“RABBI’S MUSINGS (&
AMUSINGS)”
AMUSINGS)”
Erev Shabbos Kodesh
Parshas Balak –Avos Perek 6
Parshas Balak –Avos Perek 6
16 Tamuz 5778/June 29,
2018
2018
Shortly before Pesach vacation began in Heichal HaTorah this
year, a conscientious student who takes his spiritual growth seriously asked to
speak with me in my office. The student said that with only a few days left
before vacation he was finding that it was becoming increasingly more difficult
to concentrate on learning. As is wont to happen in the waning days of the
z’man (Yeshiva semester), especially at the end of a long winter, some fellow
students were becoming somewhat lax in their learning. After admiring his
desire to not waste the last few days, I told the student that I felt the best
way to motivate himself to keep learning was to set himself goals of what he
could accomplish in that short period of time.
year, a conscientious student who takes his spiritual growth seriously asked to
speak with me in my office. The student said that with only a few days left
before vacation he was finding that it was becoming increasingly more difficult
to concentrate on learning. As is wont to happen in the waning days of the
z’man (Yeshiva semester), especially at the end of a long winter, some fellow
students were becoming somewhat lax in their learning. After admiring his
desire to not waste the last few days, I told the student that I felt the best
way to motivate himself to keep learning was to set himself goals of what he
could accomplish in that short period of time.
Rav Shlomo Wolbe zt’l (Alei Shur) writes that we have an
innate resistance to major and sudden changes. When a person tries to make
sudden changes in his lifestyle, his body’s automatic response is to resist and
thereby force the person back into the comfort zone of his habits.
So how can one foster changes and improvements
in his personality and nature? The answer is by setting for himself small goals
that require gradual changes. When one makes incremental changes, he is able to
bypass that initial knee-jerk innate rebelliousness. He doesn’t arouse the
automatic resistance that emerges from innately feeling threatened by suddenly
being thrust out of his comfort zone. Generally drastic changes last a few days
at best, before one slips back into his previous routines and comfort zone.
innate resistance to major and sudden changes. When a person tries to make
sudden changes in his lifestyle, his body’s automatic response is to resist and
thereby force the person back into the comfort zone of his habits.
So how can one foster changes and improvements
in his personality and nature? The answer is by setting for himself small goals
that require gradual changes. When one makes incremental changes, he is able to
bypass that initial knee-jerk innate rebelliousness. He doesn’t arouse the
automatic resistance that emerges from innately feeling threatened by suddenly
being thrust out of his comfort zone. Generally drastic changes last a few days
at best, before one slips back into his previous routines and comfort zone.
So, what’s the best way to push yourself to accomplish even
(or especially) when you’re not in the mood or when your surrounded by
sluggishness? By setting attainable goals for yourself. Doing so helps you
focus your energy and commit yourself to complete your self-imposed goals.
Someone once noted that a goal without a time
frame is usually a mere fleeting dream. Even the best of intentions and
aspirations are nebulous unless there is a manageable goal within a specific
time frame.
(or especially) when you’re not in the mood or when your surrounded by
sluggishness? By setting attainable goals for yourself. Doing so helps you
focus your energy and commit yourself to complete your self-imposed goals.
Someone once noted that a goal without a time
frame is usually a mere fleeting dream. Even the best of intentions and
aspirations are nebulous unless there is a manageable goal within a specific
time frame.
The summer is a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of
Hashem’s world. But it also means Elul and Rosh Hashanah are not too far away.
I once saw a great quote: “Do teshuva now; avoid the Yom Kippur rush!” By being
proactive and setting for himself attainable goals during these summer months,
one can arrive at the onset of Elul with a feeling of confidence that this year
he can actually live up to some of the lofty spiritual aspirations he has for
himself.
Hashem’s world. But it also means Elul and Rosh Hashanah are not too far away.
I once saw a great quote: “Do teshuva now; avoid the Yom Kippur rush!” By being
proactive and setting for himself attainable goals during these summer months,
one can arrive at the onset of Elul with a feeling of confidence that this year
he can actually live up to some of the lofty spiritual aspirations he has for
himself.
May we all have the wisdom to use the summer well, to grow in
all areas.
all areas.
Shabbat
Shalom & Good Shabbos,
Shalom & Good Shabbos,
R’ Dani and Chani Staum