However, as we know all too well, many resolutions don’t last very long. For a resolution which is predicated on satisfying one’s own desires and needs will be broken as soon as the person feels another, more pressing, need or desire. Yesterday, I may have decided that the most important thing for me is to wake up early every day to exercise, but as I lie in bed this morning after having gone to sleep at 1:00 AM, I suddenly feel that my sleep is infinitely more important than exercise! One human need can always cancel out another human need.

True Teshuvah, on the other hand, isn’t based on the human emotional need for improvement. Teshuvah isn’t, “Oh my, I’ve had another lousy year, I feel lousy, I got to be better.” Rather, Teshuvah is the realization that our purpose in this world is to serve our Creator, and unfortunately, we are not serving G-d to the best of our abilities. Teshuvah means regretting our past indiscretions because they violated G-d’s will, and resolving to be a true servant of G-d in the upcoming year.

A commitment which results from true Teshuvah will be lasting, because after accepting upon oneself the yoke of Heaven, no other “pressing” human desire will interfere with the firm resolution to serve G-d.