48 Ways to Wisdom

Way #2: Listen Effectively

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

When the media hits you with another message, don't take the idea for granted. Listen for the message behind the message. Analyze and question.

Way #3: Say It Out Loud

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Articulate your beliefs out loud. It bridges the gap between lofty notions of the soul and the world of reality. In other words, you'll find out if you really believe what you say.

Way #4: Introduce Yourself to Yourself

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Don't go through life making assumptions about who you are. Take the time now to "meet" yourself - before a crisis comes along and forces the issue.

Way #5: The Power of Awe

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

In the face of tremendous force like the Grand Canyon or a hurricane, human beings feel small. Do we mind? No! It's exhilarating. It's the power of awe.

Way #6: Mastering Fear

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Roller coasters and horror movies... we pay good money to be scared out of our wits. Find out how to harness the energy of "fear" for positive purposes.

Audio - Way #6-Mastering Fear

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

How to use fear as a positive motivator.

Way #7: The True Charisma

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Humility is not an inferiority complex. It's doing the right thing and not being dependent on the opinion of others.

Way #8: Constant Joy

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Joy gives you the power, motivation and confidence to achieve things that otherwise seem too difficult to attempt. Better than a granola bar - joy is pure energy.

Way #9: Total Concentration

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

We use just a small fraction of our mental capacity. Learn how to concentrate and avoid distractions. You'll achieve more goals!

Way #10: Honor The Wise Person

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Don't read about wisdom in a book. Find an expert and watch how he works.

Way #11: Work It Through With Friends

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Companies test-market new products. To know the value of your ideas, find friends to give you straight, honest feedback.

Way #12: Growth Through Teaching

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Until you share an idea, it remains but a hazy notion in your imagination. Transmitting the idea to others makes it real. You've taken it out of potential and made it a reality.

Way #13: Think About It

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

We sometimes make snap decisions. Or we may mull over decisions for too long. Become skilled at the happy medium of good decision-making.

Way #14: Written Instructions For Living

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

When we learn Torah, we are not studying an abstract and arcane text of the ancient world. We are engaged in discovering the essence of Judaism, which is the essence of ourselves.

Way #15: Oral Instructions For Living

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Judaism is not supposed to be a reference work sitting on the shelf. It's to be lived and internalized. If you gain a piece of wisdom, integrate it into living.

Way #16: Apply Business Accumen To Living

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

To compete in the marketplace, a business has to function at maximum efficiency. Apply those same core principles to your pursuit of a great personal and spiritual life.

Way #17: Marriage Power

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Intimacy is a powerful drive, second only to survival itself. Society uses it to sell movies, cigarettes and automobiles.

Way #18: The Use of Physical Pleasure

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

The physical world is for our pleasure. Spiritual growth comes through grappling with the mundane world in a way that uplifts and elevates.

Way #19: Wake Up and Live

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Sleeping too much is just as harmful as not sleeping enough. Minimize sleep - because on a deeper level, it's about "waking up" to life.

Way #20: The Art of Conversation

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

People today are busier than ever - commuting, flying, buying. "Conversation time" is diminishing. Is there no one listening out there?

Way #21: Laughter Is Serious Business

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Laughter is a deeply spiritual emotion. Maybe that's why the list of Jewish comedians is so long! Understand the dynamics of laughter and use it wisely.

Way #22: Conquer Frustration

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

It's a tough world and we have to be persistent. Accept the frustration as a challenge - and love it!

Way #23: The Good Heart

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Be aware of your inner struggle between the two conflicting inclinations - to do the right thing, or to be selfish.

Way #24: Search For Wisdom

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Wisdom makes the wheels of life spin forward. Pursue it.

Way #25: No Pain No Gain

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Pain is an unavoidable reality of life. Don't run away. The key to success is to learn how to accept the pain and grow from it.

Way #26: Know Your Place

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Every person has a unique contribution to make in this world. Figure out who you are, and where you fit into the grand scheme.

Way #27: Happiness

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

You can have everything and still be miserable. Or you can have relatively little and feel very rich. Happiness is a state of mind. Develop tools for how to get it.

Way #28: Protect What Is Precious

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

A fence keeps a safe distance from danger. Take precautions. If you find a "hole" in your life, build a fence to avoid stumbling into errors.

Way #29: Subtle Traps Of Arrogance

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Arrogance stunts spiritual growth. To avoid arrogance, distinguish between pride ("I'm better than the other person") and pleasure ("I'm not better, just fortunate").

Way #30: Be Loved By Others

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

The human desire to be loved is deep and natural. If you give warmth, you'll attract warmth.

Way #31: Seek The Ultimate Pleasure

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

We can have lots of money, love and power. But no human being is truly satisfied unless he's in touch with the transcendent dimension.

Way #32: Love Humanity

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Imagine having never seen a human being before. What a fantastic gadget!

Way #33: Fulfill Your Obligations

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Many people grumble about obligations as unpleasant aggravations. But fulfilling obligations helps actualize your potential and is the basis of self esteem.

Way #34: Use Your Inner Guide

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Buried within the subconscious, in the farthest corner of our memory, lies the knowledge of everything we need to know about living. Now bring it to the forefront of your mind.

Way #35: Love Criticism

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Criticism is usually seen as a personal attack. But think of what an Olympic athlete willingly endures from coaches! To reach your potential, seek constructive criticism.

Way #36: Handling Social Pressure

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Don't spend your life trying to impress others. Because even if you convince others that you're great, have you convinced yourself?

Way #37: Never Be Bored

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Don't take life for granted. Don't casually accept the ecosystem, communication, gravity... Look for fresh insights. Reawaken the mystery.

Way #38: Responsible Decisions

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Every conscious moment is another decision. The cumulative impact determines the overall quality of life. And the most important decision is "What am I living for?"

Way #39: Share The Burden

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

A broken heart is worse than a broken arm. Sensitize yourself to the pain of others. It will give you renewed awareness and energy for living.

Way #40: Make Others Meritorious

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

We all live in this world together. It's easy to take responsibility when someone is in physical danger. You're just as obligated when he's in spiritual danger.

Way #41: Getting Into Reality

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

There's something really breathtaking about life. Wouldn't you rather experience love than watch it in a movie? Get into reality. It's the real thing.

Way #42: Peace of Mind

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

The world can be in turmoil, but a person can be at peace with himself. To attain internal equilibrium, focus on the needs of your soul.

Way #43: Fascination With Living

by Rabbi Noah Weinberg

Children live in a natural state of awe. To reclaim that energy, identify what fascinates you the most about life. Set goals for living and pursue them with relentless fascination.