Freedom is an intricate notion that prevails throughout Jewish history and current customs. Our tradition retells historical tales of overcoming odds to achieve victory and independence. At Chanukah, for example, Judah Maccabee’s small army overcame the Syrians large army to win back our Temple. During Passover, we celebrate the physical liberation of our people from slavery in Egypt.

Freedom does not spontaneously liberate us from that which enslaved us. And, victory is certainly not absolute. It is an ongoing process – both in the physical world and in the spiritual realm. Imagine a woman who finally leaves an abusive relationship. Her newfound autonomy is encumbered by the need to find a home and a means of supporting herself, as well as the emotional healing that must take place before she can move forward.

Similarly, our redemption from Egypt led to difficult travels through the desert and many tests to our physical strengths and spiritual commitment. In the end, a Jew’s journey to freedom is dependent upon the discipline one applies in his or her life. What may feel like rules and restrictions are, in essence, a path to freedom. Just as one must be disciplined with diet and exercise to achieve health, so, too, must we exert discipline in order to attain all that Judaism has to offer.

Here are six steps toward overcoming that which is enslaving you:

Identify exactly what it is that is binding you. Sometimes this task is more complex than it appears. With careful introspection, you may be surprised at your discovery. You may feel that your debt is holding you back but – upon thorough reflection – you realize that your spending habits are putting you in this place of entrapment.

Facing fear - Typically behind all “things” that hold us back lies an element of fear. Why is it that you continue to allow this “thing” to rule your life? How is it that you remain victim to it – allowing it to hold you in your path? Face the fear that lies beneath the immobilization.

Creating a plan is the next step in surmounting barriers. The more thought you put into your plan, the greater your chance to succeed. Take a look at the end result you are hoping to achieve and create additional smaller goals that will lead you on the right path. Writing down your plan will help to ensure its success.

Involving others is essential to the success of any plan. When we have someone we need to be accountable to, we tend to work harder at achieving our goals. Not only that, a support group can act as a cheerleader encouraging you toward your target. Identify people who will make your support group a strong part of your plan. You may seek a mentor, someone who has already achieved what you’d like to achieve, or a dear friend who doesn’t let you get away with things. Find people you know you can rely on to push you as much as you need them to and celebrate with you when you achieve what you are seeking.

Action - Once all the pieces are in place, the hardest part of accomplishment begins – the doing part. Start with step one of your plan and work toward it. Move on to the second step of your plan. When creating your plan, make sure you create an action plan that is broken up into doable pieces. This will pave the way to success, allowing you to celebrate small accomplishments along the way.

Goals and Rewards - And, speaking of accomplishments, make sure you pat yourself on the back with each milestone you reach. You can even make the rewards part of your master plan so you know what you are going to earn each step of the way.

Passover is a time to contemplate our freedoms, and the historical path we have taken to get where we are today. It is a time to examine the entire process of freedom and all that it entails. It is an opportunity to seek your own personal freedom from something that might feel enslaving.

May you have the experience of internal redemption during Passover this year. Chag Sameach!