A failure at the commencement may easily kill outright the newborn
impulse towards a complete vitality, and therefore every precaution
should be observed to avoid it. The impulse must not be over-taxed.
Let the pace of the first lap be even absurdly slow, but let it be as
regular as possible.
And, having once decided to achieve a certain task, achieve it at all
costs of tedium and distaste. The gain in self-confidence of having
accomplished a tiresome labour is immense.
Finally, in choosing the first occupations of those evening hours, be
guided by nothing whatever but your taste and natural inclination.
It is a fine thing to be a walking encyclopaedia of philosophy, but if
you happen to have no liking for philosophy, and to have a like for the
natural history of street-cries, much better leave philosophy alone,
and take to street-cries.