Suffering from Severe Motivation Problems

Maybe it’s not a bad thing? SD, you seem like the kind of guy who sees a need for change, finds solutions, and implements them. I completely understand your frustration with things not moving forward. But maybe it’s ok for things to be broken. Maybe part of being “StayLDS” is recognizing that the Church is a broken system; not in every way, but in some ways pretty severe. Try as we might, sometimes it’s just not in our power to change it.

Sometimes, instead of “magnifying our calling” (which you do impressively well), we need to zoom out a bit, and see the bigger picture.

I guess I just need to get off my armchair and do it. I was thinking of having everyone do a survey monkey survey on their phone about why people go inactive, and then showing the results. I would then compare them to the study someone posted here about why leaders think people leave, and why they say they leave. When I say ‘leave’ I mean go less active.

This would show them how to use online software in their class and display results on their computer.

I was thinking of a role play of a ministering visit and then the class evaluates how we did. I need someone to partner with me who is good with impromptu discussion so it doesn’t sound forced. Someone decent with acting. I can do it pretty well.

Then everyone brainstorms how they might use role plays in their own classes and share results.

I am a bit tired of the same old lecture and discussion we use all the time. Anything I can do to inspire people to do something different would be good.

I don’t want to do anything else n the church right now so there is a kind of negative motivation to keep doing it. If two hour church materializes at conference as a blizzard change, that will affect the teacher’s council I think. Of course, that is all speculation so who knows.

Being honest here, SD… you seem more motivated that I did when I was a 100% active, fully committed, believing Mormon.

That’s part of my issues with full activity/TR holding etcetera.

I used to go into these situations committed to doing whatever is necessary to get the results we are seeking. I paid the tithing to the church (and never saw any direct effect on humanity). Simultaneously, I was surrounded by people who are not committed. Don’t show up for meetings, aren’t willing to make basic alterations to their schedule or life when necessary to achieve the results we have agreed to. They accept callings and do nothing. Or put such restrictions on their service after their setting apart, they might as well be day-of volunteers for certain events rather than leaders. That happened in most of the Wards I attended throughout my life. It’s wearing.

Throw in nasty interpersonal skills or political behavior, and indifference when the chips are down from leaders on non-financial issues, it makes me wonder — is this worth it? If it’s so mediocre now, with claims of a divine commission, how can I believe it’s going to be a better experience in the eternities?

The fact that I did nothing last month and no one even said anything shows how uncommitted people can be to running our church…I could unilaterally make the councils quarterly and no one would say Boo.

I go into the community, (since 2015 now) and I can draw on the most talented people with education in the field I need (promotion, project management, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship) and the results are far greater, there is more return on time invested, and I see the results of my donations in tangible, direct terms.

Part of my personal issues. I have learned, through my own recruiting efforts, is that people will put out high levels of performance for the “carrot” of working alongside talented people. I fall into that camp. Lack of commitment, and unwillingness to achieve and set reasonable improvement goals when there is a shortfall (individually) wear me down.