1/1 RS Lesson: Goals

Last Sunday, Sister Davis presented this month's Riverside RS presidency lesson on goals and resolutions.  She opened the lesson by reading a light-hearted Ensign article written by an LDS mother, entitled "The New Me Has Been Cancelled."  This story was all about setting goals for yourself that are realistic and achievable.  And about appreciating what you are able to accomplish, instead of getting down on yourself for what you haven't finished.


Sister Davis then referenced a talk by President Ezra Taft Benson entitled "Do Not Despair."  In this article, President Benson says the 12th way we can lift our spirits is through setting short- and long- term goals.  He reminds us to set goals in four specific areas of our lives: Spiritual, Social, Mental, and Physical.  A ward sister mentioned that through doing this we can evaluate ourselves and discover what we can change and how best to go about making that change. 


The last article Sister Davis read was from a talk entitled "Do Things That Make a Difference" by Elder M. Russell Ballard.  Four important points that Sister Davis shared with us were:

1. Master the Skill of Setting Worthy Goals - It makes a difference when mastering goal setting, which allows you to move forward and keep trying to reach your goals without being weighed down by guilt.
2. Develop Self-Discipline - Remaining focused on the goals with the proper attitude.
3. Make Goals Happen - Matthew 5:48.  Reaching goals is a process, not an event.  Eliminate the bad habits and replace with ones geared toward the eternal good.
4. Build a Good Self-Image - Remembering that you are a child of God and worthy of blessings in life.

At the end of the lesson, some of the ward sisters shared their wonderful thoughts on goals and resolutions:

• Be proactive instead of reactive.
• Take time to evaluate your goals at the beginning of each day and discern what you are able (and not able) to accomplish during that day.
• We all go through seasons of life.  We must set realistic goals in whatever season of life you are living in.   
• Time goes by very quick; enjoy the moment!
• Be flexible and open to new goals that may be derived from goals you're already working towards.
• Set smart, specific, and measurable goals.
• Allow for time phase adjustments based on changes in life and your circumstances.
• Feel and listen to the spirit!!

We appreciate insight many ward sisters shared with us and also the time that Sister Davis put forth in preparing this lesson.  The spirit was definitely felt throughout her message!