This is part of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's talk in General Conference that I loved called "Three Choices":
"In most cases, growth comes slowly--one step at a time. We understand this when it comes to mastering a musical instrument, becoming an accomplished athlete, or flying a jet aircraft. Yet, we often can scarcely forgive ourselves when we don't make the progress we expect in all areas of our own lives.
Great sculptors and artists spend countless hours perfecting their talents. They don't pick up a chisel or a brush and palette, expecting immediate perfection. They understand that they will make many errors as they learn, but they start with the basics, the key fundamentals first.
So it is with us.
We become masters of our lives in the same way--by focusing on first things first. We all have a pretty good idea of the most important decisions we need to make--decisions that will improve our lives and bring us greater happiness and peace. That is where we should start. That is where we should place our greatest effort.
Each night before I go to bed, I take out a small card and write a list of the things I need to do the next day in order of their priority.
When I arrive at the office in the morning, I check my card and put all my efforts into the first item on the list. When I accomplish that item, I move on to the second and so on. Some days, I finish every item on my list. On other days, some tasks are not completed. I don't become discouraged, however, because I'm focusing my energies on the things that matter most."
BTW, the three choices in his talk are:
1. Choose to begin repentance now
2. Choose your priorities
3. Choose the right
This was one of my favorite talks this time around.
Posted by 2Flower at October 23, 2003 02:18 PM | TrackBack