In parshat Naso, we can learn the power of taking a step back. While it may seem strange, to move forward and accomplish goals, we need to take steps backward first. We need to make mistakes to grow and take a moment to stop and think, instead of acting impulsively. We can learn this action of taking a step back and setting boundaries from a nazir.

A “nazir” is a person who chooses to promise not to drink wine or eat grapes, doesn’t use a razor and cut his hair and doesn’t go near dead bodies to get closer to Hashem. A nazir takes a step back from physicality and causes himself to think if his actions are permissible, before he does them to get closer to Hashem. A nazir can do this because he took another step back and has a list or a plan of what he can and can’t do.

In our lives, we may say that we want to accomplish certain tasks—be a certain way—fulfill a certain goal and many other things, but how many times do we accomplish them? After learning about a nazir, I am confident that we can accomplish all these things that we want, but we need to take a step back. We must ask ourselves: What do I need to do to set this plan in motion so that it will work properly? I encourage everyone to take a step back and take a moment to plan, instead of just going into a goal, task or change quickly. B’ezrat Hashem (God willing), we will all accomplish what we set out to do, easily and quickly.

Shira Sedek is a contributing writer for The Jewish Link.