We say in the Avinu Malkeinu prayer “for there are no ma'asim (deeds) in us”, but sometimes the problem is we have deeds—lousy ones. The word ma'asim refers to ratzon - will, since that which one wants - rotze, one makes or does – 'ose (cognate with ma'asim).
This is ma'ase bereishit - the work of God's creation. That is, since there are no ma'asim in us, there is no ma'ase bereishit - no work of creation in us. But Israel prays every day that there should be ma'ase bereishit in us, in the third to last blessing of the Amida – Hashem, our God, retze in your people Israel, that is, please instill ratzon - will and ma'ase bereishit in us.
This is bechira - free choice, freedom of will. It may be that a person does not choose all his thoughts, feelings, how others understand him, or the success of his endeavors. One cannot choose end results. The beginning or direction, however, one does choose. One can choose to want Hashem.
Now, freedom of will and will to Hashem are Rosh Hashanah. Since ratzon is ma'asim is ma'ase bereshit - the work of creation, and the purpose of the work of creation is Adam - Human, whom God created on Rosh Hashanah.
The Land of Israel is like Rosh Hashanah – the head of the year. It is the rosh - head of lands. Accordingly, one rises to Israel from other lands.
We recently read in the Torah portion: 'And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said: "Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore unto them; and I will be with thee."' (Deuteronomy 31, 23).
That is, regarding Israel, Moses commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous. This advice concerns ratzon - will. So too as we approach the head of the year. May you be strong and courageous in your new year; may you be filled with will, purpose, and creative energy; and may the blessings continue for you through your whole year and fill you with the best deeds.