Scripture Study improvement challenge

[Erudite]

Ok! So my challenge to myself is to improve the frequency and quality of my scripture study. Referencing the Personal improvement challenge thread, specifically the stuff from Influencer, I want to make my goals about improving the behavior rather than aiming at an outcome. So my goals are about behavior. Here's the info from the book:

Confusing outcomes with behaviors is no small issue. In fact, when you look at most failed influence strategies, you're likely to find at least one example of means/ends confusion. For instance, your neighbor attends a seminar on problem solving with teenagers. She's told that in order to commence the high risk conversation on the right foot, she needs to "establish a good relationship." That's it. That's what she's supposed to do. She's given this counsel by a coach who actually believes that he's providing her with behavioral advice. In truth, your neighbor is actually being told what to achieve, not what to do. What the advice is really suggesting is : "Do something; we're not sure what it is, but do something that results in a good relationship."

So...my behavioral goals are:

• Study at 9:30am each day I'm home.
• Write a specific question that will guide each study session.
• Take time to reflect in writing at the end of each study session.

The other thing I need is a recovery method for if/when I miss my 9:30am goal. So I will plan to study during carpool time if I miss my morning session. Doing that will keep the rest of my day on track.

Thanks for letting me write this out!

[Erudite]

This week's (8/25) question:
How can I find more mental strength and the power to redirect and focus my thoughts?
(This too comes from the book Influencer; they recommend brief periods of focus as the way to master a particular skill. I'm a good multi-tasker and don't focus...thus my question.)

Some of my reflections from where I am in the BofM:
Helaman 1:26 - Satan goes for the center of your thoughts--the place he thinks you're the weakest, but you can combat (redirect thoughts) him with other strengths that you have (armies in other areas). You don't necessarily need to combat directly, getting out in front with your armies works too.

Helaman 1:28 - When you discover yourself off track, send help immediately...that is refocus...don't rationalize that what you've switched to might be more important.

Helaman 1:30 - resist unto blood; make refocusing the most important thing (see also Hebrews 12:4)

[5ft Diva]

These are great thoughts! I love the idea of starting with a question. How's the 9:30 time working for you?

[Erudite]

Actually...lol...I haven't yet done it at that time. I'm using my contigency plan everyday, but I'm doing much better at getting it done and getting more out of it.

[natickgirl]

Very inspiring. I've noticed I let anything & everything get in the way of my scripture study, which I fundamentally know is more important than everything else that gets in the way. I appreciate your insights. I need to sit down & evaluate my schedule and just SCHEDULE a time (a realistic time) that will be my scripture study time...no matter what!

[Erudite]

That worked for me, NG! I now have made it a part of my daily schedule and I don't let other things schedule across it.

[Erudite]

This week I spent time studying the D&C with the student manual at my side (I'm taking an institute class). I learned a lot doing it that way. My question...or rather desire...was to better understand that book and how it relates to my life now. Did you know Joseph Field Smith called the D&C more precious that jewels? And, without negating our other scriptures, called it the most important book we have. It makes me feel a little bad that I don't know it better than I do.