Why do we do it and what does it mean?
You cannot improve if you never test the limits of how well you can perform.
Improvement is more important than success.
Those who cannot be recommended . . . without reservation . . . are honorably excused.
This is like high jumping – there is a minimum standard which you must reach to participate, but that minimum should not be the final target for those who wish to serve.
Start now to prepare for a mission by adopting the appearance of a missionary.
Study the Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel.
Practice interacting with people personally, not just through email, text messaging and other impersonal or distant interactions.