Spiritual Accounting (chesbon Hanefesh)

In his newly published book “How children succeed” American writer Paul Tough discovered that what makes the difference is not intelligence, skill or native ability, but character traits such as discipline, persistence, self-control, zest, gratitude, optimism, curiosity, courage and conscientiousness. One thing that matters more than all others is grit, the ability to keep going despite repeated failures and setbacks. 

Judaism has a special system for character development called Cheshbon Hanefesh. This is a regular system to evaluate how well you performed and take stock of where you stand.  Every night before going to bed, look back at that day’s events, and evaluate where you profited or lost.  Then make a plan so the next day will be more productive.  Our day-to day actions need to be reviewed constantly.  We can’t just dream and fantasize about our goals and forget to do the steps to accomplish them, or we’ll never get there.  Without chesbon we’are lost.  We have to keep track of our time management and constantly juggle our priorities.  If we do this consistently – e.g. every night- then we’ll be great.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Levin (1845, Poland) wrote a book Cheshon Hanefesh in which he explains how to do spiritual accounting.  He suggests we put down 13 characters we would like to develop and allow 1 week for each trait, this way we can concentrate on a particular trait for 5 weeks in a year.  I have a great desire to acquire above character traits, but never have made a conscious effort.  I would like to start my cheshbon with “get things done on time”, that is keeping the deadline.  The rest 12 traits I will be thinking later. 

Life can be exhilarating with risks, but because we are risk-averse, we play it safe, eventually making it boring and dull.  I am applying Cheshbon in my life and will actively design my day to day activities with challenges, risks and sacrifices.