This coming Monday marks the 60th yohrtzeit (anniversary of the passing) of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe (Rabbi Yoseph Yitzchok Schneersohn) of blessed memory. Before his passing he published a lengthy Chassidic discourse that is seen as an ethical will, filled with important lessons.

Here is one of those teachings, found in the final chapter:

Often there are many challenges and obstacles that make it difficult to motivate ourselves to grow and develop. Apathy, temptation and unnecessary worry are just some weaknesses that keep us from becoming inspired.

But the most frustrating challenges are the sudden unexpected distractions that plague us, specifically during moments of intense inspiration. Just as we are really motivated to help someone in need, negative and pessimistic ideas invade our mind. When we finally feel inspired to pray or do a good deed with greater focus and concentration, sudden distractions seem to surface, making it seem all too difficult. Wouldn't it be great if once we are motivated, the journey towards achieving our goals could be smooth and uneventful?

But this thinking stems from the mistaken belief that achieving a goal is more important than the journey that gets us there. In Jewish thinking the opposite is true. The journey is as important (and sometimes even more important) than the destination. It is specifically the journey, with all of its challenges and difficulties, that allows us to reveal our true strength and gives us the opportunity to become morally strong individuals.

The mystics explain that every soul possesses a hidden treasure, a power called "Netzach" - the power of endurance, intense determination and persistence. It is this powerful determination that surfaces specifically when our inspiration is under threat. Rather than being weighed down by sudden distractions and inner challenges, we should view them as opportunities to access the deepest levels of our identity.

So next time you try and do something really good and encounter all types of hardships, don't be put off. It is just another chance to reveal the hidden treasures of your soul.

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