Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

"Being wholehearted is not about being physically perfect or emotionally flawless, but rather that we can acknowledge and accept our flaws, to take the curveballs as they are launched at us, and handle our lives in a way that reflects who we really are, not the theoretically perfect version of ourselves.

"We cannot hold ourselves to some ridiculous high standard of perfection, even those of us who are positively God-like in our abilities. No matter how talented, or athletic, or brilliant we may be, we are still human. To aspire to anything more than that is not just unhealthy, it is foolhardy. It is something akin to the Migdal Bavel, the Tower of Babel, back in Parashat Noah. We cannot aspire to be God-like; the results would be disastrous.

[...]

"Reb Zusya of Anapol, who lived in 18th century Ukraine, is perhaps best known for saying, "When I get to olam haba, the world to come, the Qadosh Barukh Hu will not ask me, 'Why were you not more like Moshe, or more like Avraham,' but rather, 'Why were you not more like Zusya?.'"

"And, lest you think that this principle applies only to world-class athletes, let us also remember that the curse of winning at all costs has infected our world in many areas: in politics, at work, in our families and communities.

"In politics, winning at all costs can lead to the collapse of democracy; we have seen it in other nations, and we are seeing hints of it here in America as well.

"At work and in business, winning at all costs leads to toxic environments and unethical decisions.

"In family life, winning at all costs causes emotional rifts that sometimes result in estrangement from those who love us.

"In communal life, winning at all costs creates an environment in which dissent is not tolerated, and organizations descend into chaotic infighting.

"I'm sure that many of us could think of specific examples in which we as individuals have been hurt by others who pursue winning to the detriment of the people around them."

-- Rabbi Seth Adelson (RavHaz), "Walking Wholeheartedly, or, the Danger of Winning at All Costs – Shofetim 5781", 2021-08-14 (published 2021-08-16) [I think this is the rabbi's central point, but not the only important point, in the sermon.]