In Order to Create, Believe in Your Abilities

Many people confuse the concepts of "self-esteem" and "pride." Psychiatrist Rabbi Abraham Twerski, explains that these two traits are not only dissimilar—they are opposites. Pride means attributing success to yourself, as if you are the sole force in your projects, disregarding the help and strength Hashem gives you. In contrast, self-esteem is the awareness of your potential. A person can be aware of his ability to build many things, significantly impact the world, and participate in Hashem's plan to lead this world to an ideal state—all with great humility.

A person must know that he has a very high potential for action and knowledge, greater than he imagines. He must seek and develop it as much as possible, and yet know that Hashem has provided the skills to develop them. Moses is the best example of a person who combined high self-esteem with great humility.

The Torah testifies that Moses was the most humble person ever on earth (Numbers 12:3), and our sages explain that he was able to understand that all his actions were not to his credit but to Hashem's. He understood that his potential was in Hashem's hands and sought to develop it and with great self-confidence, he succeeded in influencing all of humanity up to our day. His humility earned him the right to be Hashem's spokesperson, and through this, he became the most important person in the world.

Pride on the other hand, blocks self-esteem. A proud person does not strive to develop because in his faulty perception, he is already "perfect." To have access to your true potential, you must overcome the barrier that believes all your actions stem from you. A student who thinks he knows everything will not be in open to learning and growth.

It is crucial that each person recognizes his potential for action and for his unique tasks. We must realize our potential and attribute it with humility to Hashem.

Think Positively

Before starting a project, many of us tend to worry about potential problems, even those that are unlikely. We often hear people say "It's not even worth trying. This community has never supported projects like this," or: "What? Do you think anyone will lift a finger to help?"

Instead of being discouraged by challenges, we can turn them into ideas. When we recognize the obstacles, we can plan the path to the goal more effectively.

Positive thinking always drives us forward. Imagine the condition of a critically ill patient whose doctor says, 'You have a twenty-five percent chance of dying.' This statement will drive the patient to despair, filling him with negative thoughts, which exacerbate his illness.

The same doctor could say: 'You have a seventy-five percent chance of recovery and recuperation.' In this case, the patient, who may have already lost hope, can find a way to hold onto a thread of positivity which will change his mood and his health. The percentage in both statements is the same, but the way it was expressed presented it in a completely different light. This is the great advantage of positive thinking.

From the book "Dan's Journey to the Meaning of Life," by Roni Dayan. To purchase the book at Hidabroot Shops,click here.