6106 – Transforming Yourself Through Action, Not Self-Preoccupation

In the holy letter of the Rebbe, Igros Kodesh, Volume 16, Letter Number 6106, dated Baruch Hashem, the 11th of Adar, 5718, Brooklyn, the Rebbe writes:

Shalom u’vracha.

Sometimes a person wants to improve himself but feels that his nature prevents him from changing. A person may feel that his habits are deeply rooted and wonder how it is possible to transform himself.

The individual who wrote to the Rebbe expressed exactly this concern. He explained that certain tendencies and habits have become so ingrained in his nature that he does not know how to change them, even though he sincerely wishes to improve.

The Rebbe responds with a very important principle.

The Rebbe writes that one should not become overly preoccupied with trying to change one’s nature first. Instead, the proper approach is to begin doing the right actions immediately—even if one’s nature has not yet changed.

The Rebbe cites the well-known teaching of our holy Torah:

A person should always study Torah, even if it is not for the ideal motivation, because from studying not for its own sake one eventually comes to study for its own sake.

This teaching does not mean that a person should deliberately try to study Torah for the wrong reason. Rather, the idea is that a person should not wait until his motivations are perfect. Even if his motives are not yet completely pure, he should still engage in Torah study.

Sometimes a person feels he lacks the natural temperament for learning. Perhaps he lacks the focus, patience, or attention span necessary for serious study. In earlier generations this was sometimes described as lacking zitzfleisch—the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods.

The Rebbe explains that even if someone feels this way, he should not delay learning Torah until he fixes his nature. Instead, he should begin learning immediately.

By learning Torah consistently—even if the motivation is not yet perfect—the person will eventually reach the proper level of learning lishmah, for its own sake.

The Rebbe emphasizes that this teaching applies not only to Torah study, but also to the observance of mitzvos. Our sages say that a person should always occupy himself with Torah and mitzvos, even if it is not yet for the ideal purpose.

One of the most important aspects of serving Hashem is davening, prayer. Proper davening has the power to bring healing and rectification to many aspects of a person’s life and spiritual condition.

Through sincere prayer and consistent effort, a person gradually grows and improves.

The Rebbe explains that this growth must occur step by step, not all at once.

The Torah itself teaches this principle. When the Jewish people entered Eretz Yisrael, Hashem said:

“I will not drive them out all at once… little by little I will drive them out.”
(Me’at me’at agarshenu.)

On a deeper level, this verse can also be understood spiritually. Just as the nations in the land were removed gradually, so too a person removes negative traits and habits gradually.

One should not expect immediate transformation. Instead, improvement comes slowly, through consistent effort, prayer, and learning.

The Rebbe therefore advises the writer that the main focus should be positive action.

He should dedicate himself to Torah study with diligence and devotion. The Rebbe uses the expression “limmud beshofi”—to study extensively and abundantly.

This applies to both areas of Torah:

• the revealed parts of Torah (Nigleh)

• and Chassidus

At the same time, one must fulfill mitzvos carefully and properly.

The Rebbe also adds an important caution regarding health.

All of this spiritual effort must be done without harming one’s physical health. Sometimes the yetzer hara tries to push a person to extremes in religious behavior that harm the body. Later, that harm weakens the person’s ability to serve Hashem.

Therefore the Rebbe stresses that Torah study and mitzvah observance should be pursued energetically but in a healthy and balanced way.

The Rebbe then gives another key piece of advice.

In the meantime, the writer should stop focusing on his personal shortcomings and inner struggles.

Sometimes excessive self-analysis and worry about one’s spiritual condition can itself come from improper sources. Instead of helping a person grow, it can distract him from the real work of learning Torah and doing mitzvos.

The yetzer hara can sometimes disguise itself as spiritual introspection in order to divert a person from productive action.

Therefore, the Rebbe advises him not to dwell on these thoughts. Instead, he should focus his energy on learning Torah and performing mitzvos with diligence.

When a person fills his life with positive actions, many of the negative issues resolve themselves naturally over time.

The Rebbe concludes that this idea is self-understood and offers his blessing that the writer should share good news.

This letter is a beautiful example of how the Rebbe guided individuals who struggled with their spiritual state. The Rebbe’s approach is clear: rather than becoming trapped in self-criticism or frustration, one should become actively engaged in Torah study, mitzvos, and prayer. Through consistent action, growth will naturally follow.