Heavenly Father lives according to a plan that has been called a plan of happiness (Alma 42:8, 16) or the plan of salvation (Alma 24:14; 42:5). Heavenly Father organizes his work in this plan so he can bring about his eternal purposes (Moses 1:39). He asks us to also work in wisdom and order. Book of Mormon prophet King Benjamin spoke about this when he said the following:
"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order" (Mosiah 4:27).
Having a plan helps you stay on the path. There are many demands in life that compete for your time and energy. Wisely plan your academic path around these demands. Find ways to organize your life so you can devote enough attention to your studies. Consider asking your family and friends for support. There will be additional lessons about this later in this course.
Consider what are called "opportunity costs." Opportunity costs are the costs you pay when you delay graduation. For example, if you delay graduation by a year, you can lose a year of pay at a better job that uses your degree. You studied this in PC 102. An academic plan can help you avoid opportunity costs.
As you create a plan as part of this course, be wise, but be diligent. Find ways to push yourself appropriately so you can gain your academic prize as soon as possible.
Planning Ahead
This course will help you continue making academic plans. This includes understanding your career path as outlined in your BYU-Pathway Portal. It also means completing your ecclesiastical endorsement if you have not done so already.
Be diligent. Continue thinking ahead so you are ready to take your next steps beyond this course. Your diligent work in academic planning will add light to your path. Such light and knowledge can help you find peace as you move forward. You can do this!
After reading this lesson, ponder the following questions. If desired, record your thoughts in a learning journal.
- What is the prize you seek because you are enrolled in these courses?
- How will being diligent and doing things in wisdom and order help you win this prize?
- How does creating righteous plans help us to become more like Heavenly Father?