By David Lloyd George
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
“Don't be afraid to take a big step. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.” This powerful David Lloyd George quote about courage has stood the test of time for good reason. There are moments in life when playing it safe just won't get you where you want to go. This saying shines a light on those critical turning points, when a single bold move is the only real way forward. The emotional weight and practical wisdom behind these words speak to anyone standing on the edge of major change.
What Does This Quote Mean?
The message behind this David Lloyd George quote about courage is both practical and metaphorical. On the surface, it paints a vivid picture: imagine standing before a deep, wide gap—a chasm—separating where you are now from where you want to be. If you attempt to cross it with cautious, short jumps, you will fall. The quote makes it clear that some obstacles in life can only be overcome by taking one decisive, committed leap, rather than several hesitant, half-hearted steps.
Metaphorically, the chasm stands for the big divides that show up in our lives—moments when small changes or safe bets simply won't bridge the gap between old and new, comfort and growth, fear and achievement. This is not just about physical distance but about the difficulty level of true transformation. At those moments, the only real progress comes from an act of boldness—a willingness to commit despite uncertainty.
The focus on a “big step” highlights the kind of courage needed when the stakes are high and the risk is real. It is a reminder that progress sometimes demands moving beyond gradual or risk-free actions. The quote encourages honest self-examination: is this a time to proceed with caution, or a moment that calls for wholehearted action? In the end, the real wisdom is understanding when only a giant leap will do.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
Here are several practical ways to apply this David Lloyd George quote about courage in your own daily life and mindset:
1. Changing Careers
Switching professions or industries is one of the clearest examples of a life chasm. If you know your current job is deeply unfulfilling, taking a string of small, hesitant actions might keep you in limbo for years. Instead, going after a new degree or applying for that big new role all in—despite the anxiety—often leads to far better results than trying to gently edge toward change.
2. Making a Major Move
Whether it's moving to a new city or country, leaving behind everything familiar can be frightening. You can try visiting first, researching neighborhoods, or networking online, but at some point, nothing substitutes for actually making the move. The quote encourages you to be brave—to close your old chapter all at once, knowing that a big relocation requires a wholehearted decision.
3. Committing to a Relationship
In our personal lives, big steps are sometimes needed when deciding to truly commit to someone. Waiting for the “perfect moment” or always holding something back creates distance. Sometimes, it's only when you allow yourself to love fully and say yes—through marriage, living together, or sharing deep vulnerabilities—that your relationship can move forward.
4. Launching a Passion Project
Dreams of writing a book, starting a business, or creating art often stall because we try to dip our toes in slowly, waiting for certainty. At a certain point, the only way to succeed is to leap with full commitment—set a launch date, announce your intentions, or quit other distractions. The courage to take that single, sweeping action is what crosses the gap between idea and reality.
5. Breaking Free of Old Habits
When struggling with unhealthy habits or toxic environments, piecemeal changes sometimes keep you stuck. The quote calls for an honest, decisive break—quitting a bad habit in one shot or cutting off a draining relationship entirely. Sometimes dramatic action is what it takes to reach the other side, rather than small compromises that only drag things out.
In each scenario, the wisdom of the quote is recognizing which moments in life are chasms—and understanding that only a bold, committed step will truly get you across. Courage does not always mean reckless risk, but it does mean knowing when a leap is required.
✨ The Motivation Message
This is your reminder that you are far braver than you realize! Life is full of cliffs, crossroads, and choices that frighten you into taking the smallest steps possible. But sometimes, the only path to growth and real happiness is to make one big, audacious move—trusting yourself enough to leap. Imagine what you could create, who you could become, if you went all in just once!
You are capable of making tough decisions, even if they feel risky. Courage is not about being fearless—it's about moving in the direction that matters most, even when your heart pounds. Stop waiting for the perfect moment or guarantees. Take that big step! 🚀 You will be amazed at the strength you find on the way. The chasm is only as wide as your willingness to act. So today, choose boldness—show yourself what's possible when you jump!
About David Lloyd George
David Lloyd George, who was born in 1863 and died in 1945, was a British statesman best known for serving as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the first World War. Growing up in humble conditions in Wales shaped his empathy and fueled a passionate drive for reform throughout his career. He was a champion for social justice, advocating for health insurance, workers' rights, and expanded access to education, demonstrating his deep belief in meaningful, positive change.
David Lloyd George was famous for his powerful, direct communication and his willingness to make difficult choices for the greater good. This quote reflects not just one moment, but a pattern in his leadership: the belief that real progress often requires courage and a readiness to take bold, decisive action. In both politics and personal life, his worldview echoed the idea that incremental, cautious measures sometimes fall short—and that, to genuinely change the future, one must be willing to make a truly significant leap.
