By some statistical accounts, about 25 percent of those who, just a week ago, made a New Year's resolution have already abandoned it.

The road to hell, it seems, might well be paved with good intentions!

But good intentions can also be the beginning of good works. And good works are good because they can change our hearts, and, if we so allow, our very nature.

Hence, an eternally focused perspective of goals, resolutions and intentions suggests they are not only necessary but should be daily, not just annually, pursued.

In fact the daily pursuit of doing good — and becoming better — is at the core of our eternal progression.

In our dispensation, the Lord commanded His children to "beware concerning yourselves," (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:43) while in an earlier dispensation, He commanded them to "consider your ways" (see Haggai 1:5).

While the language is slightly different, the message is clearly the same. Each and every day, we should seek to know what the Lord would have us do. And then do it. While doing as the Spirit prompts, we should also learn what the Lord would have us learn, thereby becoming, a little each day, more like the Savior.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve taught this principle in the April 2011 general conference.

"Eventually, much of our chastening should come from within — we should become self-correcting. One of the ways that our late beloved colleague Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin became the pure and humble disciple that he was, was by analyzing his performance in every assignment and task. In his desire to please God, he resolved to determine what he could have done better, and then he diligently applied each lesson learned."

In that same general conference, three other modern-day prophets taught that this analysis can be accurately done only through the influence of the Spirit.

Said President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, first counselor in the First Presidency:

"As you read the scriptures and listen to the words of the prophets with all your heart and mind, the Lord will tell you how to live up to your priesthood privileges. Don't let a day go by without doing something to act on the promptings of the Spirit" (April 2011 general conference, priesthood session).

Said Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve in the April 2011 general conference:

"Elder Melvin J. Ballard has suggested, 'We want every Latter-day Saint to come to the sacrament table because it is the place for self-investigation, for self-inspection, where we may learn to rectify our course and to make right our own lives, bringing ourselves into harmony with the teachings of the Church and with our brethren and sisters (Elder Melvin J. Ballard, New Era, January 1976).'"

Said Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve in last April's general conference:

"Sincere desire and worthiness invite the spirit of revelation into our lives.

"In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26), and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying — but without absolute assurance — that we are acting in accordance with God's will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps."

Because we are mortal, we can sometimes feel frustrated or discouraged in our efforts to improve. Satan, the master of deceit, would have us believe we just can't do it. Our kind, loving, giving and understanding Father in Heaven, however, will, through the influence of His Spirit, show us the truth.

As we seek for the light of truth, God will provide more light — and that light will grow "brighter and brighter until the perfect day" (see Doctrine and Covenants 50:24).

Said President Uchtdorf:

"The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle — one piece at a time. Each individual piece may not be easily recognizable by itself; it may not be clear how it relates to the whole. Each piece helps us to see the big picture a little more clearly. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then, looking back on our experience, we see that the Savior had indeed come to be with us — not all at once but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed" (April 2011 general conference, Sunday morning).