King David wrote that: "God is my light and my salvation" (Psalms 27:1). The Sages say that "my light" refers to Rosh Hashana. It's easier to wake up at dawn than in the middle of the night. Similarly, it's easier to wake up on Rosh Hashana than other times of the year.

A special custom for the month of Elul is to blow the shofar every morning in the synagogue. The shofar sound is literally an alarm clock designed to arouse us from our spiritual slumber. The shofar brings clarity, alertness, and focus.

The reason we lose touch and make mistakes is because we don't take time everyday to reconnect with our deepest desires and essence. Therefore, the solution is obvious: Spend time alone everyday to ask: Am I on track, am I focused, and am I pursuing goals which will make the greatest overall difference in my life and in the world?

The shofar is our wake-up call. It summons us to wake up to what's good and right. We see how far we are from a life of learning Torah, caring for every human being, and loving God.

But waking up isn't enough, you also have to change. That's the hardest part.

Another verse from the prophets tells us to "call unto Him when He is near." This refers to Yom Kippur. Now is the time to call to the Almighty.

Imagine you wanted to see the mayor. Typically, you'd have to go through several layers of secretaries and aides -- and even then he'd only see you if it was vitally important. However, at campaign time, when the mayor is out shaking hands, anyone can see him.

This is Yom Kippur. You can do teshuva the whole year, but its tough -- you've got to make a big effort to get an appointment. Maimonides says that even though teshuva is possible throughout the year, during this time it's accepted immediately. During the High Holidays, God is right there.

Take advantage of the opportunity.

The Code of Jewish Law (Shulchan Aruch) says that during the Ten Days of Repentance we should do mitzvot with extra enthusiasm, and go out of our way to fulfill details of mitzvot that we don't necessarily observe the rest of the year. Why do we do this? Because for the vast majority of us who are neither totally good nor bad (i.e. 50/50), the judgment of Rosh Hashana is suspended until Yom Kippur.

This idea of 50/50 is hard to understand. How can it be that someone is precisely at 50/50, and any given act will make them either righteous or wicked? Furthermore, the commentators ask: Why do we need to do complete teshuva? If you are 50/50, just do one more mitzvah to tip the scales and then there's nothing to worry about -- as long as you're holding at 51/49!

The answer is that the 50/50 weighing isn't a numbers game of one mitzvah versus one transgression. The reckoning goes according to varying degrees of mass and impact. Sometimes one good act will weigh against many mistakes. Conversely, there are some sins that can outweigh all the good you did.

A Baal Teshuva -- someone who became observant later in life -- has a 1,000-ton weight going for him. The act of coming around full circle to Torah is a rare type of decision which can transform you into a different person.

Of course, wherever you're holding, it's important to do as much as you can. Don't gossip, show respect to your parents, eat kosher food. Whatever you can do, add to it. But what we're really looking for is the mega-ton weights. Look for breakthroughs -- the one major decision that can truly change you.

Ask the Almighty to help you find it. Now is the time.

The prophet Jeremiah says "Seek God where He is to be found." This means the Almighty is here, all the time. During the Ten Days of Teshuva, we're more profoundly aware.

Remember that the Almighty loves you and created the world for you. He can give you everything you want and more. Simply remember it and you've fulfilled a major mitzvah. My father used to tell me, "Noach, do you remember there's a God?" "Yeah, sure!" "Okay, you've fulfilled a mitzvah!"

Look for something that can make a qualitative difference in the coming year and the rest of your life. For example, learn one Mishnah of "Pirkei Avot" every morning. It'll make you great.

Ask God to help "wake you up." When you ask for something, you're much closer to getting answered. Every time you remind yourself that the Almighty is close, you're getting closer to Him. Every time you ask, it's a mitzvah!

#4 of 29 in the Aish.com High Holidays Growth Series << Previous The Process of Change Next >> Making A Plan for Your Life