In the movie Bicycle Thieves, we follow Antonio Ricci, who needs a bicycle to start his job posting ads across Rome. His first challenge is scraping together enough money to retrieve his bicycle from the pawn shop. The rest of the story unfolds with Antonio’s desperate search after the bicycle is tragically stolen on his very first day.

Before we begin any work, it’s common to list out everything we think we need—perhaps a fast computer for programming, a skill we want to master, or some preparation to feel ready. Sometimes, though, we create unnecessary requirements that serve only to delay starting the real work.

Often, it pays to begin with what you have, rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Ask yourself: What can I do right now? Do I truly need everything on my list before I start?

Don’t let imagined barriers stop you. Progress begins when you take action from wherever you are—just like Antonio, sometimes the first step is simply moving forward, even when the circumstances aren’t ideal.