RABBI EZRA MAX
ON ROSH HASHANAH, EVERYONE IN THE WORLD IS JUDGED. YOU ARE ADVISED TO IMAGINE DOING A BALANCING ACT ON A SCALE WITH EXACTLY EQUAL GOOD AND BAD ON EITHER SIDE. THE BAR IS LEVEL AND A TINY NUDGE WILL TIP YOU TOWARD ONE SIDE. EVERY SINGLE ACTION YOU TAKE HAS THE POWER TO TIP THE SCALE TOWARDS GOOD, WHICH MEANS LIFE, OR THE OTHER WAY, BAD, MEANING DEATH.
Truth: You are an incredible human being with the ability to do amazing things. You have the entire world here to support you. Bishvili Nivara Haolam (the world was created for you). Yes, there are likely stressors, struggles, issues, challenges and even potentially traumatic events in your past. All of it was designed specifically for you to help you create an incredible future.
The Almighty loves you and wants you to have an incredible life. He created all the different situations you faced and the different capacities you have for you to develop something extraordinary. Your past actions inform, but don’t determine your future. Your choices do!
Alan, a young man I spoke with last week, is building a company. He has an innovative idea and aims to build not just a million dollar company, but a billion dollar company. I asked him the same question I would ask you, “what’s your reason and purpose?” We dug into an equation highlighting human motivations. Avoiding pain and seeking pleasure. I shared that the best way to constantly be in that zone is with purpose and passion. Because even when you have a struggle, if you’re doing something you are purposeful or passionate about, then even being in that pain, and moving out of it, is actually a pleasure. You too can use this equation to succeed.
G-d is with you in your challenges and struggles. Your happiness is directly proportional to the challenges and struggles. Take them in stride and come out the other side smiling.
The world is recovering from an epidemic and we’re still suffering the side effects. People got very sick, and some passed away. It was scary and overwhelming. The real epidemic is binge-watching and mindless social scrolling. The travesty is that people stopped using time productively and stopped aiming for their potential. The worst loss is not bringing your innate talents and abilities to the fore. You are here for a powerful and impactful reason. You’re here to make a difference—for yourself, your family, your business, and the world. This is essential work, which cannot get done if you are watching a Netflix season, mindlessly scrolling on Instagram, Facebook, or Youtube. Those platforms have a use. We’re supposed to use them for our benefit. Instead, billions of dollars are being invested in these platforms daily to steal your heart, mind and soul.
Choose, decide now, and declare: “This year, I will take steps forward and develop towards my greatness. I will be the best version of myself this year, next year and the year after. I will take someone, or someones, with me.” It’s lonely at the top and nobody likes to be lonely. Bring along a friend or family member, a partner and commit to supporting each other in developing your best year yet.
Replace the wasted time, online or off, by feeding your mind and nourishing your connections. Read, study, listen to a class, interview, or podcast and gain knowledge. Watch something like a Ted talk that will give you insight and teach you instead of wasting your life with fake news, Hollywood and anxiety.
BONUS: Set a timer, take notes and share your lessons with a trusted partner.
Remember, “Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.”
Imagine your life feels like an incredible balance beam, like a see-saw, with equally good and bad on either side. This means that you will see the value and impact of each of your actions for yourself and in the world. This means that everything you do truly matters. There’s no such thing as “passive” that doesn’t make a difference because it all does.
We don’t look back on Rosh Hashanah and cry about past struggles or mistakes. We don’t say I’m sorry for the bad stuff that we did or the things that we didn’t do. Instead, we declare and commit to our futures. This Rosh Hashanah, you have the power, control, and ability to choose a better future—for yourself, your family, and the world. This year, you can upgrade and be a more significant and better person. You can embrace the challenges and struggles of becoming outstanding. Because when you do this, and I wish you do, you will enjoy the most incredible ride of your life.
Blessing for a Shana Tova Umetuka—A Happy, Healthy, Joyous And Sweet New Year.
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.
