Parashat Re’eh: Moving Past "Winging It"
Parashat Re’eh: Moving Past "Winging It"
When starting a new job or role, it’s easy to spend all your energy just surviving the day. You wing it, improvise, and do whatever is easiest in the moment. But to build a real career, you eventually have to shift from just getting by to building something that lasts. This week in Parashat Re'eh, Moses gives a reality check on what it takes to succeed and why long-term growth requires higher standards and open hands.
Parsha in a Nutshell
In Parashat Re'eh (Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17), Moses lays out a clear choice: "See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse" (Deuteronomy 11:26).
To explain what leads to a "blessing," Moses points out a major difference between their past in the desert and their future in the land: "You shall not do as we are doing here today, every person doing whatever is right in his own eyes" (Deuteronomy 12:8). In the desert, they improvised to survive. But Moses warns that building a thriving society requires consistency and shared standards.
Moses also warns against becoming self-absorbed once they succeed: "If there is a needy person among you... do not harden your heart or close your hand... Open your hand wide to him" (Deuteronomy 15:7–8). Holding high standards and staying generous, he promises, is the foundation of success (Deuteronomy 15:10).
Diving Deeper: High Standards, Open Hands
Moses’s warning in verse 12:8 hits on a simple truth: what gets you through a temporary transition won't build a long-term future.
When you're brand new, operating in survival mode, winging it and taking shortcuts is normal. Real success comes when you raise your standards: taking pride in your work, checking the details, and choosing quality over what is quick.
Moses also ties lasting success to an open hand. Insecurity often makes us hoard information or focus solely on our own credit. But the people who build true respect are the ones who hold themselves to high standards while freely supporting the people around them.
Weekly Professional Challenge
Fix One Shortcut: Pick one area where you’ve been "winging it" or cutting corners. Set a clear, high-quality standard for yourself there this week.
Open Your Hand: Offer 10 minutes of help or share a helpful resource with a coworker who is feeling overwhelmed.
Choose Quality Over Speed: The next time you're tempted to take a quick shortcut on a deliverable, pause and do it the right way.
