My April 24, 2016 post addressed the question:  “Where to begin?”  It contained two advisory quotes, but yielding little comfort.  Two ancient writers, a philospher and a poet, provided cogent advise on the importance of taking that first step: 

—  “The beginning is the most important part of the work.”  Plato (circa 428 BC – 348 BC) , Classical Greek Philosopher

— “Well begun is half done.”  Quintus Horatius Flaccus (65 BC – 8 BC), familiarly known simply as Horace, a renouned Roman poet in Augustus’ time.   

Both quotes from these ancient proflicic writers provide valuable advice, even in modern times; but neither offer any tips on how to begin a work.  The struggle to begin remains inhibiting.  

Eventually, because of necessity, one must begin any onerous task somewhere.  After begining, then what?  After a cautious move to begin a troublesome task, interest may flag, boredom may surface, difficulty may arise.  When that happens, one can fall back on two other proverbs:  

— “Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well”  Philip Standhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694–1773).  

—  “To begin is easy, to persist is an art,” a German proverb of unknown source, which keeps the compass pointed to true north.   

Focus brings any task at hand to eflect on the big picture to reach the ultimate goal.  When starting a new task, where to begin may be problematic, but beginning somewhere, anywhere, remains better than churning, mulling and figiting around without purpose.  Many times when facing a deadline, the writer does not enjoy the luxury of reflection, contemplation, organization.  When the outline does not come easily, the best practice:  Jump in and start, as this action, any action, will start the juices moving in your brain, even if the introductory portion must be totally discarded in the process.