The Last Lecture

If I was to give a last lecture for potential students that want to begin the entrepreneur journey, my first piece of advice would be to really study the material each week. Don't just read and watch the videos to get a good grade, but the advice and knowledge contained in the course is powerful and something to keep as a current and future resource. I found my experiences of studying much more meaningful when I began with a prayer. Sometimes it was easier for me to absorb the material when I listened to the book, videos, or talks contained in the lessons instead of sitting down to read them. It helped me to multi-task and prevented me from being too overwhelmed with other obligations. 

It took me a long time to get on the path that I am on now. However, each of my experiences prior to finishing my education shaped the entrepreneurial journey I wanted to take. Don't take those experiences prior to your education for granted. Learn from them and reflect on how they helped shape your motivation to be an entrepreneur.  I didn't realize until much later that each experience good and bad helped shape my decision to finish my education and pursue dreams and goals with a partner by my side. 

Words of caution: I learned a long time ago that when I tried to do something good in my life, I was met with multiple challenges and adversity. It's a law that when you are going to better yourself and do something good, you will undoubtedly meet some form of adversity. I've experienced some form of adversity each semester. That is most likely what will happen the further along I get in my own entrepreneurial journey. Just keep going on and be what President Monson termed a "finisher." You will be happier with yourself further down the road if you persist and move forward. Some people don't have a good support system. I am fortunate to have a great support system, but in the past I learned that if you don't have the right support you need, you will always have the support and friendship from the Savior. The Savior is your advocate and friend, so do what you can to keep yourself sensitive to the spirit and His love. That's a beautiful part of the Atonement. 

I learned that Entrepreneurs are happy, positive, and motivated people. I don't think I have taken a class that was more motivational and inspiriational before. Entrepreneurs seek positivitiy and I believe it helps keep them motivated and driven to accomplish their goals. I learned that entrepreneurs view their lives as journeys, set goals, and don't stop working to make it happen. They also do their homework and built relationships with mentors. They make lifelong learning a part of their journey because they know that learning should never stop. 

My experience with this class and and an entrepreneur just beginning my own journey has been nothing but positive. I know that if you are motivated and willing to do the work, you will be rewarded in the same way. 

Endings

I don't feel ready for the semester to be over. Normally, I would be jumping for joy! I finished my classes! I didn't fail!  But, I started to feel sad and worried I wouldn't have the motivation to continue. However, this week I learned that my learning journey is up to me. I won't always have a structured course with great resources and motivating material to build me up. That is up to me.

"Most entrepreneurs would agree that building a business is more than a job; it is a passion. Stories of entrepreneurs sleeping at their offices may be exaggerated but are not unfounded.  It will definitely require a huge time commitment and cut into your leisure time. You may not be able to know what to expect a year, even a month from now" (Applegate, p. 6). My first instinct at the end of the day or when I finish doing any task is to reward myself with reading a book. I was thinking about how some things in my life might be cut out for a while to keep my eye on my vision and goal. I remember when I was working two jobs: one as a cosmetology instructor and the other as a part-time independent contractor hairstylist, I didn't read for years. I wanted to, but I was so focused on the need to live, pay my bills, and build my part-time business.  That was a challenging time in my life, but I reaped the rewards and eventually, I was able to read again. I suppose that is a silly thing to worry about, but it pained me to realize that I will probably need to set aside some important things to me to achieve my goal.

Pioneers

"A Pioneer is one who is motivated out of the sense of impossible."
"God gives man the raw materials...not things already made."

In addition to the harrowing story about the young girl in Darfur (?), which was a startling reminder to be grateful for my education and life, I was reminded how important it is to work hard and be a true pioneer. Elder Gay also said that "business is about service and about rescue."

Most of the reading throughout this course deals with understanding our life's mission and how we should center our business around the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This talk by Elder Gay significantly reinforced this concept.

Am I a Pioneer? Do I have some grand purpose in life like the mission of Elder Gay? I don't know.  However, I do know that I am a fighter. I also know that when I serve others, I am exemplifying the pure love of Christ. I know that I want my business endeavors to reflect the greater good.

"What's a Business For" Questions

1) " Conceal truth or erode trust, and the game becomes so unreliable that no one will want to play."
It is vital to be honest and ethical so that companies can thrive and do what they set out to do.

2)"It is to make a profit so that the business can do something more or better."

3). Retaining the "energyy produced by the old model while remedying its flaws" and that "dividends be paid to those who contribute their skills as well as to those who have contributed their money."

A Calling

"A calling is finding that special place where your most precious gifts allow you to do something you love, in service to others, in a way that changes the world." (Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness)

That is my favorite quote from this week and this article/book my favorite reading assignment, so much so that I had my husband read it too.

My Dad gave me some really great advice when I was dating. He told me that it doesn't necessarily matter that you have the same interests as the person you date or marry, what matters is that you have the same goals in life. I thought that was strange, but when I analyzed my parents' interests, I realized that they don't have any of the same interests. They definitely have the same goals and they run a business together. And they are so happy and have been happy for 45 years. I took that advice to heart and I married someone who doesn't share the same interests as me. I definitely hate the music he listens to because it's hideous. But, we do have the same goals and I believe that we are finding that calling together.

(Excuse the sappiness-but it is what the reading made me think about this week.)

Attitude about Money:

1) My attitude about money: It isn't evil. But, I don't want the pursuit to ruin my life or my relationships.
2) Your view of money can affect the way you live. At this point in my life, I have a strict budget. If we are fortunate enough to not worry about money anymore, I still think that we will have a strict budget. Money can't solve all your problems. It might solve some temporal problems, but it won't solve relationship problems, family problems, or emotional problems.
"Remember, the ways we see things are a combination of what filters others have placed in our minds. These filters, ideas, beliefs, opinions and teachings get into our minds when we are very young and color and form the way we perceive or see things and issues."
3)Rule 1. Seek the Lord and have hope in him
   Rule 2. Keep the commandments, that includes the temporal ones, tithing and fast offerings.
   Rule 3. Think about money and plan how you can become self-reliant.
   Rule 4. Take advantage of chances for learning so you will not be ignorant of these matters.
   Rule 5. Learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated.
   Rule 6. Do not send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty or the sick or those who are held        captive.

A small epiphany

Last week, I was a little confused by what I was reading. I felt some advice was contradictory of what I knew and what I have read in the past. This week, I experienced clarity and how taking control, leading, and getting things done works. "The Heart of Business" discussed the role Managers and Entrepreneurs play. I found it interesting that Managers and Entrepreneurs may clash often and Entrepreneurs are considered egotistical etc. I learned that Entrepreneurs need to be quick on their feet, make fast decisions constantly and hate bureaucracy. Stevenson and Gumpert indicated that Administrators may find Entrepreneurs hasty and don't adhere to structure, but what they don't realize is that entrepreneurs get things done, just in a different way. Of course, it's important to have structure and to understand the risks of doing things, but this article drove the point home about finding ways to get things done, and I appreciated that.

I look forward to completing my entrepreneur interview. My sisters are eager to share their wisdom. I have asked some questions already, but I look forward to finishing interviewing them in person. One thing that I learned from my older sisters is that they understand people and know how to work with them. I have often turned to their examples of sociability when I needed it.

I read the talk by Elder Oaks for Pathway last year. It was a good reminder to me about being truly converted.

Getting things done

I think that it is time for me to get a mentor.

I also have decided that in terms of mastery, this week I felt like a hacker. I don't want to be a hacker.

Reading "A Message to Garcia" felt like a slap in the face. Right now, I have mixed feelings about it. Logically, it all makes sense. Companies that I have worked for in the past relied heavily on training and procedures, especially sales jobs.  I have been asked to do things with no direction and because I knew that my bosses liked things done a certain way, I felt like I needed to ask for clarity, emphasis, and if they wanted things done a certain way. I didn't want to make a mistake and I wanted to execute my duty properly. I suppose I have been doing it wrong all of these years. But, I have also taken control to get the job done, but it didn't make the boss happy. I have worked for micro and macro managers. I don't know.

However, reading this reminded me of a conversation I had with a good friend years ago. I was serving as her counselor in the Relief Society Presidency of our singles ward. She recommended a book about Mary Todd Lincoln. We discussed Mary Lincoln and how history painted such a sad portrait of her life. Katie (my friend) said, "You know, it bugs me that people were and are still critical of her, but she just got things done. No matter what happened, she knew how to get things done." Katie was right. You know who else gets things done? Katie.

This week was a week of reflection and I am grateful for what I have learned, I am just trying to figure out how to absorb it all without being frustrated or confused.

Know ye not ye that ye are the temple of God?

"The best things are always worth finishing. 'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?' (1 Corinthians 3:16). Most assuredly you are. As long and laborious as the effort may seem, please keep shaping and setting the stones that will make your accomplishment 'a grand and imposing spectacle.' Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. Dream dreams and see visions. Work toward their realization. Wait patiently when you have no other choice. Lean on your sword and rest a while, but get up and fight again." -Jeffry R. Holland

I know how important it is to endure. I know that life wasn't meant to be easy. I also know that I really just need that reminder sometimes so I can remain hopeful.

This week was a hard week. My husband was gone on a hunting trip in Wyoming. He travels often for work, but not like this. It was the opportunity of a lifetime for him. Of course, because he was gone all hell broke loose to the point where I dramatically questioned EVERYTHING. I wondered why I bothered to do anything beyond surviving this week. But, I thought a lot about my goals, where I am going with them and if I have them mapped out correctly. Everything I have read for class has given me plenty of food for thought.

What I read nourished my soul today. I needed it. So, even though I know that life isn't easy and that it's hard and our experiences help shape the temple that we are and continue to become...well...sometimes we just need that reminder that it will be ok eventually.

Mastery

The most common theme I see circulating in the reading throughout this course is the importance of becoming a lifelong learner, and...waking up early. I like to think that I am on the journey of lifelong learning. Waking up early? I just...

I also liked what Kawasaki had to say about money and being an adult. It really isn't what matters in life. And I think it's important to enjoy our youth. My little four year old is in preschool and she began a sentence directed at her three year old sister in the car the other day with, "When you are grown up like me..." It made me giggle. It was so sweet too! Especially since they are so close in age. Isn't that what we spend our time doing as kids? Wishing we were older, not realizing the responsibilities that lie ahead? 

I have spent many years being afraid, overplanning, and overanalyzing my emotions and reactions. My favorite habit Covey suggested is to be proactive. I know this is important in my personal life and my professional life. When we are self-aware and conscious of our reactions, our interactions with others and our reactions to problems in our lives (personal and professional) will have better consequences. 

Gifts and Common Sense

Jan Newman said (paraphrasing here) that the gifts and talents we have been given which include our careers are meant to build the kingdom of God. I wholeheartedly believe that the gifts and talents we possess not only work for our good, but work for the benefit of others and building the kingdom of God. That is probably my favorite message from this week's readings and videos.

The article from Harvard Business Review is quite an eye-opener. It felt a little verbose but was critically insightful. It reminded me of a book by Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic, that presented this concept that ideas are meant to be seized upon and if you don't seize them right away, the idea will find another person as their medium. I have a tendency to over-plan and it is good to know that over-planning is not always beneficial. I think in order to execute without overplanning, it is important to have an abundance of self-confidence or arrogance, which this article also emphasized. It reminded me of a boyfriend I had several years ago. Things did not end well and he was and might still be a total and complete jerk. However, he is also incredibly good at his job- very successful and will probably remain successful because of his decisiveness and arrogance. It might not be so good for his personal life, but it has boded well for him in the business world.

I look forward to applying the concept of mastery and applying it in my life.

This week was a great learning experience for me. I learned that perseverance and faith can bring about miracles from President Faust. I also learned that "Entrepreneurial success isn't a destination, it's a journey" (Sandefer p. 5).

I like that Sandefer interviewed successful entrepreneurs that made their fortune in ways that people don't typically think of. To me, that is part of the American dream. They had good advice and once again, I think a common theme is perseverance. Having been in sales before, I know that it can be challenging to the point that you want to give up. One entrepreneur said, "Perseverance is far more important than skill or talent. You have to have a mindset that never gives up, no matter how tough it gets. A little talent and a lot of hard work are the foundation for learning any skill, and are far more important in the long run." When I think of perseverance I think of my Mother. I often wondered throughout my life if my mom overworked herself and just didn't know when to quit. It might be a little bit of both, but I know that she has been my greatest example of perseverance. I guess you can't be a mother of eight children and run a contracting business without persevering. I should add that my Dad is no exception to this either. I am blessed to have their example in my life.

The final video (also by Sandefer) about choosing a heroes journey also had some great advice.  He talked about mentors. (I really need to get on the ball with this mentor thing...) Sandefer's suggestion to write a letter to someone you are truly grateful for but have never thanked. I was thinking about that last night for a while and the more I thought of it, I could only think of two people that I would like to thank: my grandparents. I was younger when they passed away, but I doubt I ever thanked them for how they influenced me. I learned more about their lives after they died than I did when they were alive and that makes me sad. They were also great examples of perseverance.

My husband reminded me the other day when I needed a good reminder that I just needed to keep going. I was tired and had my third miscarriage this year a few weeks ago.  He said "Remember how hard it was to keep going this year and you did? You were so glad to finish Pathway. Remember how that felt." It was a good reminder. Sometimes I think perseverance and endurance go hand in hand.

Time

"The question is not one of managing time, but one of managing ourselves with the time we have." -Joseph B. Wirthlin

This week, I learned a lot about creating meaningful experiences in the right way. I also learned that it is important to be happy in your career (a given), keep our family relationships sustainable, and how to stay out of jail. I also learned about some sound personal financial advice in Launching Leaders, probably my favorite budgeting advice I have heard so far!

But, I think the most important thing I took away this week was a lesson on time. What do we do with the time we are given? I have seen a common theme in my reading and that is to wake up early and how to manage time.  I think that Elder Wirthlin said it best that we don't manage our time, but we manage ourselves with the time we have. This theme really resonates with me, but...I have been unsuccessful over the years trying to be a morning person when I feel like I am biologically wired to be a night person. One thing I found challenging when trying to apply this advice of waking up early in the past was being able to function even after a full night of rest.  I don't know. That is something I will have to mentally prepare for before I even attempt to wake up early by choice.

Another theme in the reading this week spoke of serving others. I loved it. We don't need to donate money to a variety of causes to serve people.  Just being there for others is a form of service. I took this to heart this week. I had a thought to send some soup over to my neighbor who recently came back from the hospital. My initial reaction was, "Oh, she might not be able to answer the door. She might feel like I am being intrusive." I ignored the thought and put some of the potato soup I made in a container and walked over there. She appeared happy to receive it. I know that while it wasn't a giant thing, by performing an act of service I was able to share some of the love that Christ has for her. I know that if I can continue to apply that concept to my life, it will be a part of who I am and resonate in my professional life as well.

Musings Week 3

If I could take away one thing from everything I have learned so far in this class, it would be that entrepreneurs are positive and persistent.  They are also restless, which is a trait that I find wholeheartedly relateable.

I am looking forward to finishing the book "Launching Leaders." Steven Hitz is able to weave the importance of spirituality with a career in such a way that makes me less afraid to pursue my dreams. His advice is sincere, simple, and not overwhelming. I look forward to learning from more entrepreneurs and their experiences.

I learned that Magdalena Yesil is a lifelong learner. She is an example to women (and men) everywhere. I learned that the consumer does not believe that a product is a great idea. They want it to work. They have a need for the product and have expectations. Everything I learned was valuable and felt important enough for me to read through after I watched the video.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from entrepreneurial veterans.  Their ventures at times seem so surreal- they mostly stick to technological endeavors- something I have no interest or knowledge in, so I feel undereducated, but I reminded myself that my gifts and interests lie in different areas and I am not so sure that I would want to trade those gifts for anything else.

All in all, I have been actively absorbing the material and I know it is valuable and important for me to retain.

Lesson 2 To Dream

I felt really overwhelmed this week over the reading assignments. I was overwhelmed because I didn't feel like I had the opportunity to absorb everything.  When I read something great (and all of the reading felt so great) I want to read it over or listen to it. So, now I have a new goal to read first and then listen to the audio version of what I read. I could probably listen to Randy Pausch's last lecture over and over again. I wanted to read Launching Leaders repeatedly and it was challenging because my children were demanding lunch, haha!

I think that Randy Pausch was able to achieve his childhood dreams because he was a dreamer.  In addition to being a dreamer, he was a doer. He didn't stop when he hit the brick wall.

Yes, dreaming is so important!  I think it can inspire a person to be positive and push forward. When I was a child my parents said I was often in my own little world. I had an active imagination (I still do) and I truly think it has influenced the creative side of my life. I grew up in the rural state of Wyoming. My parents had a large property with several fields for our horses alone. Why? Rodeo- the name of the game. My Dad claims he always does his best thinking on the back of a horse. I agree.  I had the opportunity to listen to my dad, dream my own dreams, and experience the beauty the surrounding land had to offer on the back of a horse. When I wasn't riding (I didn't ride as often as I should have), I played outside at my Mother's insistence. My sisters and I played hard and that gave way to imagination and dreams.  When I got a little older, I would sit outside and devour books-during the summer of course. I read LM Montgomery, American Girl, and every single Nancy Drew book I could get my hands on. I look back on those moments and realize that I was blessed with an amazing childhood. I have had failures and successes and I feel like my drive was established at a young age because I was encouraged to work with my imagination instead of against it.

A childhood dream of mine was to be a writer. I felt for a long time that I had to make one decision. I could only be one thing. I couldn't do anything else. People found their passion and did that alone. I learned in college that I simply had a variety of interests and talents. It wasn't a bad thing. Each talent I have explored has influenced where I am at today and I feel it has a purpose.  Jeffrey Thompson's talk only reaffirmed this idea. I went to cosmetology school and fed a part of my creative side. I was self-employed. I had some failures and successes along the way. In the back of my mind, however, there was always a voice whispering that I had other things to do and that all of what I was doing would work for my good. I moved home and set up shop at a salon while I dug through local genealogy records, rekindled family relationships, and read. I realized I was being prepared to achieve this goal in a way I hadn't anticipated. So yes, I do believe that I can achieve this dream.  I don't know if I will ever get beyond self-publishing or even if I want to get it published, but there is a drive in me to finish what I started and achieve a goal I set for myself when I learned how to read.

Lesson 1 : The Beginning

"On some days, do you feel as if you were put on this earth for a purpose, and on other days feel completely lost?" Yes!  Some days I feel so completely alive with ambition, purpose, direction, and hope. Other times, day to day life seems so overwhelming, I don't know how I can stand to get the dishes done. I enjoyed the readings this week because I felt like each author specifically addressed some personality traits of mine that I couldn't quite describe myself.  For all my desires to be a business owner/entrepreneur, I didn't think I actually resembled one.  I won't be journeying to Silicon Valley anytime soon and I don't have the same grandiose ideas as, say, Elon Musk, but I do feel like I have a purpose and a calling. The trick is to push through those "lost days."

I had a very challenging first week.  Not because of the coursework, but some heavy personal challenges.  As I logged on to class to complete some discussion board assignments, I felt peace wash over me and a small, discernible voice say, "You are right where you need to be.  It will work out."

 I am excited to learn how to be an Entrepreneurial Hero and learn how to create a life plan because I am exactly where I need to be.