During the fourth week of the Counting of the Omer, we enter a week of Netzach or endurance. How many of us couldn’t benefit from a little extra endurance? We start off on that healthy eating track and, then, losing momentum, dive into a bag of potato chips. Or, we begin our exercise routine anew and exercise several times a week for many weeks when, suddenly, we don’t want to roll out of bed, we can’t walk as fast as we’ve been walking, or life gets too busy to squeeze in a little exercise.

Endurance can carry us through to the other side. It is being able to remain in uncomfortable and difficult situations in order to reach a determined goal. Endurance, combined with the other Sefirot this week, can really pave the way toward accomplishments in personal growth.

Here are my thoughts on how we can apply the Counting of the Omer this week:

Chesed in Netzach (loving-kindness in endurance): Examine your long-term commitments and why they are important to you. Sometimes a commitment can be difficult and even bring about painful moments, but when you are able to recall why they are important to you, you may be able to overcome the barriers more easily.

Gevurah in Netzach (discipline in endurance): What can you do to maintain deliberate self-growth throughout the year? Pick something to enhance your own self-development. Make a long-term commitment, acknowledging that there will be moments, weeks or even months when it will be more difficult to fulfill your commitment.

Tiferet in Netzach (compassion in endurance): Spend some time contemplating the delicate balance between competing for the win and being a good sport. Try to demonstrate the proper balance in competition at work, play and sport.

Netzach in Netzach (endurance in endurance): What is it you are afraid to commit to? Is it your self? A relationship? A class you’ve wanted to take? What is holding you back? Spend some time figuring out how you can chip away at the barrier and make the commitment.

Hod in Netzach (splendor in endurance): Find humility within your “suffering”. When you’re working hard toward something, don’t forget to seek help from G-d.

Yesod in Netzach (bonding in endurance): A strong foundation is built from the proper commitment. This requires time and energy. Focus on what is most important and let go of the little things. What lies at the foundation of your family?

Malchut in Netzach (dignity in endurance): What do you stand for? When you possess self-respect, maintaining your stamina comes much more easily. To have self-respect, you have to know who you are; you have to walk your talk and make sure your actions reflect your values. What changes do you need to make to live in alignment with who you want to become?

Endurance requires patience, strength and fortitude. It asks us to push ourselves a little bit harder and not to fear the places of discomfort that it often takes us. If there is something you want to achieve – either externally or internally – use this week of the Omer, the week of Netzach, to strive toward your goal.