How to Feel Good About Failure

First off, what do I mean by failure?

Well, what is our purpose here on earth?

I don't know about you, but if this is the definition of success, I am most definitely a failure.

But I don't feel bad about that. Want to know why?

Before I get into that, I hope you know that this weekend hosts the word of God as it is delivered to us in modern day through the mouths of his servants. (i.e. It's General Conference, Baby!!)

(If you haven't been watching, it's not too late! There's one more session left, and the ones that have already happened are available online here!)

I LOVE General Conference - inspired words, beautiful music, feeling the Spirit. But what I love most about it is that God uses this opportunity to make me want to become better.

How does He do this?

He points out where I am falling short.

But there is a key difference here between the way God points out where I can improve and the way I sometimes point it out to myself:

He always does it in a way that inspires me, that motivates me, that makes me believe with all my heart that I can succeed and make those changes I need to make.

There is no harsh chastisement or call to repentance.

There is simply inspiration to be better.

Bit by bit, through small and simple daily actions.

(this scripture was quoted in President Dallin H. Oaks's talk this morning!)

So why do we beat ourselves up for our failure to achieve perfection, when our God who gave us that commandment never does?

I have already been so inspired to make changes in my life based on the words of God that I have heard over these last two days. Here are a few of the changes I've been called to make in my life:

1) Go through my Pinterest and make sure I am following only that which will uplift and inspire me.

I love reading funny stories and fan theories on some of my favorite movies, but too often these contain vulgar language or are contentious in nature. There's no need to be wasting my time on that when there is plenty of good out there to see and learn from!

2) Attend the temple regularly and regularly work on family history.

This has been something that God has called me to again and again. It is essential, and should be as rooted in my schedule as prayer and scripture study.

3) Fill my spare moments with the words of God.

Like many other things with this Conference, I have been reminded of the good things that are out there to do and be. Netflix isn't one of them. Neither is wasting time scrolling through Facebook. My free time can be put to much better use. If I have a few moments where I would usually scroll on my phone, I can do that, but I'll be reading General Conference talks or the lyrics of hymns or scripture verses instead.

Which of your failures has the Lord turned into encouragement?

What can you do better?

Next time you realize places where you need to improve, please do so the way your Heavenly Father does - by acknowledging how wonderful you are, how hard you've worked, and how capable you are of achieving your goals!