“Try” is a word the Rav is never fond of.

Some students might have difficulty understanding that. To them, Kabbalah might seem to be a path of trying to be better versions of ourselves, trying to overcome our selfish nature, or trying to conquer our fears and limitations.

But the Rav explains there are two types of people in this world: Those who try and those who make it happen.

Many of us have negative behaviors or addictions we’ve tried to overcome and if we have failed, the harsh truth is that it’s usually because we are satisfied with just trying. Our reasons for trying are generally selfish. We try because we don’t want to feel guilty or because we want recognition from someone else.

Trying is one type of consciousness, and often those of us who try are not successful.

But there’s another type of consciousness – one of conviction. That’s when trying is not an option.

Overcoming challenges requires a commitment to never give up. Success comes from seeing what we want to change or accomplish, and deciding that until we cross that finish line, there can be no turning back.

Those who merely try, usually don’t really want to make it happen. They just want to feel a little bit better about themselves.

Making it happen means making a transformation in our consciousness to actually care about something or someone more than we do our own comforts.

At the end of the day, whatever challenge we are facing, we have to choose if we’re going to be someone who tries, or someone who makes it happen.

Kabbalah is not about trying. It’s about knowing we can and knowing we will.

As long as we are here in this world, anything is possible and anything is changeable. As long as we keep on pushing and persevering, we can overcome.

We can never, ever give up.

That’s how we make it happen.

72 Name of the Week

I visualize myself completing the goal, overcoming the obstacle and crossing the finish line. I feel any frustration or procrastination drifting away. With every deep breath, I get closer to completing my goal. I feel stronger, more connected to my Light Force. Laziness and doubt are gone as I see myself successful and fulfilled.