President Uchtdorf offers the parable of the dandelions, similar to the mote/beam parable in the New Testament, where a man notes a single dandelion in another's pristine yard but doesn't work on the many dandelions in his own.
Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? …Another example of missed perception is a man who thought lemon juice made him invisible to a camera and robbed two banks. Professors studied how people perceived themselves. People overestimated their accomplishment and underestimated others accomplishments.
Once-worthy [members] start to tell themselves that the Church is a good thing for [others] but not for them. Or some are convinced that their busy schedules or unique circumstances make them exempt from the daily acts of devotion and service that would keep them close to the Spirit.Sometimes during General Conference we may think "I hope someone is listening to this." We need to hope we are all improving.
“Lord, Is It I?”
... none of us likes to admit when we are drifting off the right course. Often we try to avoid looking deeply into our souls and confronting our weaknesses, limitations, and fears. Consequently, when we do examine our lives, we look through the filter of biases, excuses, and stories we tell ourselves in order to justify unworthy thoughts and actions.
But being able to see ourselves clearly is essential to our spiritual growth and well-being. If our weaknesses and shortcomings remain obscured in the shadows, then the redeeming power of the Savior cannot heal them and make them strengths. Ironically, our blindness toward our human weaknesses will also make us blind to the divine potential that our Father yearns to nurture within each of us. ...
May I suggest that the holy scriptures and the talks given at general conference are an effective mirror we can hold up for self-examination. ...
As you hear or read the words of the ancient and modern prophets, refrain from thinking about how the words apply to someone else and ask the simple question: “Lord, is it I?” ...
Over the course of my life, I have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the most competent and intelligent men and women this world has to offer. When I was younger, I was impressed by those who were educated, accomplished, successful, and applauded by the world. But over the years, I have come to the realization that I am far more impressed by those wonderful and blessed souls who are truly good and without guile.
“Lord, Is It I?”
We need to set aside pride. He will lead us by the hand and we will be made strong and blessed.
We need to consider what is the expectation, our effort, it's a partnership with The Lord.
Humility is not putting our self down or thinking less of our contributions.
Where am I in relation to the gospel and where am I going?
Do we hide from The Lord?
Cassy B. suggested two books in addition to the scriptures that helped focus her improvement Anatomy of Peace and The Screwtape Letters.
