Start Somewhere
When we talk about growth, it’s important to remember that it’s not all or nothing.
The great sage, Rabbeinu Bahye ztz”l famously wrote that if we can’t bring ourselves to act on something good for whatever reason, we must at least think about it, talk about it and meditate upon it. Why? Because these are also steps in the right direction. Eventually, they will lead to action.
Unfortunately, we have been brought up in the midst of a secular culture that hates and to some extent even denounces hard work. From self-improvement to health to business and beyond, everyone is looking for results, but very few seem to have any drive to earn them.
What we are witnessing, my friends, is what happens when man lets his animal instincts drive the train. To clarify, man is made up both spiritual and physical components. The spiritual endures, and is therefore focused on its latter end - the ultimate pleasure. The physical, however, is transient, and wants nothing more than to enjoy fleeting pleasures.
Be’ezrat HaShem, we’ll elaborate another time about ultimate pleasure vs. fleeting pleasure, but for now just know that I’m not here to tell you that pleasure is inherently a bad thing. Intention is everything.
As we know, fleeting pleasures are pretty easy to come by in today’s world. Not too long ago, you had to leave your house to get things done. Almost everything you wanted to do or get done required effort. Now, we have a world of possibilities at our fingertips! Doesn’t that sound like a good thing? The more possibilities, the richer our lives should be, no?
I don’t think have to tell you the answer to that question. Look around you. Do people look happier than they once were, or less so? Are they more sane? More intelligent? Less anxious? Why not?
The answer is, mankind was designed to work hard. This is how we find true pleasure. Fulfillment. Happiness. Confidence. The list goes on. Ironic how these exact traits seem to be the ones lacking these days, wouldn’t you say?
The most worthwhile project anyone, especially men, can work on in life.. Is himself. We are constantly a work in progress. Fix one thing, another one comes up. That’s not a coincidence. That’s by design. The rule of thumb is: If we’re still here, we still have work to do.
What you’ll find is that as you work on yourself, everything else will start to fall into place. All you have to do is start. If not with an action, with a thought. Where can you improve?
Have a beautiful day. Onwards and upwards. ♡