"鉄が熱くなるのを待たずに、打って熱くしなさい。"

The essence of this quote is all about taking initiative. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment to act, you create that moment through your actions. It’s a proactive approach to life. Think about it: if you're waiting for conditions to be just right before making a move, chances are, you'll be waiting forever. The idea is to take the first step, and through your efforts, create the opportunities you need.

This concept isn't new. It traces back to the age-old advice often given by blacksmiths. They'd say, "Don't wait for the iron to get hot; strike it and make it hot." In history, especially during the industrial age, opportunities didn't just fall into people's laps. Innovators and thinkers had to create their own circumstances to bring about change.

Now, let’s take a real-life example. Imagine a young entrepreneur named Sam. Sam has a brilliant idea for a startup, but he’s waiting for the perfect time. Maybe he thinks he needs more funding, or the market conditions need to be just right. Months pass, and nothing changes. Meanwhile, another person with a similar idea starts small. They don’t have everything figured out, but they take the plunge, start building their product, and engage with potential customers. Over time, they gather feedback, improve their product, and eventually, their efforts pay off. That’s a classic case of making the iron hot by striking it.

If you’re wondering how to apply this wisdom in your own life, here’s a tip: start small. Got an idea? Begin by researching. Start a side project. Talk to people about it. Dip your toes in and learn as you go. Don't aim for perfection right out of the gate. Action begets action. Once you start moving, you'll find that opportunities begin to appear. It’s like pushing a heavy boulder—initially, it's tough, but as it gains momentum, it becomes almost impossible to stop.

Let me share a relatable story. Picture Jane, a high school student who loves writing. She dreams of becoming an author but feels like she needs a degree in literature and years of experience before she can even start. One day, her friend challenges her to write a short story. Jane does, and it's not perfect, but it’s a start. She posts it online and gets positive feedback. Encouraged, she writes another. And another. Over time, her writing improves, and she gains a following. Before she knows it, a small publisher offers to compile her stories into a book. Jane didn’t wait for everything to be perfect—she made the iron hot by striking it.

So, next time you have an idea or a goal, don’t sit around waiting for all the stars to align. Start working on it. Take that first step. Even if it’s small, it’s a step forward. And who knows? That first strike might be all it takes to set things in motion.