Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance

Meaning: Long-term persistence is more powerful than raw ability or brute force.

Origin: Samuel Johnson, English lexicographer and author, The Rambler, 1751.

Translations

French: Les grandes œuvres ne sont pas accomplies par la force, mais par la persévérance (literally: Great works are not accomplished by strength but by perseverance)
Spanish: Las grandes obras no se realizan con fuerza, sino con perseverancia (literally: Great works are not accomplished by strength but by perseverance)
Japanese: 偉大な業績は力ではなく忍耐によって成し遂げられる (Idai na gyōseki wa chikara de wa naku nintai ni yotte nashitogerareru) (literally: Great achievements are accomplished not by strength but by perseverance)

You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great — Greatness is not a prerequisite for beginning; beginning is the path to greatness.
He who limps is still walking — Even imperfect progress is still progress; do not let imperfection stop you.
Stars cannot shine without darkness — Hardship and struggle are what allow our greatest qualities to become visible.
Even the tallest tower began with a single brick — Every great achievement starts with one humble first step.
He conquers who endures — Persistence and endurance are the ultimate keys to victory.
To lose patience is to lose the battle — Losing your composure under pressure ensures defeat; staying calm is essential to success.

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