Verified answer

Buen principio = good start

It means that if you start the job off well (the right way), as in being organized, plan well, don't be lazy and don't do shoddy work, you're off to a good start and that is half the battle (job). When people don't put a good effort into their work, they either end up having to start over to get it right or, their final product is poor.

There is another saying in Spanish: El burro trabaja doble. Which means the donkey (lazy) works twice as much.

A good begining, you're half done. Not necessarily a job, but anything done properly, with a good start, well organized, etc...is already half way done. Because that is the most important part, the beginning. Once something starts correctly, the rest is down hill all the way!!!! (Hurray for Stormyweather) Correct! I"ve also heared, "El vago trabaja doble". The lazy person works double.! LOL