Before Esther went into Achashverosh, Mordechai commanded the Jewish nation to fast for three days. Rashi tells us that those three days included the first day of Pesach. That means that Mordechai abolished the mitzvos of eating matzah, drinking the four cups, and eating marror that year. Since there were more than eleven months until the decree was to take place, what was the sudden need for action? What was the urgency?

This Shmuz demonstrates the laser focus that challenging deadlines can give us and what we can accomplish when properly motivated.