One of the most formidable adversaries one must confront is oneself.

The reason is simple: the ideas and feelings one knows best are one's own. And since they are personal, one tends to grant them enormous weight. "I think this and I feel that, and that is justification enough for doing everything I can to act on them."

But the reverse often turns out to be true. The person who designs their entire life around what seems right and feels good often ends up missing opportunities whose value far exceeds the reach of any limited, temporary personal idea or preference.

Comfort and familiarity can be one's greatest enemies, not one's allies.

In this week's combined reading, Nitzavim-Vayelech, Moses addresses the Jewish people: "You are all standing today before the L-rd your G‑d, your heads of tribes … from your woodcutters to your water-carriers."

The founder of Chabad, Rabbi Schneur Zalman, known as the Alter Rebbe, interprets the tasks of cutting wood and drawing water not only in their literal sense but also as necessary inner work. The word used for "your wood" is eitzecha, which can also be read as "your eitzot," the unrestrained thoughts of the heart.. And the "water" referenced corresponds to the water element of the animal soul: the source and engine of physical pleasures.

The message, says Rabbi Schneur Zalman, is that one must "chop" the personal desires that serve the material self. Only when these two driving forces are neutralized can a person be in optimal condition to fulfill their life's mission, freed from the bribery of personal comfort.

One might assume this applies only to the spiritually inclined — to scholars and seekers. What about commerce, profession, and all the "non-religious" areas of life? Isn't everyone free to do what seems right and satisfying there?

The Rebbe notes that the answer to this question is embedded in Rashi's commentary on the verse. Who exactly were these "woodcutters and water-carriers"? Rashi explains that they were Canaanites who had come in Moses's time hoping to convert, and Moses assigned them these tasks. The Hebrew word for Canaanite — kena'ani — also implies "merchant." The implication is that not only in spiritual and religious pursuits, but also in commerce — in all worldly activity — one must put the "woodcutters" and "water-carriers" to work: cutting back personal ideas and desires, and engaging in all activities with the intention of illuminating the world with the light of Torah and the Divine soul.

Some might experience this as oppressive; "I'm not allowed to just do what I want." Others might see in it an extraordinary opportunity: even in the most apparently mundane and insignificant activities, one has the chance to accomplish something of infinite and eternal value.

The tool for this week: If you feel that much of your life lacks meaning or real value, remember that it is up to you to choose the direction: trace the path according to your own ideas and feelings — which leave no lasting mark — or free yourself from them and dedicate yourself to something infinitely greater.