In Preach My Gospel, obedience is defined as willingly following God's commandments and adhering to divine principles. It is an essential attribute for spiritual growth, as it reflects our love for God and our Savior Jesus Christ and our desire to align with our Heavenly Father's will. Obedience is not merely about rules nor is it about blindly and quietly following them; it’s about cultivating a heart that is receptive to divine guidance and willing to act in faith. This principle extends beyond religious life and into the workplace, where obedience to ethical standards and higher principles can greatly impact one's wellness, particularly spiritual wellness.
Emotional flexibility is a powerful trait that allows us to navigate life's challenges with resilience and authenticity. In her TED Talk, "Authentic Confidence Through Emotional Flexibility," Jacqueline Brassey emphasizes the importance of adapting to emotional experiences while maintaining a sense of self-confidence. She defines emotional flexibility as the ability to regulate our emotions, adjust to new circumstances, and respond to life's unpredictability with openness rather than resistance.
Muscular stretching is often seen as an essential aspect of physical fitness routines, but its benefits extend far beyond athletic performance or flexibility. Regular stretching can be a powerful tool for enhancing overall wellness and improving workplace performance. By integrating stretching into daily routines, employees can experience physical, mental, and emotional benefits that lead to increased productivity, reduced stress, and improved job satisfaction.
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.
Wellness is often perceived as a personal journey, but its impact extends far beyond the individual. In the context of both the workplace and the classroom, wellness becomes a critical factor in performance and engagement. When we neglect our wellness, we compromise our ability to show up fully and contribute meaningfully. Conversely, when we prioritize wellness, even in small ways, we enhance our capacity to engage, perform, and inspire others. In the light of the new semester and last week's University Conference, being able to bring our whole selves to work, whether we work primarily in the classroom; in a lab; in an office space; at an on-campus eatery; outside; or elsewhere, is essential to the Becoming BYU plan.
This week is University Conference, and this year's theme, Omni 1:26, invites us to "come unto Christ... and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him." This profound invitation is not confined to spiritual settings but extends to all areas of life, including the workplace. By aligning our professional lives with Christ-like principles, we can experience greater wellness, engagement, and fulfillment in our work.
I always feel appreciated when colleagues ask me about how things are going with sincerity. It's one thing to hear, "How's the research?" but much more meaningful when someone asks, "Did you hear back on that manuscript you submitted last week?" It shows that they actually care about what I'm doing, so I try to reciprocate and do the same back.
Several months ago, I started saying a prayer of gratitude every morning when I wake up. This is based on what President Nelson taught: “Each new morning is a gift from God. Even the air we breathe is a loving loan from Him. He preserves us from day to day and supports us from one moment to another. Therefore, our first noble deed of the morning should be a humble prayer of gratitude.” I start my prayer by thanking Heavenly Father for the air I breathe that is a loving loan from Him. Then I continue my prayer of gratitude. In my prayer, I thank God for BYU, for my colleagues at BYU, for the leadership at BYU, and for the students at BYU. Following my prayer, I read at least one verse and ponder it. I learned to do this based on what Elder Costa does: "When I wake up, instead of looking at my phone, I say a prayer. Even a simple prayer. Then I read a scripture. This helps me with my weekly covenant that I make as I partake of the sacrament to 'always remember Him.' When I begin my day with a prayer and a scripture, I can 'remember Him' when I do look at my phone. I can 'remember Him' when I face problems and conflicts, and I try to face them like Jesus would."
