מעשה ידי להתפאר (אבות א)

Every Yid has a portion in Olam Haba, and within each Yid lies the potential to elevate himself and reach it. These strengths are inherited from the holy Avos, and there is nothing to boast about in them—just as one cannot take pride in an inheritance passed down from one’s forefathers -“נצר מטער”.

However, if a person attains Olam Haba through his own efforts—through “מעשי ידי להתפאר,” the deeds he performs that bring him to Gan Eden—then he may truly take pride in himself. This is the principle upon which Chazal based Pirkei Avos: the ultimate measure of a person’s greatness is what he accomplishes through his own strengths and efforts.