What I learned when I tried to join Israel’s elite commando unit

Two young people recently approached me seeking advice on how to pursue their dream careers. Their questions prompted me to reflect on what I would tell them, based on lessons I’ve learned about ambition, selection processes, and the reality of achieving difficult goals. This is what I shared with them.

The first lesson concerns the nature of elite selection itself. When seeking entry to highly competitive institutions—whether military units, top universities, or prestigious professions—the process is designed to be gruelling and often arbitrary. Success requires not just raw talent or determination, but an understanding of what selectors are actually looking for, which may differ significantly from what candidates assume.

I explained that persistence matters, but so does pragmatism. Many aspiring candidates become fixated on a single pathway to their goal, when alternative routes might prove more effective. It’s worth examining whether the obstacles you face are genuine barriers or simply detours. Sometimes the most direct route isn’t the only one—or even the best one.

Finally, I stressed the importance of self-knowledge. Before investing enormous energy in pursuing a dream, it’s worth asking honestly whether that dream truly aligns with who you are and what will actually fulfil you. The prestige of an institution or position can obscure whether it’s genuinely the right fit. Success in a role you’re not suited for can feel hollow.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.