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.