Arrogance is one of the most negative traits, and it leads to many counterproductive words and actions.
What’s the antidote for arrogance? Awareness of the enormous size of the universe – and our microscopic position in comparison.
In every Jewish blessing, we say the words “King of the Universe,” which is a constant reinforcement to eliminate arrogance.
Sources: For a series of probing questions on this topic, see Rabbi Zelig Pliskin’s “Gateway to Self Knowledge,”pp.127-9
Giving positive advice to people who are open to hearing it, is one of the greatest acts of kindness you can do.
Be careful not to give advice when it is unwanted, even if you are well-meaning. A prerequisite for giving advice is to have the humility not to give advice unless you are certain it will have a positive outcome.
How you give advice is often a key factor in whether or not it will be appreciated. Giving positive advice takes great skill.
Sources: For a series of probing questions on this topic, see Rabbi Zelig Pliskin’s “Gateway to Self Knowledge,” pp.104-6
At the beginning of each day, ask yourself:
[1] What are my goals for today?
[2] What are the five most important things that I need to do today and what is their order of priority?
[3] What new Torah knowledge do I plan to gain today?
[4] What acts of kindness can I do today?
[5] What one trait would I like to excel in today?
[6] What positive change am I resolved to make or maintain today?
[7] If today were my last day, what would I make certain to do?
[8] How can I gain by looking at today as the first day of the rest of my life?
[9] What would you like written on my tombstone? What do I plan to do today in that area?
[10] What is important for me to remember today?
-from Rabbi Zelig Pliskin’s “Gateway to Self Knowledge,” p.188
I must admit to not being this organized.
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