Vetting for Personal Growth... - Partners in Torah

Perhaps you?ve noticed that this is an election year. Trying to become one of the leaders of the free world is no small thing, and because of the enormity of power, it?s important to make sure that our elected officials pass muster. So, potential candidates are vetted, and our choices are whittled down from a lot to a couple.

The term ?vetting? comes from horse racing, of all things, where horses were examined by veterinarians before being allowed to race. In politics, it means looking into the background of a candidate ? their financials, personal conduct, health and political history ? to make sure there?s nothing untoward that could prevent them from winning the election, or more importantly, from running the country.

Usually there are any number of juicy scandals and hidden information revealed, to the dismay and embarrassment of the potential candidates. This one has a health problem, that one behaved inappropriately, this one embezzled funds. It?s incredible, the stuff that?s unearthed. How anyone makes it to the final stage of candidacy is kind of amazing. That anyone would subject themselves to that level of public scrutiny is even more amazing.

I?m no politician, but I?ve also undergone some vetting. It?s been documented in ink. Thankfully, not though any major (or minor) media source, but by my own hand. I vet myself on a regular basis.

It?s called a Cheshbon HaNefesh, which means ?An Accounting of the Soul.? This is a Jewish personal development tool, a practice to heighten self-awareness and guide self-improvement. This method was first written 200 years ago by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Levin. That?s right ? Judaism was way ahead of the trend in self-help.

Part of the process is reviewing the events of the day and inspecting my actions, thoughts, feelings, and progress. I use a designated notebook and favorite pen to record this information.

When I find a failing, I investigate what went wrong. What was the trigger? How can it be avoided in the future? That?s how I figured out that I?m really cranky when I haven?t had enough to eat or sleep. It seems so obvious now, but I used to be unaware of the connection.

When I find a success, I investigate what went right. How did I overcome the challenge? How can I repeat this triumph? These victories are important to take note of. Catching myself succeeding is a very effective motivational tool.

Through this process I?m able to reflect upon my growth. Patterns begin to emerge, a-ha moments occur. It heightens my awareness of where I?m going, keeping me on track. Staying on track is kind of important. I mean, no one sets out to make big mistakes. I doubt anyone wakes up in the morning and thinks, ?hey, why don?t I embezzle a gazillion dollars today?? No, it?s much more subtle than that. Those big bad decisions usually come about from small decisions leading in the wrong direction.

I like to know where I?m going, and I appreciate the focus gained from these daily reviews. No scandals here, thank you very much. I?m staying on target with Judaism?s original self-improvement plan.

Come to think of it, our political candidates could really benefit from a Cheshbon HaNefesh.

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