This is the 841st most frequent Japanese word.
当初
"At first" or "originally."
In this sentence, 当初 is used to refer to the initial stage or beginning of a situation, emphasizing the contrast with the current state.
当初、彼の計画は非常に複雑でしたが、今は簡素化されました。
Initially, his plan was very complicated, but it has been simplified now.
Here, 当初 is utilized to mean the starting goals or objectives, stressing the importance of remembering them throughout the ongoing process.
当初の目標を忘れないようにしましょう。
Let's make sure not to forget our original goals.
In this case, 当初 is applied to signify the starting point of the time when actions started being performed responsibly.