How to Prepare

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Spiritual, emotional, and physical preparation are key to adjusting quickly to missionary life. Become familiar with Adjusting to Missionary Life.

Spiritual Preparation

Your success as a missionary is "measured by your commitment to find, teach, baptize and confirm people and to help them become faithful members of the Church who enjoy the presence of the Holy Ghost." (Preach My Gospel pg. 11). We love the word, "commitment".  It does not mean that you are perfect, but it does mean that you are all-in and striving to have the heart of a missionary and qualify for the guidance of the Holy Ghost. It is through the power of the Holy Ghost that others are converted to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Resolve now to speak to your bishop or stake president about any unresolved transgressions before you enter the Missionary Training Center so that you qualify for the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Be open and fully transparent with your bishop.

"Pornography use thrives in secrecy. To overcome your use of pornography or involvement with other immoral behaviors [e.g. masturbation, inappropriate touching of someone, sexting, or sexual relations], you should discuss your problems openly with appropriate priesthood leaders.

Some individuals feel ashamed or embarrassed to discuss pornography [and other sexual] problems with Church leaders. Some are unconvinced or unclear about the need to confess to the bishop. Confession is an important part of the repentance process. The Lord counseled Alma that He would forgive those who confess their sins "before thee and me" and repent in the sincerity of their hearts (Mosiah 26:29)." (LDS Family Services - Getting Help - Church Website)

For additional help, read this article on "Getting Help" from the Church's website and be brave and become pure by speaking with your bishop today before you enter the Missionary Training Center.

Mental Health and Emotional Preparation

A mission will amplify anxiety and depression. If you have experienced anxiety or depression, make sure you have these fully under control with the supervision of wise parents and professionals well in advance of entering the MTC. Be open and honest about your mental health with those who are helping you prepare for your mission. 

If you have had anxiety or depression, a pre-field mental health assessment administered by a Family Services counselor is an excelent way to evalute your capacity to handle the rigors of missionary work.  The Emotional Resilience Self Reliance course is another excellent resource to help you prepare for a proselyting mission. Your stake president can guide you through accessing both of these resources. 

Almost all missionaries make the adjustment to successful missionary life, but the first few weeks may be stressful. Think about what your mind is going through in the first few weeks in the mission field.

You are going from being with friends and family to living with a companion who you will be with twenty-four hours a day. You are going from a smartphone, instantly connected to everyone, to no social media (unless approved for proselyting) and fewer connections to people besides your companion, your district, ward members, and those you find and teach.  You are going from being able to relax and be on your own, to working every day with the same person.  You are going from a few rules to several new rules you need to live by. You are also learning to increase your reliance on Heavenly Father to guide your missionary labors through the power of the Holy Ghost.

All of these changes will challenge you.  If you have practiced connecting with Heavenly Father through scripture study and prayer, you can accomplish this transition brilliantly. If you have practiced disconnecting from your electronic devices, learned how to be reverent, learned how to pray for guidance, and learned to trust Heavenly Father, you will be more prepared.  He has a plan for you and is standing ready to help you become the person He desires you to become because He loves you completely.

Physical Preparation

As much as possible start aligning your schedule to a missionary schedule.  Be up at 6:30 a.m. and exercise.  Be prepared to be ready for bed by 10:30 p.m.  Make time each morning for personal study.

You will be preparing your own meals.  Be ready with some practiced recipes and shopping lists so that you are prepared to eat well in the mission field from day one.

Talking to people you do not know will be a big part of your mission. Practice speaking with strangers and being comfortable with conversations. Talk to cashiers, people in line with you, and people sitting next to you in public settings.  Ask them how they are, their name, and how their day is going.  Be genuine.