Monson's Formula to Success

First, fill your mind with truth; second, fill your life with service; and third, fill your heart with love. --Monson
I loved this quote! I'm going to put it on my wall. It summarizes what my goals are for my life in a short, simple sentence. Each section focuses on a different aspect of my life: intellect, service and the community, and relationships. If instead of simply "getting my education" I focus on "filling my mind with truth," it takes on a whole new perspective. My paradigm shifts and my goals change from simply going for good grades to pursuing talents and habits that will help me in my future career and family. But this is only part of the threefold formula. Last night I met a couple of girls who are nearing the end of their college experience. When I asked them for advice they both mentioned getting involved and finding balance. Right now my involvement is in dances, workshops, and societies. I think I need to find an opportunity for service to replace some of those activities. Also, I have been waiting to have an income before donating to a cause that I'm excited about, all the while eating fast food and going to concerts. I decided that instead of waiting, it's important for me at this time to make a sacrifice (which is completely within my reach financially) and start to make donations in April.
I have also felt the joy of developing relationships outside of my family and outside of the context of the mission. It's been an amazing experience to find these friendships and learn how to nurture them. Some of my favorite days have been those spent with the new friends I have made here at BYU-I.
In short, I can see the importance of these three principles in my life and I am excited to focus on them purposefully using this quote. 
I also decided to start applying the money model from the Ministry of Business video. Currently, I don't have a job, but I can start to plan the percentages I would allocate to the different areas.
  • What is your attitude toward money?
I feel good about money. I enjoy getting it and saving it, but honestly, I enjoy spending it on others even more. There's just such a good feeling that I get when I give someone a gift with money that I have earned.
I see money as an opportunity. An opportunity to travel, to give, to invest, etc.
  • How can your view of money affect the way you live?
It can shape your decisions. If you think money is evil, you will make choices to avoid it and consequently, life may be harder for you (unless you're Henry Thoreau). If you love money, you will let the more important things fall by the wayside and again, life may be harder for you. 
It's important to maintain a balance and evaluate your concept of money.
  • What rules are recommended for prospering?
“Rule 1. Seek the Lord and have hope in him. Rule 2. Keep the commandments, that includes the temporal ones, tithing and fast offerings. Rule 3. Think about money and plan how you can become self-reliant. Rule 4. Take advantage of chances for learning so you will not be ignorant of these matters. Education, as President Hinckley has taught us, is the Key to Opportunity. Rule 5. Learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated. Rule 6. Do not send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty or the sick or those who are held captive.”

With my businesses, I started the stone rolling for my violin-lesson business. I'm starting by using FB, then I'll post it on LinkedIn, and next month I'm going to use some of my budget to get fliers and posters for on-campus (if possible), the library, and apartment complexes. Someone who wants to start lessons has already messaged me!

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