The following 18 middot and their definitions were written by Rabbi Lefin. Constant repetition will help you to memorize these definitions.

1. ORDERLINESS Seder | סֵדֶר

All your actions and possessions should be orderly — each one in a set place and at a set time. Let your thoughts always be free to deal with that which lies ahead of you.

2. DELIBERATION Metinut | מְתִינוּת

Let not your heart be rash, nor your mouth hasty. Rather, pause several times while speaking or acting to deliberate and calm yourself.

3. PATIENCE Savlanut | סַבְלָנוּת

When something bad happens to you and you do not have the power to avoid it, do not aggravate the situation through wasted grief.

4. SILENCE Shtikah | שְׁתִיקָה

Before you open your mouth, be silent and reflect: “What benefit will my speech bring me or others?”

5. FRUGALITY Kimmutz | קִימוּץ

Be careful with your money. Do not spend even a penny needlessly.

6. TRUTHFULNESS Emet | אֱמֶת

Do not allow anything to pass your lips that you are not certain is completely true.

7. DECISIVENESS Charitzut | חָרִיצוּת

All your acts should be preceded by deliberation; when you have reached a decision, act without hesitating.

8. HUMILITY Anavah | עֲנָוָה

Always seek to learn wisdom from everyone, to recognize your failings and correct them. In doing so you will learn to stop thinking about your virtues and you will take your mind off your friend’s faults.

9. DILIGENCE Zerizut | רִיזוּת

Always find something to do—for yourself or for a friend, and don’t allow a moment of your life to be wasted.

10. JUST ACTION Tzedek | צֶדֶק

What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor.

11. MODERATION Histapkut | הִסְתַּפְּקוּת

Before taking food into your mouth, consider what benefit it has for your personal health or the fulfillment of a precept.

12. TRUST Bitachon | בִּטָּחוֹן

If worry comes to your heart, take it as a warning from God who loves you. Examine your deeds and take counsel with those whose advice you seek. When you have fulfilled God’s will, trust God and your serenity will return.

13. CLEANLINESS Nekiyut | נְקִיּוּת

Let not stain or ugliness be found in your possessions or in your home, and surely not on your body or clothes.

14. CALMNESS Nichuta | נִיחוּתָא

The words of the wise are stated gently. In being good, do not be called evil.

15. MODESTY Tzniut | צְנִיעוּת

Distance yourself from all that is ugly and unseemly, from lust and from anything which leads people to be suspicious of you, and you will find favor in the eyes of God and humanity.

16. DETACHMENT Prishut | פְּרִישׁוּת

Strengthen yourself so that you can stop lewd thoughts. Draw close to your spouse only when your mind is free, occupied only with thoughts of fulfilling your conjugal duties or procreating.

17. GENEROSITY Nedivut |  נְדִיבוּת

Accustom yourself to finding satisfaction in acting kindly toward others and in seeing the meanness of being stingy.

18. EQUANIMITY Menuchat Hanefesh | מְנוּחַת הַנֶפֶשׁ

Rise above events that are inconsequential—both bad and good—for they are not worth disturbing your composure.