I’m a lazy person. Maybe other people are the same, and don’t admit it. Still, even if I am in the high percentile of unmotivated bums, everybody experiences the opposing force of procrastination to some degree. Temptations may often immediately follow the tasks and promptings that come to us throughout the day. [...]]]>

I’m a lazy person. Maybe other people are the same, and don’t admit it. Still, even if I am in the high percentile of unmotivated bums, everybody experiences the opposing force of procrastination to some degree. Temptations may often immediately follow the tasks and promptings that come to us throughout the day. In reference to our callings, the Lord has warned that, “….it is not meet that [he] should command in all things…”, and that “he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.” ¹ If we’re honest,  it’s painfully apparent how often we’re slothful in our righteous actions— particularly when it comes to our callings. Our human tendency to shirk and wait around to be yelled at before we will magnify our callings can be overcome if we prepare to serve.

Why?

The principle of preparation applies to all callings in the kingdom. It seems obvious that a patriarch must prepare to offer blessings. We’d scoff if we went to receive this special revelation and found him watching a sitcom and shoving nachos in his face. For most of us, however, it’s hard to make the connection from such an obviously important calling to our less noticeable places in the kingdom. The adversary is great at convincing us that our stewardship doesn’t matter— that nobody will notice if we simply phone it in. It’s a lie. Consider this counsel:

“Young men, if coming to church early to help prepare the sacrament feels more like a hardship than a blessing, then I invite you to think about what this sacred ordinance might mean to a ward member who perhaps has had a challenging week.” ²

This does not only apply to Priesthood holders. Consider what it might mean to a new ward member, having not received a very warm welcome, to find that at least the information they need in order to become integrated is easy to obtain in a well-prepared sacrament meeting program. Consider what it might mean to the missionaries of the ward who are taken in, fed, and offered help by a family. Consider what it might mean to one who has been earnestly seeking answers to prayers to experience a well-prepared talk or lesson which invites the spirit. Consider what a ride to the temple might mean to a faithful saint who has recently lost their job and cannot afford the travel. The Lord has called us to the positions we hold, not merely because they’re good for us, but because we can magnify them and make a difference; because we can bless lives.

It Takes Time

The trouble with our tendency to push off service for later is not that our intentions are bad. The issue is that we imagine some sort of magical credit account in the sky where we can pay off our tasks later. Sadly, there is no such loan available for our time. We either use it, or we lose it; time is a supremely scarce resource. Unlike money, minutes, hours, and seconds disappear constantly, so we must make immediate use of them.

If we were able to see our time as a small box, and our choices as wooden blocks, it would be come obvious that we have more material to work with than space. We have to make sacrifices in order to fit our choices into the box. Most of us work with a box full to the brim. Perhaps there are only two large blocks taking up all the space; perhaps many small blocks. The trouble is that we will, guaranteed, find other blocks we’d like to put in our box. That forces a tough decision: what do you throw away in order to fit this new thing?

Like trying to place trash into a trashcan at maximum capacity, we usually meet this challenge with failure. In real-life terms, it’s almost paralyzingly difficult to make a decision about whether to visit a friend as prompted by the spirit when we’re running at maximum capacity with no free time. You’re either going to have to trim that fat by sacrificing unimportant (or less-important) uses of time, or remain on your current course. Hopefully you can realize that it’s time to make some changes because, obviously, you haven’t become perfect yet.

Yeah, But Seriously, Why?

You may be flying high right now and suppose that you don’t need any more blessings. Things are good. Well, okay, don’t listen then. I’m sure you’ll be back in a few months when things aren’t going so well. If that still doesn’t convince you, then I offer these words from Neal A. Maxwell for a spiritual slap in the face:

“Consider the returned missionary, skills polished while serving an honorable mission, striving earnestly for success in his career. Busy, he ends up in a posture of some accommodation with the world. Thus he forgoes building up the kingdom first and instead builds up himself. A small course correction now would make a large, even destinational, difference for him later on.” ³

Aside from promises of reaching a celestial destination later on, preparing to serve also grants some immediate and rewarding blessings. The Lord is more than ready to fill your time with incredible experiences; you just have to free up the space and accept His opportunities.

As you begin to receive the calls of increased service you’ll be presented with opportunities to bless others and insights into how you can magnify your calling. Your service will become more meaningful and effective. As a consequence, you will begin to see greater fruit from your labors. The joy that comes from knowing you’ve blessed a life is unparalleled. Above and beyond that, however, is the insight and understanding you will receive about our Heavenly Father. When you serve along side the Lord you begin to feel as He feels and to see as He sees. Can anything else increase your faith like that would?!

Vividly, I remember walking down an Oklahoma City street as a missionary, sweaty and frustrated. I pleaded, “what is wrong with these people?! They won’t listen! They never keep commitments! They just won’t listen!” Immediately, the spirit spoke in a clear and cutting tone, “Do you think the Lord ever feels that way about you?” It cut me to the core, but spiritual surgery, it helped. The pain enabled me to see how patient and loving the Lord was in spite of my stubbornness and disobedience. That lesson has changed my life forever, and I would have never had it if I didn’t accept the opportunity to serve that day.

How are you going to prepare to serve?

What do you need to sacrifice?

1. D&C 58:26, 29
2. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Your Potential, Your Privilege”, General Conference, April 2011
3. Neal A. Maxwell, ““Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father””, Ensign, Nov. 1995, 22

It can be easy to wonder at those who seem, with supreme confidence, to breeze through life in full self-esteem. I have news for you: they are big-time fakers. Everyone faces discouragement and the confidence-draining feelings of disappointment and doubt. However, there are those who use disappointment as a launching-platform for progress. What [...]]]>

It can be easy to wonder at those who seem, with supreme confidence, to breeze through life in full self-esteem. I have news for you: they are big-time fakers. Everyone faces discouragement and the confidence-draining feelings of disappointment and doubt. However, there are those who use disappointment as a launching-platform for progress. What separates them from those who always seem to lose in the battle against discouragement?

Upon graduating High School, Jacob De Jager found little hope for his future.¹ His homeland of Holland had become occupied by Nazi Germany. He had planned to attend college. However, in order to attend a university in 1942, Dutch students were required to sign a declaration of loyalty to the occupying invaders. Without signing this document, Jacob risked deportation to Germany for slave labor which enabled the Nazi war effort in Europe.

His hopes dashed, Jacob wrestled with self-pity. The loss of this opportunity he had worked so hard to obtain was almost more than he could bear. At last, he decided to seek less orthodox options for education. Having an interest in languages, Jacob spent his time studying German, French and English. He would risk his life listening to foreign radio broadcasts, study on his own, and work with small groups of his peers. This is how Jacob spent the ensuing three years of his life.

Upon liberation from Germany, thanks to Allied Forces, Jacob joined the Canadian army. They put him to good use as a translator. Following the end of the war, the Dutch army, to his disappointment, drafted him and sent him off to Indonesia. Making the best of it, he learned the Malay (Bahasa Indonesia) language. It wasn’t until 1949 that Jacob was free to peruse his own desires: a full seven years after his graduation! He felt as though he had little to show for the time.

Most of us can empathize with the setbacks and stumbling blocks Jacob De Jager experienced, even though we probably have not suffered Nazi occupation. We all know what it is like to see cherished goals pass by unrealized; we’ve all been robbed of opportunity. Perhaps it has not been the outside world that has discouraged us, but rather, our mistakes and sins. Dispite these circumstances, the message of the gospel proclaims that through Christ, all of this can be overcome. That idea, though, is pretty abstract. Acknowledging such, there are ways to exercise this saving power of Christ in our lives and thus defeat discouragement.

The Battle Plan

First, prepare to be disappointed. Expectations shape reaction. Consider an experience most of us have had: disappointment in an overhyped movie. Sometimes the experiences are not bad in-and-of themselves, but rather, the contrast with our expectation is what creates the disappointment. Jacob de Jager learned from his trials that, ”…constant preoccupation with success in life may be of less importance than the role disappointments will play in the development of a person and his ultimate happiness and achievements[.] Experiencing discouragement can even speed up growth and development.” The trick is to prepare for disappointment without developing an attitude of pessimism.

A proper attitude may come as a result of having an emotional self-sufficiency. True, we need others in life. This is not a gospel of monasticism. Still, responsibility for our peace and happiness should never fully reside in others! As the captains of our destiny, we must not hand over the helm to others.

This certainly does not mean closing off one’s heart to the world and turning inward. It means that, in large part, our happiness begins when we end the plague of comparison. Our success is not relative to that of our friends. We have a higher standard of measurement. Besides, we cannot truly know how others measure up because our ignorance makes these judgments infinitely inadequate.

Second, come to Zion. Good people provide good influence, and the impact of environment is inestimable. However, it is easily discernible that a positive environment turn to battle in our favor. Being among other disciples pushes us to focus outwardly. The time we spend in building up the kingdom is time not spent in self-pity and depression.

Another reason that building the kingdom is such an effective weapon against discouragement is because the promise of confidence is contingent on charity. True confidence cannot be gained any other way. Instructing Joseph Smith, the Lord admonished that Priesthood holders in this matter:

“Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.”²

What greater confidence can there be than “boldness in the day of judgment..”? ³ That confidence stems from the fact that the ultimate realization of God’s fundamental character lies in His perfect love. Thus, we obtain that boldness “…because as he is, so are we in this world” ³ if we obtain Charity.

Third, trust in the Lord. We tend to inherently trust people and institutions in which we have invested. Thus, we must ask ourselves: are we investing in the Savings Bonds of The Savior, or the  First Bank of Babylon? If you find yourself at a crossroad of choice, consider which you suppose is vulnerable to a run on it’s funds and which has proven it’s ability to back up it’s promise.

Trust is not the same as default passive acceptance. It denotes boldness and confidence. Thus, it demands real commitment. If we place our trust in the Lord, then we will dow whatever it takes to merit worthiness for His blessings. Our confidence, or trust, in God’s promises are thus shown in our obedience to His laws. ⁴

Fourth, pray. We can immediately pray in the moment we begin to feel negative emotions. That prayer of deliverance will be answered. Gene R. Cook taught it this way:

“To the degree you will learn to pray your way through a day, you will find that Satan and his evil influence will leave, the Spirit of the Lord will come, and you will be on top and be able to go through the trials that come your way.” ⁵

Answers to these prayers usually come with subtle counsel which, if obeyed, will provide the sought-for deliverance.

For example, you may be out with friends when a comment unintentionally begins to dig up regret and the waves of depression start their surge into the forefront of your mind.  Realizing what is happening from past events, and where it may lead, you can choose to call upon the Lord. You may offer a simple prayer pleading for comfort and the ability to overcome these feelings. Then, the spirit may whisper that you should send a message to a friend, complimenting them. Or, you may be prompted to share your gratitude with for one of God’s blessings with your companions. Then, as you follow that spiritual guidance, you will begin to feel peace and clarity and you will have learned an important lesson: that it is better to give than to receive. ⁶

The Plan in Action

We read in the Book of Mormon of a monumental crisis in the land, and how righteous servants of the Lord overcame the opposition of discouraging forces and circumstances.

Lachoneus, the political leader of the Nephites, received a letter from the commander of an outlaw army, Giddianhi. ⁷ His epistle is full of discouragement, fear-mongering, and intimidation. The reaction of Lachoneus and Gidgiddoni, his chief military officer, were not to allow doubt and fear to overcome them, but to take immediate action to ensure victory.

The steps that they followed were, among others, preparation, gathering, serving one-another, trusting in the Lord, and turning to Him in prayer. Similar circumstances can be found throughout scripture; each dealt with in a the same manner. It’s almost as if the Lord is trying to tell us something here…

Conclusion

In later years, Jacob De Jager would testify that those seven years of disappointment were actually a preparation for a good business career and church service. Jacob married, had children, and became vice-president of sales in a division of Phillips Electronics where his knowledge of language was valuable in international business. He served as an Elders Quorum counselor, Sunday School superintendent, branch president, Mission Presidency counselor, and a regional representative to the Netherlands, Spain, and France. ⁸

In 1976, Jacob De Jager was called to the First Quorum of Seventy. Holding that position for over seventeen years, he left a profound impact on those he served. Then, after a life of seeking to bless others, he passed away at age 81. As a testament to the greatness of this man, the speakers at his funeral included Presidents Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust, Boyd K. Packer, and Elder Charles Didier.

This man certainly defeated discouragement. We too can face disappointment and difficulty and become, as a result, better disciples of Christ. Then, what President Monson has said of Jacob De Jager, may well be said of us:

“I’ve never met a person who said a bad word about Jacob de Jager[.] It didn’t matter what the subject, every time you asked about Jacob de Jager, you got a smile.” ⁹

1. ”Overcoming Discouragement”, New Era, March 1984
2. D&C 121:45
3. 1 john 4:17-28
4. D&C 130:20-21
5. Gene R. Cook (“How to Discourage Discouragement”, New Era, January 2003)
6. Acts 20:35
7. 3 Nephi 3
8. 2005 Church Almanac, pp. 18, 81
9. ”Tireless service: Church leaders eulogize Elder de Jager, international General Authority,” Church News Archives March 6, 2004

via The tyranny of choice: You choose | The Economist.

Discipline creates liberty, not only due to increased access [...]]]>

“As options multiply, there may be a point at which the effort required to obtain enough information to be able to distinguish sensibly between alternatives outweighs the benefit to the consumer of the extra choice.”

via The tyranny of choice: You choose | The Economist.

Discipline creates liberty, not only due to increased access to the atonement, but also because it lifts mental burdens. It’s easy to list, off-hand, many common choices which are absent from the concern of a disciplined Latter-day Saint when it comes to our observance of chastity, the word of wisdom, etc. The issue appears when we rest on our laurels and don’t go as far as we could in eliminating unnecessary and useless options from our lives.

Everyone has gone through difficult times of feeling distant from the Lord. I struggled in seeking the spirit over a period of years. I desired to feel that joy my peers expressed, but began to doubt if it were simply the result of some sort of self-hypnosis, or a “frenzied mind”¹―maybe they were [...]]]>

Everyone has gone through difficult times of feeling distant from the Lord. I struggled in seeking the spirit over a period of years. I desired to feel that joy my peers expressed, but began to doubt if it were simply the result of some sort of self-hypnosis, or a “frenzied mind”¹―maybe they were making it all up. After all, many of them committed far more grievous sins than I! Though I watched movies I shouldn’t have, and though I listened to music that would make any mother blush, I surely didn’t participate in the kinds of sins they did. I was a pretty good person! So, why didn’t I feel like it?

On a particularly rough night, I thumbed through the Book of Mormon. I didn’t land on a life-changing verse―instead, I read on and on, until I came to words that seemed particularly directed at me:

“And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.”²

The mental structure I’d built to support my comfort came crashing down; I couldn’t justify myself any longer. I couldn’t blame my despair on anyone but myself because I realized I wasn’t living up to what I should, regardless of my peers. Most of all, I had been giving myself over to the influence of the adversary. Perhaps my sins were not as obvious, but there they were, working their darkness upon me. Since that time, my life has been a quest of discovery―I’ve learned again and again how important it is to give God his fair share of influence.

Negative Influences.

We like to think of ourselves as captains of destiny, masterfully holding the reins, which command our desires and emotions as we move down the path of life. What we fail to realize is that any road has it’s unforeseen hazards. The majority of our life is not under our control. That is why it is important to exercise proper judgment in that which we can control. If we willingly choose to surround ourselves with negative influences, we put our progression at risk.

Of course, we can easily point to obvious sources of negative influence, such as media. We’ve all heard the talks and had the Sunday school lessons. The music, television, and movies we consume have a powerful effect on our behavior. I didn’t realize when I was in the thick of it, but as I put those things behind me, I understood the damaging effect that inappropriate media had played on my ability to feel the spirit; it was as obvious as night and day.

Still, there are other kinds of media which may crowd out the Lord’s influence, which we may not realize. Games, whether violent first-person shooters, or simulated agriculture, or even simple puzzles, can distract us. Many of us would never tolerate foul language in friendly conversation, but we allow others on social media to broadcast fairly filthy content at us in real-time. Perhaps we do not realize, either, the negative impact of contentious news programming, or talk radio.

Besides media, our associations can drown out the still small voice of the spirit. Negative conversations with friends and coworkers, along with gossip, are an easy way for the devil to lead us down his deceitful path, away from the straight and narrow way. Abusive situations can drown out with sorrow the gentle promptings of God. Does your job require you to bend your moral convictions? Get out!

Though we can perceive these negative influences, there are some that may be far more powerful because they go unnoticed. For instance, most of us accept the importance of modesty, but perhaps miss the impact that sloppy and careless dress may have on our behavior. Along with personal cleanliness, the neatness and orderliness of our work and living areas can have a significant impact on our ability to feel the Holy Ghost as well. Now, I’m not suggesting that you should feng shui³ your cubicle, but consider whether a cleaner and more minimal environment might allow for clearer thinking and might free you from being spiritually distracted.

Lastly, the magical devices most of us carry, which provide access to communication, information, and most importantly Angry Birds, can become a huge negative influence. If our cellphones are constantly buzzing with new messages and email, we cannot focus our thoughts. We may be in the midst of one who―were we able to hear the whisperings of the spirit―might be recognize as being in need of love and attention. How sad it would be if we miss calls to serve and bless because of a trivial conversation with some distant person.

How to fix.

Firstly, understand that each of us agreed to this mortal probation, in part, because we understood that only through leaving an eternal and limitless state for one with bounds and limitations, could we learn to adopt proper priorities as our Father had. There are a finite number of hours in each day. How we choose to spend our time is also an exercise in sacrificing other opportunities. The same principal applies to our attention, and thus, how we prioritize our time and attention determines the return on our mortal investment.

Elder M. Russel Ballard made a significant statement in a recent C.E.S. Fireside”

“Always give the Lord equal time so your testimonies will not drift to the false teachings of the world. Listen to the Brethren. We are doing everything we know to teach you the truth and encourage you to be anchored to those things that will keep you safe and free. Do the right things every day for the right reasons, and you will be just fine.” ⁴

Thus, how we prioritize our time (and attention) will determine the outcome of our life. If we seek to give the Lord equal time, we will naturally adjust those other influences. There is no sin in leisure. The wickedness comes when we participate in recreation before or in place of that which we know the Lord would have us do.

Second, as covenant disciples of Jesus Christ, we must live with intent. When we live passively we are surrendering our agency to outside influences. The idea that we can become without doing is a dangerous false doctrine. Often, we assume that the good feelings we experience in church will carry over into our lives in the coming week. However, we cannot bring that spiritual influence with us if we do not work to create an environment conducive to it. Put simply, it takes planning and resolve to always have the spirit with us. The covenant we make as we partake of the sacrament to”always remember”⁵ is a promise that we will dedicate our attention to the Lord, first, at the expense of other opportunities.

Conclusion.

The common environment of the world, full of confusion and chaos, is an effective place for Satan to work his purposes⁶. In order to progress toward our goal of Eternal Life must take ourselves out of it as often as it’s possible. This is achieved by a concerted effort in prioritizing our time and attention in favor of the Lord.

What are some of the negative influences in your life?

How are you going to replace them with Godly influences?

1. Alma 30:16
2. Moroni 10:22
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui
4. Elder M. Russell Ballard,  “Follow the Doctrine and Gospel of Christ”, CES Fireside for Young Adults, November 7, 2010, Brigham Young University (emphasis added)
5. D&C 20:77 & 79
6. ”A state of confusion is an effective environment for Satan. There is much confusion today.” -Richard Nibley, quoted by Ezra Taft Benson in  ”Satan’s Thrust—Youth,” Ensign, December 1971, p.53

Let’s face it, most of us are not time-crunched executives who briskly move through downtown carrying a suitcase to very important business meetings. Yet most productivity advice (which is available in abundance on the webbernet) seems to be geared toward this small, professional segment of society. However, the [...]]]>

Photo by Tony Case

Let’s face it, most of us are not time-crunched executives who briskly move through downtown carrying a suitcase to very important business meetings. Yet most productivity advice (which is available in abundance on the webbernet) seems to be geared toward this small, professional segment of society. However, the tools are there for Mr. Everyman to grab a hold of and use for his betterment, it simply takes some creativity and a willingness to try.

These concepts are not new, yet the majority of us don’t use them. Aluminum was known for quite some time, yet the process for extracting it was immensely difficult. The substance we wrap our leftover meatloaf in was once more valuable than gold. It took ingenuity to find a way to make aluminum cost-effective.

This brings us to the topic at hand. I used to have a weekly planning meeting. I kept it up for years until I realized that it was usually a huge waste of time and, in spite of my effort, never felt any more organized. The concept resonated with me, yet it actually provided little benefit. At least, not until recently.

Strangely, I’ve decided to make amends with my estranged friend, the weekly planning meeting. It has worked quite well. Here’s what it took:

1. A new system

2. Simplification

3. Dedication

A New System

As my last foray into planning sessions seemed to waste massive amounts of time, I made it a point this time around to set a limit. It would be absurd to spend more time planning than living.

One aspect of my former ways that I kept is extremely important: sessions must be the same time each week. This time is sacred and cannot be sacrificed without throwing a stick in my spokes, sending my head first into the asphalt that is, “crap I forgot.” This is also why I try to make it quick. Make the sacrifice on your time as small as possible.

I chose Sunday as my day, but use what works for you. Remember that it is imperative you get started that very next day. Any lapse breeds procrastination on an epic scale. After planning you will experience some sort of excitement to accomplish your goals. Don’t let that enthusiasm die; the longer you wait the less likely you will do anything.

So what exactly should you be planning? My new planning cycle is based on four straight-forward questions.

• What do I need to do this week?

• What do I want to do this week?

• What did I fail at last week?

• What did I do awesome at last week?

A word of caution: focus on the To-Do’s. It can be tempting to daydream about working your way to the top of Google, but it’s not gonna’ happen if you never get on it and wash your stinky pants. You smell like a hippy.

Simplification

Avoid the temptation to draft world domination plans. That is not the purpose of this session. The goal here is to start your week off on the right foot and ahead of schedule. Make a reasonable time constraint and stick to it. This will do two things. First, it will make it possible to have a life outside your calendar, and second it will keep you from dreading these sessions in the future.

Have whatever tool you use handy, whether it’s index cards, a blackberry, your iPhone, or a calendar. Just put it down somewhere that you will see it. I myself use Google Calendar along with Remember The Milk. The point is, you need to do whatever works for you and NOTHING MORE. Don’t allow your techno-ego to ruin this opportunity. This strategy could be just as effective with cocktail napkins as a complex PDA.

Dedication

It sounds so very basic, but the simple fact of the matter is that you are going to find a million excuses to give up. Don’t.

Like any plan, this is always evolving. What have you found that works for you? What doesn’t?