start with the first step; begin with what is at hand
Proverb advising that large undertakings should begin with concrete, immediate actions rather than distant plans. Often used to encourage taking initiative.
See also: 隗より始めよ
If you aim for major reform, start with the first step.
the one who proposes should act first; lead by example
Proverb meaning that the person who suggests an idea should be the first to carry it out. Implies that leadership requires personal commitment.
See also: 隗より始めよ
Since you proposed it, you should be the first to do it—lead by example.
Standard modern spelling with kana for まず and kanji for 隗 and 始めよ.
Kanji spelling for まず; less common and may appear in older or formal texts.
From a Chinese historical anecdote recorded in the 'Strategies of the Warring States' (戦国策). The full story involves an advisor urging a king to start a grand project by first honoring a nearby worthy (隗) to attract greater talents. The phrase became a Japanese proverb encouraging practical first steps.