A few weeks ago my father, Rabbi Shalom Ber Gourarie, passed away in South Africa. One is never prepared for such an experience and the weeks that follow bring a rollercoaster of emotions filled with reflections of memories and lessons to be learned. For me he was not only a father but a great roll model of sincerity, conviction, faith and a deep commitment to the study of Torah and the observance of Mitzvos.

It would be too difficult to condense his life into a few lines or even a few chapters. But in an article dedicated to personal growth let me just share one small but important lesson that he would repeat frequently and apply in his own daily conduct.
He would often say: What ever you do, do it with a complete focus. When you are doing something, be fully present. Don't think about other things and don't engage in other activities. Whether you are praying, eating, studying or relaxing, give your full attention to what you are doing.

A great Chassidic Rebbe was about to catch a train on an important and dangerous project. A lot depended on the success of this trip. Minutes before the train was due to depart, his son in-law entered the study, and found the Rebbe totally engrossed and immersed in a complex section of Torah study. He could not believe that he was able to do this without being distracted by the upcoming mission. When he expressed his amazement, the Rebbe responded and explained:
Successful time management lies in the ability to be totally absorbed in what you do at the time. When you are involved in one activity, it must become the most important thing in your life. At that moment, it is that activity that will help you reach your ultimate goal and purpose. At that time nothing else is relevant. When that task is complete, the next one becomes the priority.

Being focused on whatever we do gives meaning to every experience.

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