path not taken. However, Lewis’s words offer not a condemnation of the past, but a profound message of hope and empowerment for the future. The quote elegantly splits into two parts. First, it acknowledges a hard truth. Then, it presents an inspiring call to action.
This wisdom serves as a crucial reminder. Your past does not have to define your destiny. You hold the pen to write the final chapters of your story, starting right now. Let’s explore how you can apply this timeless advice to your own life.
Acknowledging the Unchangeable Beginning
The first part of the quote is a lesson in acceptance. “You can’t go back and change the beginning.” This is a simple, unalterable fact. Spending energy on what could have been is a futile exercise. It traps you in a cycle of rumination and prevents you from moving forward. Consequently, true progress begins when you make peace with your history. Your past experiences, both good and bad, have shaped who you are today. They provided lessons, built resilience, and offered perspective.
Accepting the past does not mean you have to like it. It simply means you stop fighting it. You acknowledge that those events happened. Furthermore, you recognize they are now beyond your control. This mental shift is incredibly liberating. It frees up your emotional and mental resources. Instead of being anchored to yesterday, you can fully invest your energy into today. This is the essential first step toward creating a different future.
The Power of Starting ‘Where You Are’
This is the pivot point of the entire quote. “…you can start where you are…” This phrase emphasizes the immense power of the present moment. Your current position, whatever it may be, is your true starting line. It doesn’t matter how you got here. What matters is what you do next. This requires a moment of honest self-assessment. You must look at your current reality without judgment. What are your strengths? What resources do you have? What is within your immediate control?
This concept is closely linked to the psychological principle of a growth mindset. Individuals with a growth mindset believe their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. They see the present not as a final state, but as a platform for growth. In contrast, a fixed mindset assumes our character and intelligence are static. Embracing the idea that you can start now, with what you have, is the essence of a growth mindset. Therefore, it opens up a world of possibility. Source
Practical Steps to Change Your Ending
Translating this inspiration into action is where real change occurs. “…and change the ending.” This is the promise of the quote, but it requires deliberate effort. You can begin this process today with a few concrete steps. First, define what a better “ending” looks like to you. Get specific. Do you want a different career, healthier relationships, or improved well-being? Write down your vision for the future. This clarity provides direction and motivation for your journey.
Next, identify one small, manageable action you can take right now. Overwhelming goals often lead to inaction. For example, if your goal is to become healthier, don’t start by planning to run a marathon next week. Instead, take a 15-minute walk today. If you want to change careers, your first step might be updating a single section of your resume. These small wins build momentum. They create a positive feedback loop that encourages further action. Subsequently, these tiny steps accumulate over time, leading to significant transformations. Every great ending is simply the result of many small beginnings.