Inspirational Quotes: Self Mastery

“Before you can master yourself, my precious one, you need to know who you are. You consist of two parts—your physical body, and your spirit which lives within your body. You may have heard the expression “mind over matter.” That’s what I would like to talk about—but phrase it a little differently: “spirit over body.” That is self-mastery.” Russell M. Nelson, Self-Mastery, October General Conference 1985.

“Fasting is also one of the finest ways of developing our own discipline and self-control.” L. Tom Perry, The Law of the Fast, April General Conference 1986.

“We always see the guideposts in our life more clearly after we have passed them and have reached a higher vantage point. If we were more alert to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we would see them before we reach them and thereby be guided more effectively. This process requires self-mastery, self-control, and a heart willing to accept change.”  Richard G. Scott, Happiness Now and Forever, October General Conference, 1979. 

“In this life, certain actions can be perfected. A baseball pitcher can throw a no-hit, no-run ball game. A surgeon can perform an operation without an error. A musician can render a selection without a mistake. One can likewise achieve perfection in being punctual, paying tithing, keeping the Word of Wisdom, and so on. The enormous effort required to attain such self-mastery is rewarded with a deep sense of satisfaction. More importantly, spiritual attainments in mortality accompany us into eternity.”  Russell M Nelson, Perfection Pending, October General Conference 1995.

“The moral realm the only real control you have is self-control.” Jeffery R. Holland, Scantify Yourselves, October General Conference, 2000. 

“Young Latter-day Saints, shape up! Face up! Take hold of your lives! Take control of your mind, your thoughts!” Boyd K. Packer, The Spirit of Revelation, October General Conference 1999.

“If we desire to have a proper spirit with us at all times, we must choose to refrain from becoming angry.” Thomas S. Monson, School They Feelings, O My Brother, October General Conference, 2009. 

“Moral discipline is the consistent exercise of agency to choose the right because it is right, even when it is hard.” D. Todd Christofferson, Moral Discipline, October General Conference 2009.

“Remember—a positive attitude, a well-thought-out plan, and consistent self-discipline can help us improve our circumstances.” M. Russell Ballard, Providing for Our Needs, April General Conference 1981. 

“Our Heavenly Father has given to each of us the power to think and reason and decide. With such power, self-discipline becomes a necessity.” Thomas S. Monson, Pathways to Perfection, April General Conference 2002.

“Small errors and minor drifts away from the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring sorrowful consequences into our lives. It is therefore of critical importance that we become self-disciplined enough to make early and decisive corrections to get back on the right track and not wait or hope that errors will somehow correct themselves.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf, A Matter of a Few Degrees, April General Conference 2008.