Your life is your own, to develop or to destroy. You can blame others little and yourself almost totally if that life is not a productive, worthy, full, and abundant one.
A dozen times a day we come to a fork in the road and must decide which way we will go. It is important to get our ultimate objectives clearly in mind so that we do not become distracted at each fork in the road by the irrelevant questions: Which is the easier or more pleasant way? Or, Which way are others going?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life presents us with constant choices, and it's crucial to stay focused on our goals rather than be swayed by distractions.
This quote emphasizes that throughout our day, we face numerous decisions that can lead us in different directions. Spencer W. Kimball urges us to have clarity on our ultimate objectives so we can navigate these choices without being misguided by the ease or popularity of the paths available. Instead of succumbing to societal pressures or choosing the more convenient route, we should remain steadfast in pursuing what truly matters to us.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about pursuing one's dreams, this quote can remind the audience to stay focused on their paths.
More from Spencer W. Kimball
All quotes →Do not make small goals because they do not have the magic to stir men's souls.
What could you do better for your children and your children's children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, your recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved? Some of what you write may be humdrum dates and places, but there will also be rich passages that will be quoted by your posterity.
Failure to plan brings barrenness and sterility. Fate brushes man with its wings, but we make our own fate largely.
The day obedience becomes a quest and not an irritation is the day you gain power.
Only when you lift a burden, God will lift your burden. Divine paradox this! The man who staggers and falls because his burden is too great can lighten that burden by taking on the weight of another's burden. You get by giving, but your part of giving must be given first.
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He hath a heart as sound as a bell, and his tongue is the clapper; for what his heart thinks his tongue speaks.
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The greatest genius will not be worth much if he pretends to draw exclusively from his own resources