Presidency Message

Someone once said, "Don't let the things which matter most be at the mercy of the things which matter least." As this new year begins, make a committment to yourself to first discover what truly is most important to you. Then set effective, realistic goals related to those personal values.

At the summer retreat, Kari Pike gave an excellent lesson in which she taught us the five characteristics of goal setting:

1. Goals are very specific--this means the goal should be described in easy to understand language.
2. Goals must be written--when well written, a goal formulates an image in the mind.
3. Goals need to be measurable--to be effective, a goal should be broken into measured increments.
4. Goals should be realistic--your mind should be able to perceive a logical possibility.
5. Each goal should have a date for accomplishment--when a date is included, one can schedule the activities needed for each increment leading to completion. (BYU Student Development 100, pg. 26)

Temple work, scripture study, publishing my novels, and personal fitness are all things that have taken a back seat to less important things in my life. While it's true that there simply is not enough time in the day to accomplish everything we'd like to do, we certainly can make the time for those things that are most important. If I truly wish to effect personal change, I must incorporate the five characteristics of goal setting for temple work, scripture study, publishing my novels, and personal fitness.

Temple Work

1. (specific, written, measurable, realistic, date) I will attend the temple at least once a month in the year 2002, and will spiritually prepare myself through prayer and quiet meditation before each visit.
2. (measurable) To accomplish my goal, I will mark a wall calendar with each one of my ward's temple nights, as well as set aside every Saturday morning between the times of 7:00 and 10:00 a.m., starting Jan. 5, 2002, as a time I can attend the temple.
3. (specific, written, measurable, realistic, date) I will invite others one month in advance, to attend the temple with me, thus reinforcing my own committment. I will start by inviting the ANWA Presidency at our next presidency meeting on Dec 29, 2001, to attend the temple with me on Jan. 5, 2002.

Wow! That felt great! Attending the temple is incredibly important to me, and yet so many times, things of far lesser importance have taken its place...but with this specific, written, measurable, realistic, dated goal, I will accomplish it! Now to set goals for scripture study, publishing my novels, and personal fitness, and for the first time in a very long time, I might just feel a little more organized. And more importantly, those things that matter the most to me will not be at the mercy of things that matter the least.

May you find the inner strength and resolve to set effective goals for yourself. May 2002 be your year, the year you accomplish the things that matter the most.

With Love,
Theresa M. Sneed
ANWA General President

Please send email to anwa_lds@yahoo.com if you have any questions.