IGNITE YOUR XPOTENTIAL ON HANUKKAH

RABBI EZRA MAX

EVERYONE WE KNOW STRUGGLES. IT’S PART OF LIFE BECAUSE BEING HUMAN INCLUDES IMPERFECTIONS AND STRUGGLES. IT ALSO MEANS THAT YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND POTENTIAL TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS.

Think about Jewish history and how much death, destruction and trauma we have experienced. Then look around and realize how incredibly blessed your life is and the thriving heritage and community you are a part of. Remember, everything that happens to you, even a seemingly bad event, is a gift created just for you.

Imagine replacing your old identity, past failures, mistakes and shame with exponentially better results in your health, family, relationships, spirituality, finances, etc.

Every single situation is an opportunity to learn and grow. We call this Xpotential: Your ability to create exponentially more significant results in your life.

On Hanukkah, you light the menorah and remember the miracles of Hanukkah. A single little jar of oil that could only burn for one night lasted for the entire eight days. This is not only a miracle from 1000s of years ago, it’s a reminder that you only need to make histadlut (a little bit of effort) because results are actually miraculous events orchestrated by the Almighty because he loves you. You have so much to be grateful for.

There are tremendous blessings in your life every single day, many of which, if we don’t take time to focus on, we might take for granted and not even notice.

Sam consulted with me wanting to achieve the next level in life, but he was scared to let go of his comforts (dysfunction). He couldn’t stop his Twitter scrolling and nightly shows because he was worried that he would explode from stress. Unfortunately, his coping behaviors were holding him back. Sam fed his fear of growth while starving himself of success. He was sinking into the depths of social media and Hollywood instead of raising himself, growing and living his Xpotential.

Everyone has a little Sam inside of them. Do you want to be like Sam or move beyond your fears and limitations?

Good news: Sam realized that all the things he blamed for being in the way of his next-level success were his fears. He is determined to minimize distractions and maximize his personal growth. He is replacing the old way of coping (losing) with a vision and focus on exponential growth. We created a plan that feeds his mind, nourishes his soul and develops his skill. There will be no more staying small and hiding from himself.

Sam will be sitting by the menorah this Hanukkah committed to a beautiful future vision of himself. The new Sam is not afraid. He embraces his strengths, talents and abilities while leaning into his Xpotential—and so can you.

As you light the menorah, take a few minutes to think about the miracles and blessings in your life, and feel the Almighty’s love for you. Sit with this feeling and perhaps share it with your family and friends.

You are potential. You are a soul directly connected with the Divine. The physical world and daily stressors can distract us from the meaningful, purposeful soul-level work we are here to do.

The most significant limitation most people struggle with is themselves. Are you your own worst enemy? Do you fight in your head all the time? This is likely holding you back from achieving your Xpotential.

Here are some questions to ask:
• What is your Xpotential?
• Who might you become if you achieve your
Xpotential?
• How will you be inspired by Hanukkah?
• Who will help you achieve your Xpotential?

This Hanukkah, as you sit by the menorah watching the candles burning brightly, I invite you to commit to becoming the best version of yourself. Lean into your strengths and get better at being uniquely you.

Break through the barriers that are holding you back and make a kiddush Hashem (sanctify G-ds Name) as you live your Xpotential life.
Happy Hanukkah!

Rabbi Ezra Max, PCC, MHMP, Xchange Guide & Creator of “The Max Method” assists businesses and professionals deal with stress and achieve success. Rabbi Max has witnessed 20 years of results helping executives, parents and teens overcome struggles, improve communication and thrive. He lives in New York with his wife and five children.