Diligence, as defined in Preach My Gospel, is “steady, consistent, earnest, and energetic effort in doing the Lord’s work.” It is the ability to persist, work effectively, and focus on meaningful tasks, even when tired. This attribute is not only for missionaries but can transform the way we approach all aspects of life, including our work. When practiced with a Christlike attitude, diligence elevates our efforts, helps us fulfill our divine potential, and leads to greater joy, satisfaction, and wellness.
Diligence and Wellness
Diligence in the Lord’s work brings peace, clarity, and wellness. When we work steadily and consistently, we reduce the mental burden of procrastination and incomplete tasks. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by what lies ahead, diligence allows us to break down large tasks into manageable pieces, moving forward step by step. This approach not only ensures progress but also creates a sense of accomplishment that fuels our energy and enthusiasm.
Diligence also nurtures emotional resilience. The steady, consistent nature of diligent work strengthens our ability to persevere in the face of challenges. We learn to trust that our efforts, when combined with God’s grace, will yield results in His time. This trust alleviates the anxiety that often accompanies stress, helping us feel calm and centered.
Physically, practicing diligence promotes better time management, enabling us to balance work with rest. We learn to focus on the most important things and avoid distractions that waste our time and energy. By working efficiently and setting aside moments to recharge, we maintain our physical health and avoid burnout.
Diligence and Inspired Work
In the workplace, diligence is a powerful expression of commitment and love for our responsibilities. It reflects the Savior’s example of doing His Father’s work with care, efficiency, and persistence. When we approach our tasks with diligence, we demonstrate to those around us that we value not only the outcome of our work but the process itself.
A diligent worker is proactive, always seeking ways to improve and contribute, rather than waiting for instructions. Just as Doctrine and Covenants 58:27 encourages us to "do many good things of [our] own free will," we can take initiative in the workplace, finding opportunities to serve, improve, and uplift others. This proactive attitude brings a sense of ownership over our work, enhancing both our personal satisfaction and the success of the team.
Moreover, diligence allows us to prioritize effectively. By focusing on the most important tasks and avoiding distractions, we increase our productivity and maintain a high standard of work. Diligent workers are not only efficient but also reliable, building trust with colleagues and leaders who know they can depend on consistent, quality efforts.
How to Be More Diligent in the Workplace
- Work with Purpose and Love for the Lord: Approach your work as an opportunity to serve, just as Christ served with love and dedication. Let your love for the Lord and His work motivate you to put forth steady, consistent, and earnest effort in all that you do.
- Plan Effectively: Diligence requires careful planning. Take time to set clear goals, prioritize your tasks, and establish routines that support productive habits. Regular planning helps you stay focused and ensures that you’re working on the things that matter most. Don't forget to plan time to be intentional about your wellness or building and strengthening relationships. These energizing activities are incredibly important to your work, but if you don't plan for them, they will be left behind.
- Avoid Distractions: The ability to avoid distractions is key to diligence. In the workplace, distractions can come in many forms, from social media to unnecessary meetings. Be mindful of where your time and energy are going, and make a conscious effort to stay focused on your tasks. Don't forget: opportunities to build meaningful relationships with coworkers or recharge in meaningful and intentional ways are not distractions but activities that should be built into your work schedule as they are necessary to success in your role at work.
- Pray for Guidance and Strength: Just as missionaries are encouraged to pray for guidance, so too can we seek the Lord’s help in our daily work. Prayer can provide clarity on how to prioritize, strength to endure long hours and our less favorite parts of our roles, and wisdom to know when to rest and recharge.
- Take Initiative: Don’t wait for your leaders or colleagues to tell you what to do. Look for ways to contribute, improve, and solve problems on your own. By taking initiative, you show that you are committed to the success of the team and willing to go the extra mile to achieve it.
- Find Joy in the Process: Diligence is not only about getting things done; it’s about finding joy in the work itself. When we work with energy, persistence, and care, we experience deep satisfaction in knowing that we are fulfilling our potential and doing good in the world.
By practicing diligence in the workplace, we become more than just effective workers—we become instruments in the Lord’s hands, capable of making a meaningful impact on our students, each other, and others. Our steady, consistent, and energetic efforts not only lead to personal success but also inspire others to do the same. In this way, diligence becomes a source of joy, wellness, and fulfillment, allowing us to serve both God and others with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.