Elder Michael A. Dunn (Oct. '21): "One Percent Better"

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 This is such a memorable talk.  I think that I have heard this talk mentioned more in casual conversation, in lessons, and in talks since conference than almost any other talk.  And for good reason, it is a memorable and optimistic talk that makes the work of sanctification feel more within our reach.

The Activity:

  1. Make sure that everyone has something to write with and to write on.
  2. Present to the class the hypothetical situation of Sis. or Bro. Brown (or other psuedonym) who rarely goes to the temple because they don't find it enjoyable.
  3. Ask the class members to brainstorm as a class "1%" changes Sis./Bro. Brown could make that would eventually lead them to finding great joy in temple service.
  4. List these on the board and push for small, simple changes.  Examples of some answers might be:
    1. Attend the temple 1 time a month for a year
    2. Pray for joy in temple service
    3. Index one batch of names every week
    4. Read a scripture about the temple everyday.
  5. After you have a list of several things, take a moment with the class members to discuss what differences these changes could ultimately result in.
  6. Now, ask the class members to silently consider their own lives and one area of improvement they would like to see.
  7. Ask the class members to take a couple of moments to recreate the above activity for themselves on the notecard (or paper) provided.  They do not need to share with anyone else the things they are writing.  In fact, encourage privacy for this activity.
  8. After the class members have a list, ask them to identify the one change they will begin to make now.  And have them come up with a way to remind themselves to do this step.  The latter could include setting an alarm on their phone, enlisting someone to check up on them daily/weekly/etc., or any other step that would help them to remember to do their "1%" change.

Using the Activity:

This activity will really only be successful when the Spirit is present.  So, I would imagine that it would come later in the lesson.  Also, there is a bit of psychology in this activity in that it assumes that one reason why change is difficult is that it is hard to remember what changes we want to make in the moment.  Hence, the last step of setting up a reminder of some sort for themselves.  These notices or moments of accountability are important parts of change that we see mirrored in the gospel itself, e.g. the sacrament, temple recommend interviews, tithing settlement, etc.  The goal, as it should always be, is greater conversion of the class members.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hope that this idea is useful to you in some way.  God bless.

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