16. Use the phrase, "I could be wrong, but..."

I think that this one is pretty self-explanitory. By using this phrase we show others that we are willing to admit that we might be wrong and are just merely expressing our opinion or what we think. Give it a shot next time you offer someone a piece of advice.

15. Take advice

We are given advice on many occassions. Some of those may include: general conference, school, church, or just a small piece of advice from a friend. The advice may be applicable or perhaps it's not. But before you dismiss it be sure to truly ask yourself if it has any merit. Too often we disregard sage advice just because we are to proud to admit that we need to change.

An apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Neil L. Andersen, has said, "When a loved one or friend suggests things we need to change, the natural man in us sometimes pops up his head and responds, 'Oh, you think I should change? Well, let me tell you about some of your problems.' A better approach is to humbly petition the Lord: 'Father, what wouldst Thou have me do?' The answers come. We feel the changes we need to make. The Lord tells us in our mind and in our heart."

Let us choose to listen to the counsel of friends, family, and the prophets and become better.

14. Quickly admit you are wrong

Throughout each day and week of our lives there are often disagreements. Both people often began an argument thinking that they are right. But halfway through the discussion I can start to see their side... most of the time. But do I stop disagreeing? Probably not. I just keep trying to find more reasons why I'm right and they're wrong. Why?

I think it all goes back to pride. When we realize that we've made a mistake or mispoke we refuse to swallow our pride. It's almost like a switch that just gets turned on as soon someone says we are wrong. We just immediately start getting all defensive.

The solution, I think, is just practice. Try to take a step back and really think about whether or not what the person is saying is true. Sometimes it's ok to call a time-out.

13. Fight self pity

A couple of months ago one of the church leaders in the area gave a great talk on this subject. He talked about how sometimes he sends out an invitation to himself to attend a pity party and he always accepts. He then spoke about how we can combat these feelings. We have much to be glad about. Think of it, the Savior has overcome the world. Why shouldn't we be of good cheer (See John 16)?
So next time you consider sending yourself an invite to your own pity party think again, and instead consider what Jesus Christ has done for you.

12. Repent

True repentance means true change.

Click here for more on repentance.

11. Don't cause contention

Alright, I'm going to start this one off with a confession... I have not always been so good at refraining myself from causing contention. Just ask my mother, I was quite the tease. As I have grown older, however, I have eased up a considerable amount. Anyway, enough about me.

Contention is of the devil as stated in 3 Nephi 11:29 and we should strive for peace in our homes and commnuties. When you find yourself feeling grumpy (maybe you woke up on the wrong side of the bed), instead of trying to make others miserable, go out of your way to help someone else.

10. Don't withhold gratitude

Thomas S. Monson, a prophet, recently gave a talk entitled The Divine Gift of Gratitude. Last October he brought up a rather good point I think. He said, "The loss of loved ones almost inevitably brings some regrets to our hearts. Let’s minimize such feelings as much as humanly possible by frequently expressing our love and gratitude to them. We never know how soon it will be too late."

We never know when the end is. I hope that we don't let our pride hurt our relationships with family and friends here on earth.

To view a video about gratitude please click here.

9. Don't be jealous of anything or anyone

The 10th commandment given to Moses says, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s."1 Gratitude is the quick cure for jealousy. If we can remember everything that we have been blessed with we will be slow to covet other people's things. President Thomas S. Monson has said, "Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings."2

See what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes about gratitude.

8. Thicken Your Skin

Don't let the little things bother you. Sometimes I find myself letting the silliest things get to me. In reality that stuff doesn't matter and we'd be better off to just let it go. Humility and patience both play a large role in being able to do this. If someone says something rude to you, quickly forgive them and move on. Don't hold a grudge.

7. Cave

Cave: to yield; submit; surrender.

Disagreements in life happen often. Much of the time they result in hurt feelings and holding onto grudges. Sometimes these disagreements even occur during a sporting event... I know, hard to believe. But most of the time both players think they are right. Without a referee, a disagreement in a pick-up basketball game can put a halt to everyone's fun.

The solution: just cave. In the eternal scheme of things it isn't important if your foot was on the three point line or not.

6. Go to the temple often

For those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, going to the temple is great blessing. Just as the temples and tabernacles of the Old and New Testament were sacred and holy edifices to those who entered, so it is today for members of the Church who qualify for a temple recommend. The more often we can attend the temple, the more we feel wonderful spirit that is there.

For more information about what a temple is please click on the picture above.

5. Forgive others

Oftentimes, we are offended by little things. Each one of us has weaknesses and strengths. Instead of becoming upset with one another we should be quick to forgive and slow to condemn. The Savior taught us that we should forgive others as we have been forgiven.1 So next time someone cuts you off on the road, take a step back and ask yourself if it really matters in the long run.

4. Give Selfless Service

Our Heavenly Father has asked us to serve one another. By serving each other we show our Father in Heaven through our actions that we love Him and our fellow brothers and sisters. My dad and I talked on occasion about the good feeling that comes after serving someone else. Why is that?? Why do you feel so good after you've used your time and your effort to help someone else? It is because the Holy Ghost will testify to you that you have done the right thing.

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."1 -King Benjamin