The Success Route

I recently asked Rabbi Lazer Brody how he succeeded in growing in Torah. The first thing he said was, "I didn't get here by eating chocolate ice cream! It took hard work and it was a struggle, but things really started kicking in and going well when I started to be myself, to cultivate my own strengths and not try to be anyone else. I need to do my job on earth. I also need to follow in the path of my teacher's teachings, but not try to be my teacher. I'm Lazer, and not Rav Shalom Arush."
 
We all need to make a truthful accounting of ourselves to stop  rationalizing and putting important growth-tasks aside, especially in our Torah observance. As a nation we have a tendency to slack as seen in the Gemara of tractate Shekalim, page 2:
 
When the Israelites were asked to donate money for building the Tabernacle, it states that "everyone who was generous brought bracelets." This implies that it was only those who were generous by nature who came and donated. On the same note, we see that when it came to making the Golden Calf, the Torah states "the entire people removed [the gold rings that were in their ears.] This indicates that even Jews not generous by nature came and donated willingly.
 
In another instance we see that when Hashem was ready to present the Torah, it states that Moses brought the people forth from the camp. Implying that Moses had to lead them to the mount, for they were not eager to go on their own! But at the same time, when it came to the decision of sending the spies, the Torah states, "All of you approached me" meaning that everyone was ready to participate. We see that our nature is not always in line to be proactive for doing what’s right, rather what’s comfortable!
 
To further highlight this point, when it came to singing a song of praise to Hashem thanking Him for saving them against Egypt at the Red Sea, it states that "Then Moses and the Children of Israel sang" this refers to the notion that it was only after Moses started to sing that the rest of the Jews were inspired to sing as well. Whereas that when the spies returned from their mission about the land of Israel, the Torah states "And the entire congregation raised up and issued its voice." We see here that in a situation that was good, we emotionally restrained ourselves from giving thanks, but in a situation of challenge, we went without restraint complaining bitterly. Sound familiar?
 
The Arizal taught us that man's completion and correction lies within his or her ability to conquer what is difficult for him, such as when a parent has great difficulty controlling their temper with their children. That individuals main work lies within them fixing the terrible trait of anger. For a detailed plan on how to conquer ones anger see The Trail to Tranquility by Rabbi Lazer Brody.
 
Let's look at it on a simple level, do you remember growing up playing basketball with the guys at school? There was that huge tall guy who was perfect for getting rebounds and blocking shots, yet he just didn't get it, he would always opt for emulating the point guard with fancy moves. The problem was that every time he went for the shot, he missed because that wasn't his natural talent. He let down his team time and again trying to impress others rather than developing his own unique potential.
 
It takes effort to change into a person who actualizes their potential both physically and spiritually. Things like taking on daily 'one hour' personal prayer require discipline. But so does anything worthwhile. It's our choice now as we embark on a new year to become as refined as we can in serving Hashem with joy. For ideas on how to release your potential see the latest from Rabbi Lazer Brody in "Six Days to the Top."  It will show you how to realize who you really are supposed to be rather than hiding behind masks to gain approval. It teaches to focus on our inner strength and gives us a road map to realize our potential. Hint: A great gift for Rosh Hashana…
 
How many times do we go to synagogue and follow the prayers and singing but hold back from truly giving our best effort? We are subconscious of how others are going to think of us if we give it our all in prayer and song. But friends, that’s where the real gold is, when it’s hard, are you going to go with the flow or give it your all? Your actions can influence others who are holding back. You can change the world, don’t hold back you can make it the best year!