"Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking." — William Butler Yeats

William Butler Yeats’s quote, "Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking," emphasizes the importance of taking initiative rather than waiting for ideal conditions. A practical reflection on this message is that if you want something to change or improve, you need to start acting now rather than waiting for the "perfect" moment. Whether it’s launching a new project, pursuing a passion, or building a skill, you create momentum by beginning, even in small ways. By taking action, you build confidence and discover new opportunities along the way, often revealing paths that would have stayed hidden had you waited.

Another application of this quote is to adopt a mindset of perseverance. Many people wait until everything feels “ready” to start, but readiness often follows action rather than preceding it. By striking first—taking that leap—you show yourself that persistence and effort shape outcomes. If your goal feels daunting, break it down into manageable steps, and focus on making consistent progress rather than aiming for perfection right away. Every attempt, even if imperfect, brings you closer to your goal and fuels the momentum to keep going. This persistence and resilience help you develop grit, which is essential for long-term success.

Finally, embracing this mindset encourages you to make your own opportunities. Rather than passively waiting for things to fall into place, actively create the conditions you need to succeed. If you’re looking to advance in your career, develop relevant skills, network, and take on challenges that demonstrate your abilities. If you’re passionate about a cause, take steps to contribute to it directly. When you actively shape your circumstances, you feel more in control of your journey, which builds a sense of purpose and agency. This proactive approach not only enhances your life but also strengthens your mindset, helping you realize that progress is the result of consistent, determined action.