Ever dig and find a natural spring? You have to break through hard ground, move away all the rocks and -- after great work -- the thirsty ground becomes damp. Dig deeper and you uncover a beautiful underground stream that washes away everything in its path.
This is the way we prepare for Rosh Hashana. The earth and rocks are the obstacles -- bad habits, unrealistic planning, incorrect beliefs, negative character traits -- that keep us from feeling truly alive. This is the time of year to tap into our deepest yearning to live, in order to stand before the Creator on Rosh Hashana and ask for another year of life.
Here are 6 Steps to help us break through to that overflowing spring -- and fulfill our dreams this year.
Step #1 – What Are Your Inner Strengths?
Below, write 6 experiences in your life where you felt great about yourself. Next to each experience, write the emotion you felt. Next to the emotion, list two strengths you used to accomplish that experience.
Here are two samples:
Experience |
Feeling |
Strengths Used |
Collected 25,000 signatures on a petition |
exhilaration |
organization, creativity |
Consoled my friend who was mourning |
hope |
sensitivity, compassion |
Now fill in the chart yourself:
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Experience |
Feeling |
Strengths Used |
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Look over your feelings. Do you see a common theme?
Review the strengths you listed above. Pause to appreciate those strengths with which you were blessed. If other situations where you used these strengths come to mind, write those down as well.
Step #2 - Identify Your Dreams
Our lives are cluttered with dreams that have died, left abandoned as life swept us on. All our dreams -- even the silly ones -- contain a point of our deepest yearning to unabashedly invest our heart and soul into life.
Below, list 10 dreams or life ideals that you believe in.
We are complex people, so remember to check all the different parts of yourself for their dreams as well -- i.e. "you" as a friend, a parent, a Jew, a member of society, a pleasure seeker, a giver, etc.)
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Dream / Life Ideal |
SAMPLE |
To have a really great marriage. |
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Now look at this list and ask: Why have so many of my dreams gone unfulfilled?
Step #3 – Misconceptions
You may believe in God, but are you aware that God believes in you?
Appreciate that God created you with a unique set of talents (see your own list above) and placed before you endless opportunities to use and refine them. He invested those strengths inside of you, and believes in your ability to actualize your deepest dreams of what life could be.
Below are some challenges and misconceptions that hold us back. As you read each one, take a look inside yourself to see how they may apply to you.
Mistake #1: We think we are supposed to be perfect; therefore we mistakenly hide our flaws.
Truth #1: God created us with flaws. God also gave us the strengths to overcome those challenges. This is a vital part of our task to perfect our world. As long as we hide from our flaws, we are in denial. Only by accepting that they are part of us and loving ourselves despite them, can we begin to change and grow. By giving ourselves some patience and understanding, we are emulating the One above, allowing Him to have mercy on us to allow us to grow. Our strengths also give us encouragement in the face of the flaws we cannot change. They allow us to carry them gracefully, and enable others to see us in a more positive light.
Mistake #2: We try to be someone else. We identify with people we admire and actually think we can become them. This is destructive because in the process, we begin to reject parts of ourselves. It causes us to abandon issues that are vital to our unique purpose in the world. If they don't matter to you, then to whom should they matter? If you don't make your dreams come true, who will?
Truth #2: Your job in the world can only be achieved if you are passionate about "you." First you have to get to know and like yourself, and that takes patience. You can learn and be inspired by others -- but your question should not be, "How can I be like him?" Rather, you should ask, "How can I use my own strengths, as passionately as that person uses his?" Little by little you will see that by being "you," you're able to accomplish things you never dreamed the limits of your nature would allow.
Mistake #3: I will change automatically.
Truth #3: Automatically, you will remain stuck in the same rut. None of your life ideals will ever become realized. Life will push you along, burying your dreams and hopes of who you could have been; and the only person to blame is the person who never made the decision to consciously change. "I'll change it tomorrow" means "I will never change." A decision to work on yourself has to begin now.
Any businessperson plans, researches, and schedules in order to achieve profitable goals. As long as we regard our own goals as a waste of time, we cannot change. We have given up on ourselves. The importance of anything in your life is reflected by two questions:
- Did I set aside time to do it / learn about it / think about it?
- Am I willing to set aside time for this on a regular basis?
Mistake #4: I know I could fail, so why try?
Truth #4: Failure is the building block of success. Even with a promise of success from God, Moses failed miserably when he first tried to take the Jews from Egypt. To get out of the place you are stuck, you will unquestionably fail. More than once. Don't worry. It's often just God's way of testing how much you believe in your own dreams, helping you to clarify, re-evaluate and perfect them. We are judged only on our effort and never on our success. Jewish success is to be able to know for yourself: "I am doing everything in my power to put in my most sincere effort to succeed."
The next time you are frustrated, say:
- "I welcome the frustration, because it is God's sign of confidence that I can grow."
- "Please, God, help me overcome this."
Step #4 - Personal Blocks
Now let's talk about all those nasty rocks that get in our way of digging down to the flowing spring. On the road to any meaningful goal, we will inevitably encounter frustrations and challenges. Very often, the frustration appears in the place where we most desire to grow. For example, someone who desperately wants to fall in love may be blocking their own chances to meet their soul mate. By recognizing the challenge, we can confront it head-on, and remove the obstacle. Let it flow!
• List below four frustrating things in your life right now.
• Note in what way God may be sending this to help you.
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Frustration/Challenge |
God may be sending this to help me… |
SAMPLE |
I was fired from my job. |
Now I have time to travel. This may help me overcome my fear of change, and ultimately lead me to a much better job. |
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Step #5 - Dreams Do Come True
Go back to your "dream list" that you created in Step-2.
• Choose your most three important dreams, and list them in order of importance to you.
• Under each dream, write three steps that you will need to accomplish each dream, in the order that you would need to do them.
• Next to each step, write how many months/years it will take, and how much time each week it will take.
• After each, write a summary statement.
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My Dream |
Three Steps to Accomplish |
How much time it will take: |
Summary Statement |
SAMPLE |
Find my |
1) Set aside time to figure out who I am, so I know what type of spouse I want. |
1) 20 min/day for |
If I do this, within a year I will have done all I can to help God bring me my soul mate. |
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Choose a friend or mentor who knows you well and has good judgment. Read to them your steps and ask if they are realistic. If not, adjust accordingly.
Step #6 – The Rosh Hashana Letter
Rosh Hashana is when we stand before God and present our plan for the year. The day before Rosh Hashana, write a letter to God that includes:
• The dreams of who you want to be.
• Thank Him for the gifts He has given you, and tell Him how you plan to use to them effectively to pursue your dreams.
• Ask Him for help in using your strengths and overcoming your frustrations.
• End with a statement of your trust in Him -- that He desires your success, that He has been helping you, and that He will continue to do so.
If you go through these 6 Steps, you can feel confident that you have made an honest effort, and with great joy you can stand before God on Rosh Hashana to ask for another year of life.
(55) Harmanpreet, May 31, 2015 1:36 PM
Life goes on!
Wow! What an inspiration i just inspired.
(54) Amber, August 12, 2014 11:28 AM
Thank you for this beautiful post. It came to me at a time when I really needed some extra chutzpah( particularly toward my life long dream of traveling and making the world a healthier place) I didn't realize how down I was feeling until this article lifted me up again. You touched my heart and soul and I'm increasingly grateful for that. Once again, Thank you. And God Bless. My(first but definitely not last) Rosh Hashanah letter will be strong and passionate this year, thanks to you. You relight my hope:)Much love and positivity your way!
(53) bishop francis, June 25, 2013 2:33 PM
Dreamers are readers. without an adequate knowledge in yr chosen carrer ur future is bleak
Race,tribe and nationality limits no one. Almost all that failed in life do so because of inadequate attention to details concerning why or the reason he or she was created. Get your dream right, you are a flight to the land of unstoppable breakthrough. Toil with your dream discovered, it still suffers a somersault, retrogression becomes a constant re-occurring tool that leads to backwardness. The more details you discovered about your earthly assignment and researched into its contents for fulfillment, the more illuminated you are. You don't fail out rightly for not finding out the dream, but failed for not activating all the attendant ingredients that provokes its delivery. Dream is like a spark of fire that ignites a city. Success disappears at the absence of dream.
(52) Rajendra karothiya, June 23, 2013 5:53 AM
it is reality of every person
It is help full for everyone it is real truth I will try thanks for it......
Andrea, September 3, 2013 1:28 PM
It is very eye opening, we expect things to happen to us, we need to play a role in achieving our dreams.
(51) abhishek singh, May 8, 2013 9:59 AM
awesome....
very nice and helpfull thnxxxx
(50) bhanu prasad Gollapudi, February 28, 2013 6:57 AM
ultimate words to change our aptitude
I realise these words myself ulitimate meaning include this one thanks for this author nice to shere every one
(49) ngene gift, February 19, 2013 5:01 AM
I love this thanks for helping ♍ƺ realize ♍Ɣ dreams
(48) Anonymous, December 21, 2012 10:25 AM
awesome
(47) Morgan Lynn Elizabeth, December 13, 2012 10:23 PM
I totally love this THANK YOU help me a lot
(46) Devon Simmons, November 25, 2012 5:19 AM
Just make your dreams come alive,
Thanks for this. THis is true.
(45) Anonymous, August 20, 2012 11:50 AM
Amazing activity!
This will be the 3rd year in a row that I've done this activity before Rosh Hashana, and it never gets old. Thank you so much for something that really helps me to think about my life in a meaningful and productive way!!!
(44) Grace Olawale, June 24, 2011 2:09 PM
This is nice
I like what I read.
(43) andrew, September 8, 2010 9:57 PM
wow Simone Segal!!
Thas true. We must to go ahead always. We must to try to have: TRUE LIBERTY!! . True liberty is: health, wealth, love, peace, and alwas keep hope better days in the future. Our mind is the key of course! What is the life, living without that things: NOTHING. May our God give us all the best in the new year.
(42) Simone Segal, September 2, 2010 2:56 PM
BRIM YOUR MINDS CUP! Up and down High and low Feeling good, feeling bad ,Your energy flow Where are you going, Do you know? You have the power , You have the control To steer your thoughts and feelings ,To reach all your goals This is the way, The law of attraction Your thoughts and your feelings, Are your life in action What you think about, You bring about The choice is all yours, Its you who creates Only you open doors Visualise exactly all your dreams, Don't be coy The health, the love, the wealth, and the joy Take time to do this every day Feel like your wishes are flying your way Believe in your thoughts, And not what you see Positive attitude, Is a state you must be Ban every fear, ban every doubt Create in your mind, a negative drought Form a habit of awareness, Be conscious of your mind Control your own thoughts, And there's where you'll find The power with in you, To master your mind Your dreams coming true All your great thoughts You have attracted to you Its hard at first, you will think you're at war Fighting off demon's, of your thoughts from before You have to step out, of your comfort zone Its positive attitude, that will create your throne To be king and creator, of your very own life Think and feel your way to success A life without strife When your mind is full of woe is me and sorrow That's exactly what your creating for your tomorrow But if positive thoughts brim your minds cup Scientifically proven That's the WAY UP!!!!! love c Simone
Jloft, August 21, 2012 12:25 PM
Thanks for this powerful word!!
Im thankful for this site. Its helping me through a very dark time in my life. I see the light on the other side..... I will make it.... I am not alone... My Father is with me!!
(41) renata, August 30, 2010 8:31 AM
Thank you AISH
I would agree these pages are instrument of Almighty. I am so grateful.
(40) Rachel, August 29, 2010 8:36 PM
Giving up dreams
This article fails to address people who have given up on their dreams because other responsibilities/values/ conditions arise. For example: a career path is limited by Shabbat observance; living where you please is altered by the needs of family members; one's abilities are impacted by severe illness, etc. Knowing one has made the morally right choices doesn't mean that one will necessarily enjoy the outcomes.
(39) JULIUS ROMANOFF, August 29, 2010 5:19 PM
Questions we try to avoid asking
We tend to focus on our wants, and not what we can do to make life better for all of us. I was in the US Army Air Force in 1943. Combat crews were sent to Drew Field in Tampa, Fla for Rest and Recuperation after flying a fixed number of combat missions. I was part of the 3rd Air Force Headquarters in Tampa, and as Classification Specialist interviewed crew members about their experiences. They told us of Railroad Centers they were ordered not to bomb. Pictures they took, at first, we guessed they were sites of Prisoners of War Camps. In 1944 the pictures were of people in the Camps, and they were practically skeletons. I do not remember date, but we learned they were Concentration Camp sites. We avoided asking "why were destroying the railroad centers forbidden"? We feared learning the true explanation for the order. As a result of the Holocaust, "Never Again" became a popular slogan. However, we need to rexamine current events. Muslims, German allies in World War I & II, have promised to finish exterminating Israel and Jews. Why have the World Leaders of Nations and even Jewish organizations not only been quiet, or agreed to an illusionary Peace Plan that will destroy the Jewish homeland, Israel. G-d is a strict Teacher. When we do not follow his plan, he repeats the lesson until we learn our assigned task. Thus in every generation will arise an enemy to destroy us. In retrospect I will continue my efforts to have my family members begin to speak out in opposition of the Two State Solution, despite Obama's plan to sacrifice Israel to appease the Muslims.
(38) moshe, August 29, 2010 3:08 PM
write more
i really enjoy azriel hirsch's thoughts and logic. Please have him write more articles for aish.com
(37) Dennis Moshe Ouderdorp, September 11, 2009 10:00 AM
Using Charts
The way this is presented is nice. Although I have seen such ways to strenghten yourself before. The book Cheshbon Ha-Nefesh in the end gives charts about strenghtening in the field of Mussar. I can actually say, for those for whom contemplating does'nt work, these kind of charts work. Shana Towa.
(36) Martin, September 7, 2009 6:14 AM
HaShem's Providence in action!
I read this article just when I needed it. It amazes me how HaShem always comes through for me when I need Him most. And I have AISH to thank for being the the instrument in His hands to get this article to me. This is His providence in action. Thank you! Thank you! I love you guys. Todah Rabah and may HaShem bless you for the good you have done to this stranger.
(35) Anonymous, August 28, 2009 9:59 AM
Reflection on the Six Steps
This is a very good article. I plan on doing this and working it through with my 20 year old daughter and 13 year old son. I may try and even do it for my special needs 18 year old.
(34) Susan, May 1, 2009 5:31 AM
This is sooo timely, coming a day after I heard that I must be willing to change if I want to experience change in my life... Thank you for being such wonderful teachers of truth...
(33) Anonymous, March 9, 2009 5:55 PM
To Teri -- Please contact JFS
Comment writer Teri, in Comment 30, reports having severe financial difficulties (sold house due to finances, lost job). She states: "I am having difficulty finding a job and dont even feel like working or doing anything for that matter! All I seem to learn from this is now I can empathize with people more in similiar situations. I need to get myself moving but dont feel energetic realy about anything in particular. Any suggestions?" Teri, please know that any number of people, including people you've never met, are concerned and want to help. If you're still having difficulty, please contact AISH for suggestions. Beyond that, I suggest contacting the nearest Jewish Family Services if you're in the USA. They probably can help with job searching and with emotional support, and perhaps more. If you can muster the energy while working on your job search, I also suggest volunteering. You'll be helping others, and it can bring you more energy. May your blessings increase, and may you go from strength to strength, including the strength you already mentioned, of having more empathy.
(32) Anonymous, October 18, 2008 1:25 PM
Although I am reading this long after Rosh Hashanah, I think this article and the exercises within are timeless. What great creativity and insight you have. Thanks for being there. Will forward to all 5 of my adult children.
(31) Rachel, October 9, 2008 6:12 AM
Yom Kippur
Thank God I found this page a day before Yom Kippur. Indeed, this is truly inspirational. Shana Tova to ye all.
(30) Teri, October 8, 2008 9:52 AM
I truly enjoyed this and will continue to read this news letter!
I was recently laid off from my job after selling my house due to financial reasons. I truly believe I needed the time off to destress but still am frustrated. I am having difficulty finding a job and dont even feel like working or doing anything for that matter! All I seem to learn from this is now I can empathize with people more in similiar situations. I need to get myself moving but dont feel energetic realy about anything in particular. Any suggestions? Sincerely, Teri
(29) Betty, October 1, 2008 10:12 AM
Many Thanks
Very encouraging~thank you for your time and effort~
(28) Anonymous, September 30, 2008 5:35 PM
There are no coincidences...
I am grateful to the friend who sent me this email today, just when I needed new direction. I am truly blessed with loving friends and new hope everyday.
(27) heidi, September 30, 2008 7:16 AM
inspiring!!!!!!
I plan on getting to this immediately!!!! You need to define your goals and take the needed steps to fulfill them. Thank you for this article. I know that it will change my life for the better.
(26) Anonymous, September 29, 2008 5:01 PM
It is hard for me to believe in god when my husband died of cancer. He was young and wanted to live. Tell me how and why this happens
(25) Ag silver, September 29, 2008 1:26 PM
thank you always
Baruch HaShem from bringing me back from the brink so many times.
(24) Devorah, September 29, 2008 10:17 AM
Thank you for the steps to a great new year!
I am very appreciative of the author who took the time to write out so clearly what it is we are to be doing every year to solidify and identify our goals and dreams. Thank you!
(23) Mary, September 28, 2008 5:39 PM
reminder of Him
I thank you for the reminder that even though I've messed up pretty badly, the new year is a new day. I thank you for reminding me what a loving God I have, we all have, and that He desires our good, our well-being..even more than we realize. Thank you!
(22) michael whitworth, September 27, 2008 3:21 AM
Thanks
I thank your site for the re-assurance it has given me, in knowing I am headed in the right direction, and mostly for God never failing to lead me in the right direction.
(21) Anonymous, September 26, 2008 5:57 AM
thank you in a right time
When the door are closed G..d opens the window. Without job prepare the high holidays for family is also a great job. I got the new power just in the right time.Thank you very much.
(20) RUBY L. DOUGLAS, September 25, 2008 10:10 PM
WE AM ALIVE..
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK GOD FOR BEENIN WITH ME AND MY FAMLY.OVER THE YEARS. I COULD NOT MADE IT WITH OUT HIS. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK GOD THAT HE HAS BLESS US TO SEE ANOTHER NEW YEAR.[ROSH HASHANA]
(19) Anonymous, September 25, 2008 8:29 PM
Yasher Koach
Very practical-- makes the awesome avodah of Rosh Hashana seem more managable
(18) Anonymous, September 24, 2008 10:05 PM
Complex Made Clear
Thanks for taking a complex subject and breaking it down so clearly. "Misconceptions" was especially inspiring in showing us how to think in a different, better way. Tizku L'mitzvot and SHana Tova!
(17) fernando bisker, September 24, 2008 8:49 PM
very good
very good
(16) Marina, September 24, 2008 7:43 PM
What a great way to plan for achieving our goals!
Thank you for giving us such a well outlined organized plan to set for ourselves. After following this format, I realize more and more why many dreams and goals are not fulfilled. This brings back for myself, as well as many others, to accomplish things in life that were meant to complete. Like the goals that have already been accomplished, we must consistently follow our well organized plan and never lose the perseverance, ambition, endurance, and determination.
(15) Jackie, September 24, 2008 1:50 PM
wonderful!
this is just wonderful and i look forward to doing this over the next few days. In response to Paul...Maybe God does not need our help in the way you are thinking like how can the creator need the help of creation. But it is alway good to do what we can to accomplish a goal...and then let go of the results because they are always up to God. It is the saying God helps those that help themselves. We should put in our best effort and then be okay with however the Hand of God moves for our outcome. but nevertheless we should alsways try...and not be lazy.
(14) Anonymous, September 23, 2008 10:33 PM
What a clear and organized way to present this material. Yasher Koach on a job well done! Thanks for making these ideas so presentable. Tizku L'Mitzvos. K'Siva V'Chasima Tov.
(13) Paul, September 23, 2008 5:06 PM
The summary statement in step #5 says "I will have done all I can do to help God bring me my soul mate." Does God need our help? Don't we need His help?
(12) David, September 23, 2008 12:35 PM
This is an amazing article! These steps are really helpful to me in achieving success in life. Thank you so much!
(11) Rosen, September 23, 2008 10:15 AM
great outline!
This is a great outline on how we should go about getting what we want out of life, despite any and all failures and imperfections. Perhaps one shouldn't have too many high expectations because it usually leads to disappointment. Thus, it's best to keep our goals relatively simple and realistic in order to reach.
(10) Deena, September 22, 2008 11:42 PM
Very, very good
What an excellent article. Thank you.
(9) Michael O., September 22, 2008 8:50 PM
Excellent
I have been working way to hard lately, at frustrating things I have little or no control over. This little plan/program is just what I need to recenter myself in the place I need to be. With G-d, there are no coincidences...Thanks!
(8) Rita, September 22, 2008 7:34 PM
Thank you sooo much!! Your SPECIAL article couldn't come to me in a better time when I feel very frustrated and sad. May G-d give to everyone of us the strenght to carry on HIS RIGHT WAY. Amen SHANA' TOVA' U METUKA' to all Am Israel
(7) gemma, September 22, 2008 10:48 AM
Thank you for this inspirational article and video. Your words have really struck a chord with me.
(6) Shira, September 22, 2008 10:41 AM
Truly Inspirational
This article embraced many of my self afflicted shortcomings. It made me realize that by trusting in G-d, and believing in myself, I have the power to make the choice to be a better ME. L'SHANA TOVA
(5) Anonymous, September 21, 2008 12:35 PM
Great article!
(4) Miriam, September 21, 2008 10:52 AM
Thank you for such a wonderful article! It is really practical and has really made me think.
(3) Ganka Chammas, September 21, 2008 10:26 AM
Thank you for the great article. Your words really helped me in a difficult time. I hope to read more from you. Thank you!
(2) Jurac, September 19, 2008 9:21 PM
Shaná Tová
Thanks for all you support and the great articles you share with all of us! May you all have a super sweet year, full of His Loving Presence!
(1) Richard Hess, September 18, 2008 6:40 PM
Thanks for this great article and
video.