“If-” is repeated multiple times throughout the poem, and is often used to start each line. The word if, describes something that does not currently exist, or isn't present yet. Its use implies that something could potentially happen, or come to existence. Every stanza is filled with clauses the audience has not realized yet. The audience has not yet learned to “fill the unforgiving minute” (29) nor any of the other virtues listed out in the poem. This foreshadows that once all conditions have been met, life will be fulfilling. A fulfilling life is a goal that can only be met by ideals. Life is always changing: people are always changing. If portrays an ideal to motivate and propel forward. Repetition of this word emphasizes this idea presented
