21 Keys To A Successful Life

President Monson said, "In our journey on earth, we discover that life is made up of challenges—they just differ from one person to another. We are success oriented, striving to become “wonder women” and “super men.” Any hint of failure can cause us to panic and give up before we start."

"Our responsibility is to rise from mediocrity to competence, from failure to achievement. Our task is to become our best selves. One of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final."

Each one of us has been blessed with the gift and opportunity to repent every single day.  Our forgiving and completely loving Heavenly Father blesses each of us with a new day, a new sun rise to try again to be our best selves. 

Pres Hinckley in his first talk as President of the church told us all to, "Stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds... We have nothing to fear. God is at the helm. He will overrule for the good of this work. He will shower down blessings upon those who walk in obedience to His commandments. Such has been His promise. Of His ability to keep that promise none of us can doubt. "

"This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments. It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all of our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike."

I am thankful for the opportunity that my mission has given me to look inside myself, identify my weaknesses and be blessed to turn to God as he uproots them from me. I'm reminded everyday that I still have a long way to go, but I am grateful for the chance to work one-on-one with him everyday. Even as we try to turn this willful, stubborn missionary into a effective instrument in His hands.

We have been given so many tools to help us become the best versions of ourselves. The overreaching power we each are offered is the blessing of the Atonement. 

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by my righteous, … omnipotent hand. …

H. Jackson Brown Jr. outlined a few specific ways that we can apply the Atonement into each of our lives:

1) Marry the right person. This decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

2) Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talents.

3) Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully

4) Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

5) Be forgiving of yourself and others

6) Be Generous

7) Have a grateful heart.

8) Persistence, persistence, persistence

9) Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest of salary.

10) Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

11) Commit yourself to constant improvement.

12) Commit yourself to quality

13) Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige.

14) Be loyal

15) Be Honest

16) Be a self-starter

17) Be Decisive even if it means you'll sometimes be wrong

18) Stop Blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

19) Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.

20) Take good care of those you love

21) Don't do anything that wouldn't make your mom proud.

I'm not suggesting that you try to accomplish all of these things today but we can start today. Become the person you want to be.