Strike While The Iron Is Hot

Once there was a blacksmith and a young man who wanted to become his apprentice. The eager young man watched closely on how the blacksmith worked. When it was time for the young man to do the job, he did perfectly from the beginning until after the iron had been put in the fire and at the point when the iron needed to be struck to attain the desired shape. He tried few times to do it but ended up not being able to shape the iron. He put it again in the fire, and tried it again, but with no luck. The blacksmith came to the frustrated young man and said, “Do you know that you have to strike the iron at the right time to shape it? Once you’re late, you’ll not be able to do it.”

My goal for this week was to write five blog posts. Generally, I get three maybe four posts in each week but it is rare for me to write all five work days. I get busy with my other job (the one that pays), I struggle to find a topic, or just in general – things happen. I was excited last night when I has a moment of inspiration over dinner and clearly saw today’s post. I was even more excited when I remembered to leave myself a note (just the headline) for this mornings writing session.

I am sad to say that last nights inspiration did not carry through to this morning. Today I have struggled to make my words fit the headline.

The lesson I am sharing with you with regard to your goals is that inspiration can be fleeting. In this moment you may be motivated to do so many things. But as you wait for the right time or until you have the money or some other magical moment your momentum is slipping away.

You must strike while the iron is hot.