“When we set goals, we often make the mistake of setting a very long-range goal. … You can take the long view, but remember that the most effective goals are short-term goals that get you toward your destination” (“You Can Do This,” New Era, April 2020).

“There is great strength in being highly focused on our goals. We have all seen the favorable fruits of that focus. Yet an intense focus on goals can cause a person to forget the importance of righteous means. … We cannot be so concerned about our goals that we overlook the necessity of using righteous methods to attain them” (“Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Brigham Young University devotional, June 1992).

“We may have to struggle to achieve our goals, but our struggles may yield as much growth as our learning. The strengths we develop in overcoming challenges will be with us in the eternities to come. We should not envy those whose financial or intellectual resources make it easy. The stuff of growth was never made of ease, and persons who have it easy will need to experience their growth with other sacrifices or forego the advancement that is the purpose of life” (“Learning and Latter-day Saints,” Liahona, April 2009).

“Let us remember that desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. In addition, it is our actions and our desires that cause us to become something, whether a true friend, a gifted teacher, or one who has qualified for eternal life” (“Desire,” April 2011 general conference).

“We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families” (“Good, Better, Best,” October 2007 general conference)