commiting to boldness

i've been thinking a lot lately about the idea of commitment --committing to far-fetched goals, committing to an artistic life, committing to that intimidating alpine climb.

here are some related thoughts from the scottish mountaineer william h. murray that resonated for me. he writes in 1951 in the scottish himalayan expedition:

"until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back; always ineffectiveness. concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. all sorts of things occur to help one that would otherwise have occurred. a whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man would have dreamed would come his way. i have learned a deep respect for one of goethe's couplets: 'whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it! boldness has genius, magic, and power in it.'"

perfectly stated.