“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

-William H. Murray

I love this quote so much.

Not only is it a powerful call to action—it’s an invitation to believe in yourself and take that first step toward what you want to achieve. 

When you read this quote it seems to stir something in your soul, doesn’t it? 

It feels like a deep reminder to trust our inner power and start the journey, no matter how big or small the dream.

At its heart, Murray’s message encourages us to follow our intuition and believe in our own potential. It’s all about tapping into that inner voice and pushing forward with confidence. 

This idea has a lot in common with what modern science tells us about the mind. Neuroscientists have shown that our brains are incredibly flexible and adaptable. 

We’re not stuck with the brain we have today—our thoughts and actions can reshape it. 

This means that when we “begin it now,” we’re not just taking a step toward a goal, we’re also rewiring our brains to help us get there. 

Our brains respond to the decisions we make and the actions we take, creating new pathways that help us succeed.

Now, let’s talk about that word “boldness.” Murray says boldness has “genius, power, and magic” in it. Boldness is more than just a leap of faith; it’s the fuel that gets us going. 

If you’ve ever found yourself hesitating, unsure whether you should take action, you’re not alone. But science backs up the idea that boldness really does pay off. 

In the field of positive psychology, researchers like Angela Duckworth have found that people who take action, even if it feels scary, are more likely to stick with their goals and push through setbacks. 

It’s the mix of passion and perseverance—what Duckworth calls “grit”—that helps people make big dreams a reality.

This idea ties back to the concept of self-efficacy, or the belief in your ability to succeed. Psychologist Albert Bandura showed that people who believe they can achieve something tend to perform better. 

It’s as if believing in yourself gives you the strength to keep going, even when things get tough. So, when Murray talks about boldness having “magic” in it, he’s not just being poetic—there’s real power in acting with confidence, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.

In the end, W.H. Murray’s quote isn’t just a motivational saying; it’s a reminder that bold action, self-belief, and trusting our potential are key ingredients for success. 

Whether it’s a dream you’ve been sitting on or a project you’ve been putting off, the time to start is now. The genius, power, and magic are already within you—just take that first step, and watch how everything begins to unfold.