"This new moon is the beginning of new moons for you,
it is the first new moon of the year for you.
- Shemoth (Exodus) 12: 2
Most people think of the new year as January 1st, a day to set resolutions, start fresh, and make big plans.
But for me, my new year begins now.
Because my beliefs are rooted in the Torah, I recognize the start of the year based on the timeline of the Israelites’ Exodus from Mitsrayim (Egypt), a moment of freedom, renewal, and stepping into the unknown. It’s not just a date on a calendar; it’s a mindset shift, a reminder that beginnings don’t always come with perfect clarity. Sometimes, they just come with a push to move forward.
Trusting the journey when the path is unclear
There’s a lesson in that story that resonates deeply with me: the Israelites didn’t have a perfect map or a clear plan when they left Mitsrayim. They just knew that staying where they were wasn’t an option.
And isn’t that how business and life often feel?
I see it all the time with entrepreneurs:
Hesitating to make a bold move because they don’t know the outcome.
Staying in a situation that no longer serves them because it feels safe.
Delaying decisions out of fear that they’ll get it wrong.
But growth requires stepping into uncertainty.
The truth is, most people don’t fear failure; they fear not knowing what to do if things don’t work out. But mental fortitude isn’t about always having the answer. It’s about trusting that you will be guided when the answer isn’t clear.
Choosing alignment over perfection
As I step into my new year, I’m reflecting on what it means to grow intentionally.
Growth isn’t just about achieving more, making more, or doing more. It’s about aligning with what truly matters. The Israelites didn’t leave Mitsrayim just to move forward, they left because they were called to something greater. And in business, we have to ask ourselves: Are we moving forward just for the sake of progress, or are we aligning with our core purpose?
Purpose-driven growth looks different:
Saying no to opportunities that don’t align, even if they seem promising.
Prioritizing sustainable success over hustle-driven burnout.
Trusting that the right path will unfold when we move with intention.
Sometimes, growth means refining. Sometimes, it means letting go. And sometimes, it means standing still and trusting.
What would it look like to grow with intention this year?
So as I walk into this new year, I’m choosing to focus on what feels aligned, rather than just what feels productive. I’m choosing to trust the journey, even when the path isn’t fully clear.
If you’ve been holding off on a decision because you’re waiting for the “perfect” moment, consider this a reminder that you don’t need perfect clarity. You just need the mental strength to move forward, even if the next step isn’t obvious.
What’s one thing you know you need to do but have been waiting for the “right time” to start?
Shalom, everyone!