R’ Naftali of Amsterdam once commented to his mentor, R’ Yisroel Salanter, “Would that I could have the brain of the Shaagas Aryeh, the heart of the Yesod V’Shoresh HaAvoda, and the character traits of my mentor!  Then I could serve Hashem properly!”

R’ Yisroel answered, “Naftali, your job is to serve Hashem with your brain, your heart and your character traits.  Only with what He gave you can you truly serve Him.”