Sometimes life is overwhelming and we need to put things back into focus. These 10 simple questions will do wonders.

by Rabbi Dov Heller, M.A.

  1. If I could live my life over, what would I change?

  2. What would bring me more happiness than anything else in the world?

  3. What project or goal, if left undone, will I most regret next Rosh Hashana?

  4. If I knew I could not fail, what would I undertake to accomplish in life?

  5. If I could give my children three pieces of advice, what would they be?

  6. What am I working at now in my life that requires the most time and energy? Is this what I ideally want to be doing with my time?

  7. Is this what I want to be working most at in 10 years from now? In 40 years from now?

  8. If not, what do I ideally want to "work at" -- i.e. what do I want to be spending most of my time and energy doing?

  9. What do I feel is the "ultimate good" that a human being can strive towards?

  10. Is closeness to God central to my ultimate life goal? What do I have to work on to achieve greater closeness?


Sometime during the High Holidays this year, spend some time writing a one-sentence personal mission statement:

"My mission in life is to..."

Published: Tuesday, May 28, 2002

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Visitor Comments: 1

  • (1) VP Jackson , October 9, 2003

    I love your message

    I am a counselor for women in violent relationships.
    May I say that your "Ten questions to ask Yourself" is so enlighting for anyone going into a commited relationship or any kind, I have seen in a long time.
    Thanks you for shareing,
    VP Jackson

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About the Author

Rabbi Dov Heller, M.A.


Rabbi Dov Heller is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who holds Masters Degrees in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and in Contemporary Theology from Harvard University. He also holds a B.A. in philosophy and was ordained a rabbi in Jerusalem in 1982. He is presently the director of the Aish HaTorah Counseling Center in Los Angeles and in addition to teaching extensively for Aish HaTorah, runs a private practice specializing in adult psychotherapy, marriage counseling, and personal guidance.

Rabbi Heller has recently founded The Relationship Institute in Los Angeles specializing in helping people solve their relationship challenges.In addition, he provides an "international coaching and counseling service via telephone for relationship issues." For more information about his telephone counseling service and public speaking availability, contact him via email at Dheller2@netzero.net. Visit his website at www.claritytalk.com.

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