This series, written by Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of blessed memory, the visionary founder of Aish, delves into 48 essential avenues to achieve success in every facet of your life. Based on Ethics of the Fathers, it presents Judaism's practical and transformative tools for personal growth and integrating wisdom.
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Way #1: Be Aware of Every Moment

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Way #2: Listen Effectively

When the media hits you with another message, don't take it for granted. Analyze and question.

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Way #3: Say It Out Loud

Articulate your beliefs out loud, and find out if you really believe what you say.

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Way #4: Introduce Yourself to Yourself

Don't go through life making assumptions about who you are. Take time now before a crisis comes along and forces the issue.

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Way #5: The Power of Awe

In the face of the Grand Canyon or a hurricane, we feel exhilaratingly small. It's the power of awe.

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Way #6: Mastering Fear

Roller coasters and horror movies... we pay good money to be scared out of our wits. Harness the energy of "fear" for positive purposes.

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Way #7: The True Charisma

Humility is not an inferiority complex. It's doing the right thing and not being dependent on the opinion of others.

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Way #8: Constant Joy

Joy gives you the power, motivation and confidence to achieve things that otherwise seem too difficult to attempt. Better than a granola bar - joy is pure energy.

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Way #9: Total Concentration

We use just a small fraction of our mental capacity. To achieve more, learn how to concentrate and avoid distractions.

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Way #10: Honor The Wise Person

Don't read about wisdom in a book. Find an expert and watch how he works.

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Way #11: Work It Through With Friends

Companies test-market new products. To know the value of your ideas, find friends to give you straight, honest feedback.

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Way #12: Growth Through Teaching

Don't let your idea remain a hazy notion in your imagination. Transmit it to others and make it a reality.

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Way #13: Think About It

We make snap decisions or may mull over decisions for too long. Become skilled at a happy medium of decision-making.

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Way #14: Written Instructions For Living

Torah is not an arcane text of the ancient world. It is the essence of Judaism, which is the essence of ourselves.

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Way #15: Oral Instructions For Living

Judaism is not a reference work sitting on the shelf. It's to be lived and internalized.

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Way #16: Apply Business Acumen To Living

A business has to function at maximum efficiency. Apply those same core principles to your pursuit of a great personal and spiritual life.

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Way #17: Marriage Power

Intimacy is a powerful drive, second only to survival itself. Use it wisely.

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Way #18: The Use of Physical Pleasure

The physical world is for our pleasure. Spiritual growth comes through elevating the mundane world.

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Way #19: Wake Up and Live

Minimize sleep – because on a deeper level, it's about "waking up" to life.

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Way #20: The Art of Conversation

People today are busier than ever, "conversation time" is diminishing. Is anyone out there listening?

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Way #21: Laughter Is Serious Business

Laughter is a deeply spiritual emotion. Understand the dynamics of laughter and use it wisely.

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Way #22: Conquer Frustration

It's a tough world and we have to be persistent. Accept the frustration as a challenge - and love it!

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Way #23: The Good Heart

Be aware of your inner struggle between the two conflicting inclinations - to do the right thing, or to be selfish.

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Way #24: Search For Wisdom

Wisdom makes the wheels of life spin forward. Pursue it.

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Way #25: No Pain, No Gain

Pain is the price we pay for real, lasting pleasure.

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Way #26: Know Your Place

Every person has a contribution to make in this world. Figure out your role in the grand scheme.

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Way #27: Happiness

You can be rich and miserable. Happiness is a state of mind. Develop tools for how to get it.

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Way #28: Protect What Is Precious

A fence keeps a safe distance from danger. If you find a "hole" in your life, take precautions to avoid stumbling into errors.

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Way #29: Subtle Traps of Arrogance

Distinguish between pride ("I'm better than others") and pleasure ("I'm fortunate").

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Way #30: Be Loved By Others

The human desire to be loved is deep and natural. If you give warmth, you'll attract warmth.

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Way #31: Seek the Ultimate Pleasure

Even with lots of money and power, no human being is truly satisfied without the transcendent dimension.

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Way #32: Love Humanity

Imagine having never seen a human being before. What a fantastic gadget!

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Way #33: Fulfill Your Obligations

Don't grumble about obligations. They actualize potential and are the basis of self esteem.

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Way #34: Use Your Inner Guide

Buried within the subconscious lies the knowledge of everything we need to know about living.

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Way #35: Love Criticism

Criticism is not a personal attack, but a way to reach your Olympic-level potential.

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Way #36: Handling Social Pressure

Don't spend your life trying to impress others. Be true to your own convictions.

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Way #37: Never Be Bored

Don't take life for granted. Look for fresh insights. Reawaken the mystery.

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Way #38: Responsible Decisions

Every conscious moment is another decision. The most important decision is "What am I living for?"

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Way #39: Share The Burden

Sensitizing yourself to the pain of others will give you renewed awareness for living.

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Way #40: Make Others Meritorious

We all recognize the need to take responsibility when someone is in physical danger. We're just as obligated when it's a spiritual danger.

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Way #41: Getting Into Reality

Life is breathtaking. Wouldn't you rather experience love than watch it in a movie? Get out of the illusion and into reality.

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Way #42: Peace of Mind

Even with the world in turmoil, we can be at inner peace. To attain that equilibrium, focus on the needs of your soul.

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Way #43: Fascination With Living

Children live in a natural state of awe. To reclaim that energy, pursue your goals with relentless fascination.

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Way #44: Analyze the Issues

The best defense against abuse is to question what you see. Use your intellect to uncover inconsistencies and rationalizations.

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Way #45: Expand Your Ideas

Whenever you learn a piece of wisdom, extract what's relevant to your life. Rake it to its ultimate conclusion and live with it.

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Way #46: Learn In Order To Teach

If you know something worthwhile, share it. By reaching others, you will reach yourself.

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Way #47: Learn In Order To Do

The power of wisdom is to make life better. There is no greater waste than to have great ideas and then not to use them.

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Way #48: Educate the Educators

Don't swallow wholesale what others say. Check out whether it make sense.

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Way #49: Organize Your Mind

The human brain is a sophisticated filing cabinet. Organize in order to access that information.

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Way #50: Rewards of Gratitude

Acknowledge your gifts and be grateful to the source. Because if you know from whom you're receiving, you can always go back for more.

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TRENDING IN 48 WAYS

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