Setting goals: Advice from Elder John A. Widtsoe still relevant more than a century later

Every year millions of people resolve to do a little better than the previous year. Gyms are frequented more often, fresh fruit and vegetables are purchased and even scripture study increases. But sometimes those good intentions may result in resting treadmills, spoiled food and dusty books.

It has been said that a goal not written is just a wish. Perhaps the lack of planning is one reason that resolutions are not kept. Life, some say, just gets in the way and many become discouraged when their New Year's resolutions become memories. But life is what you make of it, and a life centered on Jesus Christ will result in a life of achievements.

"Realizing that happiness in life is only obtained by having a pure heart, a clear conscience; and fearing the Lord and keeping his commandments I lay down the following regulations by which I shall try to conduct my life hereafter; to which end may the Lord Almighty, my Creator, help me."

These are the words of 19-year-old John A. Widtsoe, who would later become an apostle. More than 100 years ago, he penned 17 resolves that served him well throughout his life. These regulations are still relevant today as we plan our lives and use our time wisely.

John Andreas Widtsoe was born in Norway in 1872 to John A. Widtsoe and Anna Karine Gaarden. After the death of her husband in 1878, Anna Widtsoe moved young John and her newborn baby boy to Trondheim to be near relatives.

It was there that Anna joined the LDS Church and in 1884, she and her sons migrated to Logan, Utah. At the age of 17, John enrolled at Brigham Young College in Logan and he graduated in 1891. On Jan. 1 of that year, he wrote the following on lined paper:

"Resolved:

"1st. That religion, the science of sciences, be made my chief concernment throughout life.

"2nd. That I will daily pray to God in secret.

"3rd. That I will daily reflect upon God and his attributes and try to become like him.

"4th. That I will receive Light, Wisdom or Knowledge, wherever or however it may be offered.

"5th. That I never be ashamed to acknowledge my principles, beliefs and religion when I once become fully convinced of their correctness.

"6th. That I never lose one moment of time but improve it.

"7th. That I maintain strict temperance in eating and drinking.