D. Todd Christofferson: The Will to Prepare

Summary

The speaker encourages participants in BYU Pathway Worldwide, emphasizing the importance of education and preparation for a better life. Drawing on personal experiences, the speaker reassures students facing self-doubt, emphasizing the value of hard work, faith, and relying on divine guidance. He shares a personal story of overcoming financial hardship with God's help, highlighting the importance of prayer, trust, and perseverance. The speaker encourages students to make God their partner in their educational journey, assuring them that with humility and diligence, they will receive the strength and guidance needed to succeed.

Takeaways

• 😀 The decision to enroll in BYU Pathway Worldwide is a step towards improving oneself and preparing for a better quality of life, both personally and for others.
• 😀 Education is not just for improving our earthly life but also prepares us for eternity, as knowledge attained here will rise with us in the resurrection.
• 😀 Just like the Savior's 30 years of preparation for his ministry, preparation plays a crucial role in success in life and education.
• 😀 Former BYU football coach Lavell Edwards emphasized that the 'will to prepare' is more important than the 'will to win.' Hard work, practice, and training are essential for success.
• 😀 Feeling self-doubt or fear is normal when taking on new challenges like BYU Pathway, and you're not alone in those feelings.
• 😀 A little self-doubt can be a helpful motivator, but excessive fear can hold you back. Striking the right balance is key to overcoming challenges.
• 😀 There will be skeptics and people who doubt your ability, but their opinions cannot stop you. Focus on those who support you, including your Heavenly Father.
• 😀 Turn to God in prayer, as He will guide you and grant you help, even if His answers come gradually, step by step, rather than instantly solving the problem.
• 😀 Relying on the Lord in difficult times allows you to grow spiritually and develop a closer relationship with Him, even through challenges.
• 😀 The key to success is to pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you, as President Gordon B. Hinckley taught.
• 😀 With God's help and diligent effort, you can succeed in BYU Pathway and all other worthy endeavors, without being alone in your labor and study.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main message in the script?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of preparation, education, and faith in achieving success. They encourage students to rely on both their efforts and divine help, stressing that persistence, humility, and preparation are keys to overcoming challenges.

How does the speaker connect education to eternal life?

The speaker links education to eternal life by stating that the knowledge and intelligence we gain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection, implying that education has both earthly and eternal significance.

What does the speaker say about feeling self-doubt or fear in the pursuit of education?

The speaker acknowledges that it is normal to feel self-doubt or fear when pursuing education, and reassures students that such feelings do not mean they are alone or incapable. They suggest that a bit of worry can keep us sharp, but too much can hinder progress.

How does the speaker compare preparation in sports to preparation for education?

The speaker quotes former BYU football coach Lavell Edwards, who said that while the 'will to win' is important, 'the will to prepare' is even more crucial. They explain that success comes not just from desire, but from the hard work and dedication to preparation.

What does the speaker say about facing challenges and adversity?

The speaker shares a personal story of facing financial and business struggles, explaining how, through prayer and reliance on divine help, they were able to overcome these challenges. The speaker highlights the importance of patience and perseverance through difficulties.

What role does faith play in overcoming obstacles, according to the speaker?

Faith is presented as essential in overcoming obstacles. The speaker encourages students to pray as if everything depends on the Lord, while working as if everything depends on them, suggesting that divine guidance and personal effort work hand in hand.

How does the speaker suggest that students should view their education journey?

The speaker encourages students to view their education journey as an opportunity to prepare for a better life, not just for themselves, but also for those who depend on them or look to them for guidance. Education is seen as preparation for both personal success and service to others.

What personal qualities does the speaker bless the students with for their education journey?

The speaker blesses the students with confidence, the will to prepare, humility, patience, and diligence. They also promise that through these qualities, the students will receive guidance from the Holy Spirit and succeed in their endeavors.

What does the speaker mean by saying 'you are not alone' in this journey?

The speaker reassures students that they are not alone in their educational journey, as they have support from loved ones, those who believe in them, and most importantly, divine help from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

How does the speaker describe their personal experience with prayer during a difficult trial?

The speaker shares how, during a financial crisis, they turned to prayer and learned to trust in the Lord. Rather than an immediate solution, the Lord helped them step by step, strengthening them and providing guidance, teaching them to rely on both divine help and personal effort.