Jeffrey R. Holland

...negative speaking so often flows from negative thinking, including negative thinking about ourselves. We see our own faults, we speak—or at least think—critically of ourselves, and before long that is how we see everyone and everything. No sunshine, no roses, no promise of hope or happiness. Before long we and everybody around us are miserable… We should honor the Savior’s declaration to “be of good cheer.” (Indeed, it seems to me we may be more guilty of breaking that commandment than almost any other!) Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself

Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Tongue of Angels,” Ensign, May 2007, 16–18

James E. Faust

If we really want to feel better about ourselves, we should do deeds of kindness.  Kindness shapes our character and makes us more like our Father in Heaven

James E. Faust, “Who Do You Think You Are?,” Ensign, Mar 2001, 2

Harold B. Lee

Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you but on what happens inside of you. It is measured by the spirit with which you meet the problems of life.
Harold B. Lee, "A Sure Trumpet Sound: Quotations from President Lee,” Ensign, Feb. 1974, 78.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by
a healthy child, a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Joseph B. Wirthlin

One way you can measure your value in the kingdom of God is to ask, “How well am I doing in helping others reach their potential? Do I support others in the Church, or do I criticize them?”  If you are criticizing others, you are weakening the Church. If you are building others, you are building the kingdom of God. As Heavenly Father is kind, we also should be kind to others. 

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Virtue of Kindness,” Ensign, May 2005, 26

Joseph B. Wirthlin

The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Virtue of Kindness,” Ensign, May 2005, 26

George Q. Cannon

If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect.  Have I imperfections? I am full of them.  What is my duty?  To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections… They are intended for this purpose.  No man ought to say, “Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.” He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things and to give gifts that will eradicate them… Every defect in the human character can be corrected through the exercise of faith and pleading with the Lord for the gifts that He has said He will give unto those who believe and obey His commandments. 

George Q. Cannon, Millenial Star, 1894, 260-261