This morning, I sat down before sunrise, as I often do, with my cup of coffee and a pad of paper, contemplating the components of a successful life. A nostalgic memory resurfaced of something I used to read every morning back in the days before the internet engulfed our lives. Someone had given me a copy of this sage advice, and it went something like this: “Where we are right now is exactly where we are supposed to be. If we think it’s bad, it’s bad; and if we think it’s good, it’s good. It’s the cornerstone of success in navigating life.”
Facing a challenge? Well, that challenge is tailor-made for you and your journey towards a successful life. Just like all the challenges we’ve encountered before and will inevitably face again, we have the power to overcome them. Or not. The choice is ultimately ours.
A former boss, whom I passionately disliked at the time, used to say, “A challenge is just an opportunity in work clothes.” He was right. This means that we can dissect the challenge, understand its nuances, and figure out the action steps to take. We must commit to doing the necessary work to convert challenges into stepping stones for success.
Wishing away a challenge or brooding over past regrets accomplishes nothing. The challenge is here, in this very moment. The sooner we acknowledge its existence and resolve to tackle it head-on, the quicker this life hurdle transforms into an opportunity for personal growth and learning.
Don’t delude yourself into thinking that resolving one challenge will pave the way for a lifetime of smooth sailing. New challenges will always emerge. They’re the fabric of a successful life, the elements that add depth and meaning.
On the physical plane, maintaining our bodies is a critical part of living a successful life. It’s like car maintenance: ignore it at your own peril. Failing to address issues like tire pressure, oil changes, or even body rust will eventually catch up with us. It’s not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’ So eat well, exercise, and don’t forget those crucial stretches.
Spiritually, my faith as a Jew offers a trove of wisdom literature that nourishes the soul, another cornerstone for a successful life. Whether I’m inclined toward the rational teachings of the Rambam, the mystical lessons from the Zohar, or the holistic approach of Rav Kook and Feldenkreist, there’s a wealth of knowledge to explore and implement.
The Jewish tradition of paired study only deepens this wisdom. Working closely with a study partner—sometimes more experienced, sometimes not—we dissect texts to glean a true understanding. This committed approach to learning is an ongoing process, a habit, and an integral part of my personal path toward success.
I could say that focusing on these aspects will make life easier, but that would be misleading. Life is a complex tapestry of challenges that grant it meaning and purpose.
So, here’s my blessing for you: identify and confront your challenges. See them as the opportunities they are, develop a strategy, and then act on your decisions. Your actions shape the blueprint for a successful life.
Take good care of yourself—nourish your body and indulge a little (I recommend a 97-3 ratio of healthy food to ice cream). Exercise regularly to build a strong core, and keep stretching to maintain flexibility.
Above all, be a lifelong learner. The pursuit of knowledge is endless, and there’s always something more to discover. Your capacity to learn and grow is boundless, and that, my friend, is a beautiful thing.
