Choosing Growth: A Daily Commitment

Not long ago, I heard Steve Rozenberg propose a very interesting dynamic for starting our days. He mentioned that every morning we have two options: to be better than we were yesterday or not... Later, while conversing with him, I pointed out that to me, it seemed like such an obvious question that precisely that makes it absolutely powerful. It appeals to common sense, which sadly is less common than it should be, and where the answer, or rather the only option we have, is to give our all to be better day after day.

The reason is simple: if the answer is "no," we will be consciously sabotaging our progress and advancement (whatever that may mean for each of us). And if we don't know what to answer, doubt also becomes a response that will lead us to a "no" because progress requires determination.

And it's true, everyone has (or should have) their own definition of success, advancement, progress, and in that same way determine the pace at which they want to achieve it. But that shouldn't let us lose sight of the bigger picture because the reality is that we are interconnected individuals and part of a social system, so the great challenge is to find a balance between our internal pace and the pace of everything around us and where we are.

Another reason to pose the argument with only one option has to do precisely with the consequence that saying "no" directly or indirectly with our actions (or lack thereof) and our doubts brings, since it's something that will not only affect our progress and growth but can end up affecting those close to us, turning that lack of movement and determination into a burden for others, which undoubtedly, sooner or later, they will decide to remove from their lives.

We can all have different definitions of progress, success, and growth, but we all have one, and it always, no matter what it is, implies movement, transformation, and change, one that doesn't come from external factors, but from within ourselves. So if you're not willing to be better day by day, even with how exhausting, challenging, and complex it can sometimes be, the question would be: What the hell are you doing with your life?

Schneur Zalman Ben Chaim