“On the Path to Greater Self-Reliance,” Liahona, August 2016, 41
On the Path to Greater Self-Reliance
Are you becoming more self-reliant each day?
Rate yourself on these statements to get an idea of where you are on the journey to self-reliance.
This evaluation is not a comprehensive list of guidelines. As you and your family prayerfully study this topic and counsel together, the Spirit can prompt you to know how to improve.
After completing the self-evaluation, consider setting some goals in the areas where you had lower scores.
Response key: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=Often, 4=Almost Always, 5=Always
Preparedness
1. I have cash set aside to use in case of an emergency.
2. I keep my home stocked with emergency supplies (such as blankets, candles, flashlights).
3. I keep important documents in a secure place, and my family and I know where to access them.
4. I regularly buy and store extra food and water.
5. I use the food storage I have and replace it with new food so it doesn’t expire.
Employment
1. I make efforts to improve my work skills and productivity through seminars and work-sponsored classes.
2. I can work well with others, and they trust me.
3. Before job searching, I seek feedback on my resume and my interviewing skills.
4. I am prayerful and positive while searching for work.
5. I look for opportunities to make new contacts with potential to lead to employment.
Finances
1. I seek ways to save money by reducing unnecessary expenses.
2. I regularly put money aside in a savings or investment account.
3. I avoid going into unnecessary debt.
4. I pay an honest tithe and donate a generous fast offering.
5. I take care of my possessions so they last longer.
Physical Health
1. I make an effort to exercise regularly.
2. I eat healthy foods and drink enough water every day.
3. I live the Word of Wisdom and encourage others to do so as well.
4. I avoid becoming addicted to harmful substances.
5. I get adequate sleep and avoid oversleeping.
Education
1. I seek formal and informal opportunities to learn.
2. When seeking to gain more education, I look for resources such as scholarships or the Perpetual Education Fund.
3. I welcome exposure to views and opinions that are different from mine.
4. I seek the Spirit to help me discern truth and retain what I learn.
5. I include daily gospel study as part of my education.