In 2014, I decided to run the Little Rock Marathon. What seemed like a fun idea and incredible achievement turned out to be months of work. It took 16 weeks of dedicated training to reach the fitness needed to run the 26.2 miles. It wasn't enough to train hard a few times; I had to run consistently and build strength and stamina.

I learned many things from the marathon experience, including the fact that meaningful achievements come through consistent and disciplined effort and preparation. As they say, there's no such thing as a free lunch.

The same is true for spiritual achievements and experiences. If you want to grow and connect with something deeply, you have to prepare for it. Just as physical strength is built by consistent exercise, spiritual growth is attained by ongoing intentional practice. It's not about the big moments; consistent small moments generate growth.

We're a couple of weeks away from Rosh Hashanah. Here's a little insider tip to making it a successful, impactful and meaningful New Year: start training for it now. The month preceding Rosh Hashanah is the training ground for the High Holidays, where we strengthen our character and prepare to meet the challenges of the New Year.

But there's something unique about the High Holiday training. Usually the value of the training is for the end result. It's all leading up to the big moment. But the High Holiday training is an achievement in it's own right - and has value beyond the High Holidays themselves.

The Zohar teaches that the Divine energy pulsating in the world during the month preceding the High Holidays, the Jewish month of Elul, is as profound as the Days of Awe, but it's dressed down and low key. There's no special holidays or extra dose of external spiritual uplift in Elul, yet there's a deep divine presence disguised in weekday routine of life. It's accessible. It doesn't inspire us or impose itself but if we recognize its presence, we can capitalize on it to experience a closeness to G-d within our normal routine.

Creating small moments of reflection consistently over the course of regular work days can have a more profound impact then the one off holy days that disrupt your normal routine. The founder of the Chabad movement, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, likened the opportunity in Elul to a king in the field. Unlike while he's in the palace, when the king is traveling through the field everyone has access to him, no matter their social standings, worthiness or attire. Similarly, we have easier access to G-d during this month and can connect with Him on our turf, in the course of our regular lives and work schedule, wherever we are in life.

In a time like ours, when the familiar rituals and religious experiences aren't following their usual plans, it's more important than ever to be able to experience G-d outside of the setting of the Shul or traditional religious service. We have to make space in our homes, workspaces and lives for G-d. We have to encounter Him in the field - in the everyday moments of our lives.

So don't wait for the High Holidays to get spiritually fit and inspired. Instead, spend a couple of minutes each day for the next couple of weeks doing something good. Add a prayer each day. Give a little extra charity. Spend a minute or two in spiritual self-reflection. Be a little kinder to people. These small training exercises will create real growth and ensure a successful year ahead.

Wishing you a Shanah Tovah U’mesuka,

Rabbi Yosef Kramer

Rabbi Yosef Kramer moved to Little Rock from Brooklyn, NY in 2016. Together with his wife Mushka, they direct the Young Jewish Professional programs for Lubavitch of Arkansas.