Do it Today…writes Rabbi Michael Gourarie
One of the secrets of success is to respond quickly to a project or a task as soon as it comes our way.
Rabbi Michoel Gourarie
Many people suffer from a procrastination problem that can be very destructive. They live by the rule – what we can do tomorrow why do today. Postponing important jobs that might be difficult, often leads to canceling them and loosing the opportunity.
One of the most famous stories in the Torah is the test of the Akeida – when Abraham was called upon by G-d to sacrifice his only son. This episode is the symbol of ultimate commitment and self sacrifice. But the mystics explain that the greatness of the story is not Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son for the sake of G-d. After all Abraham was a holy individual who experienced direct Divine communication, and it would not be surprising that he would follow G-d’s instruction. The greatness of Abraham lies in the swiftness and speed with which he acted. He did not contemplate putting off this difficult command for a few weeks or even days .As soon as he was given the opportunity to demonstrate his commitment, he responded immediately with joy, passion and excitement.
There are many reasons that we put off and delay things that are important. Often the task seems too difficult and overwhelming and sometimes we are simply afraid of failure. But our sages tell us that it is all about taking the first small step. Once we take the plunge and we taste a little success, our fears disappear and the rest follows with greater ease.
So as soon as you finish reading this article make one difficult phone call, tidy a small part of your desk and help someone in need. But do it toady – tomorrow the opportunity might be gone.
Dear Rabbi Gourarie,
I usually enjoy reading and contemplating your contributions, but the use of Abraham’s willingness (‘with joy, passion and excitement’) to sacrifice his son to God at His command, with immediacy, is an example, in regard to the subject of procrastination, that I find to say the least perplexing. I have never been comfortable with this story, never been willing to accept it as a fine thing, even if hypothesising that Abraham’s confidence in God might be so great as to mean an internal assumption that at the last minute he would be saved from having to commit this heinous act.
Any fuller consideration surely brings up much for contemplation and discussion, rather than passive acceptance and/or plaudits.