Don’t Wait for Opportunities. Grab Them.

“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.”

Widely attributed to William Butler Yeats

When things get tough, I begin to hope for ready-made opportunities.

It's good to be hopeful. It's good to pray for circumstances to change.

But alongside this, we must make efforts to change things ourselves. Perhaps it's better to acknowledge the opportunities already in our hands, be thankful for them, and use them to the best of our abilities.

For example, I presently have the opportunity to read, write and publish meaningful content. I'm blessed with an innate desire to improve myself – to make my tomorrow better than today.

This isn't a small blessing. Had I been complacent with my circumstances, I wouldn't have been making these efforts.

I'm glad that I sometimes push myself out of my comfort zone and step into unfamiliar territory, where real improvement begins.

The evidence of this lies in my blogposts, books, public speaking, reaching out to people who could help me move forward and, importantly, doing my homework patiently and consistently.

I admit that, at times, negative thoughts are harder to repel. I feel weak.

But I can't be thankful enough for the hope that remains in my heart. During difficult moments, I rest, regain my energy and return to the same work.

Thankfully, my determination doesn't break, although at times it does become fragile.

It's the spirit of hope nurtured by prayer that encourages me to take positive steps. Prayer is important to me, and I believe that carrying out productive actions is also a form of prayer.

I'm of the view that if someone simply sits and prays but makes no effort to improve their circumstances despite having the ability to do so, they shouldn't expect things to change on their own. Prayer without a willingness to take positive action can become an excuse for inaction.

As you read this, perhaps it's a good time to introspect and consider what prayer and hope mean to you.

I choose to tread cautiously along the middle path.

My human frailties remind me that actions alone cannot guarantee success. And my human capabilities remind me that prayers without action are impractical.

Independence is about picking yourself up and get moving instead of waiting for someone else to come along and help you. The desire to grow is the mother of all opportunities.