It is the first step that costs
All things are difficult before they are easy (Am., Br.).
The beginning is the hardest (Am.).
Beware beginnings (Br.).
Every beginning is hard (Br.).
The first step is always the hardest (Am.).
The first step is the hardest (Br.).
The first step is the only difficulty (Br.).
The hardest step is over the threshold (Am.).
The hardest step is that over the threshold (Br.).
It is the first step which is troublesome (Br.).
C’est le premier pas qui coute.
Всякое начало трудно.
Лиха беда начать.
Трудно первый шаг сделать.
Труден лишь первый шаг.
Die erste Kälte tut am wehesten.
Aller Anfang ist schwer.
Es fällt kein Baum von ersten Hieb.
Birinci adım zor.