I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential

Host: The room was still, a soft light coming through the window as Jack sat, lost in thought. His eyes were fixed on the phone in his hands, his fingers lightly tapping the screen as he absorbed the words before him. Jeeny, sitting across from him, noticed the contemplative expression on his face and set her book aside, sensing that something profound had caught his attention.

Jeeny: (gently) “You seem deep in thought. What’s on your mind?”

Jack: (looking up, a small smile forming) “I was just reflecting on a quote from Gordon B. Hinckley. He said, ‘I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know.’ It made me think about the pressure we sometimes put on ourselves, especially when it comes to achieving greatness or living up to expectations. His words really emphasize self-compassion and realistic goals.”

Host: Jeeny leans forward slightly, clearly moved by the depth of the quote. The room feels a little quieter now, as if the words have opened a space for reflection on the way we view personal growth and self-expectation.

Jeeny: “It’s such an important message, isn’t it? Especially in a world where there’s so much pressure to achieve, to be more, to constantly be pushing ourselves to the next level. Hinckley’s reminder to embrace our potential, but not overburden ourselves with unrealistic goals, is a refreshing take. It’s not about being perfect or achieving beyond what we’re capable of, but doing what we can, to the best of our ability.”

Jack: (nodding) “Exactly. He’s asking for us to honor our limits, not to beat ourselves up when we fall short. So often, we think that success means doing more, pushing harder, achieving at all costs. But what he’s suggesting is that true success comes from being kind to ourselves, acknowledging where we are, and doing our best in that moment, without the added pressure of feeling like we have to be perfect or accomplish everything.”

Host: Jeeny smiles softly, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup as she reflects on the deeper implications of Hinckley’s words. The room feels more intimate now, as if the conversation has opened up a space for self-acceptance and compassion.

Jeeny: “I think it’s also about balance — understanding that our potential isn’t about running ourselves into the ground, but about showing up, doing the work, and recognizing that it’s okay to set goals that are within our reach. It’s not about lowering standards, but about being realistic and kind to ourselves along the way.”

Jack: (thoughtfully) “Right, and I think it’s so important to realize that everyone’s capacity is different. What one person can achieve in a given moment may not be what someone else can, and that’s okay. The key is doing the best you can, at your own pace, without the added stress of trying to meet someone else’s expectations.”

Host: The room grows quieter, as both of them reflect on the simplicity yet depth of Hinckley’s message. The idea that growth is about being authentic, setting achievable goals, and not burdening ourselves with unnecessary pressure feels like a relief.

Jeeny: “Maybe that’s the most important part — not to be so hard on ourselves. To recognize that our best is enough, even if it doesn’t always look like someone else’s version of success. The process of doing our best, in our own way, is what truly matters.”

Jack: (smiling) “Exactly. And when we can accept that, we open ourselves up to being proud of what we accomplish, no matter how big or small. The key is in the effort and the intention behind what we do.”

Host: The conversation settles into a peaceful silence, the realization that self-compassion and realistic goals are the foundation of true success. Gordon B. Hinckley’s words remind us that we don’t need to overextend ourselves to achieve greatness — we simply need to do our best, honor our own capacities, and accept ourselves along the way.