Journal Entry Week 4

This week I had the opportunity to learn about the enduring aspect of Entrepreneurs.  Becoming successful is a never-ending process.  That process means that we need to take each life lesson and make it an asset in our knowledge base.  We can do this by applying those lessons to our lives.  I think of the saying, “Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.”  Success is not just luck, or achieved by just skills…it takes trial and error.  For me, being able to adapt and learn from what doesn’t work has been the greater life lesson.  I seem to remember those lessons more clearly moving forward.  I liked the idea that entrepreneurs become successful, one small investment at a time.  I don't think this just applies to entrepreneurs but all people in all aspects of life.  I have also started reading a book titled, "Mastery."  In this book the author talks about the media and how progress and climax have become "normal."  What is not seen, in most cases is the journey.  We need to be happy and find happiness in the daily efforts that will help us achieve our goals.  Eventually living a good life in pursuit of good goals, is actually the benefit of making goals...not necessarily achieving all of them.

I was also able to read a talk “Perseverance” by James E. Faust, the idea of enduring was reinforced.  President Faust gave several examples of members in the church and how they overcame extremely difficult trials.   President Faust uses a story of  four missionaries in Hawaii.  Their boat capsized. One Elder; Elder Alma Smith, would not give up on saving the life of Elder Snow.  At the time CPR and mouth to mouth had not been invented.  However, because he was in tune with the spirit, he was inspired to perform mouth to mouth thus saving Elder Snow's life.  Alma Smith no doubt had the attitude of perseverance from his own childhood.  He experienced being shot and losing his hip and ball joint.  There was not surgery to perform, or replacement available.  His own mother was inspired to make him lay still and filled the open wound with a homemade salve for months.  His body healed itself and grew some tissue that filled the hole and Elder Smith was able to walk and live a full life...and save the future President of the church.   Elder Smith would not have made such a great effort if he had not gone through his own life threatening experience.  Understanding why we go through difficulties usually doesn’t manifest itself until a later time in life.  Having faith, a positive attitude, and enduring are essential if we want to be successful and happy. (Side note...Ezra Taft Benson was my stepfather's uncle)  Earl Benson Weaver. 


In 1864, Elders Lorenzo Snow and Ezra T. Benson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles went on a mission to the Hawaiian Islands. They were accompanied by three other missionaries: Elders
Joseph F. Smith, William Cluff, and Alma L. Smith.

Journal Entry ~ Week 3

This week there were some great insights learned from my studies.  In reading the talk given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin called, “Little Things are Important”, I was impressed with his idea that each minute counts.  We all have the same fixed “60 minutes in an hour.”  I find it amazing that with the same amount of time there is such a variety of outcomes.  It always comes back to priorities.  What are the priorities in my own life?  Family and the gospel/Heavenly Father are at the top of my list.  Second would have to be school, and third would have to be my health.  It made me think about my own life, how I spend my time, and what motivates me.   We all have to make tradeoffs.  Instead of managing time, I need to focus more on managing myself so that my time is spent more on my priorities. 

 I also liked the scripture reference D&C 64:33”Wherefore be not weary in well doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work, and out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” 
The second thought I had while reading his talk was in reference to a quote he said, “Do you take the time to remember some of the simple courtesies that are so important in relationships with others? Do you remember the smile, the compliment, the positive comment, and the word of encouragement? We should do these important little things without hesitation.”  This idea coincides with Reid Hoffman’s suggestion in his book, “The Start-up of You.”  He describes how networking has a negative vibe, and the reason is because people are not genuine with each other.  His suggestion is to think about how one can help another, and then do it with no expectation of return.   I like the quote from his book that says, “A friend is not an asset you own; it’s a shared relationship.”  We do not have to over think how to be kind if we take Elder Wirthlin’s advice and remember to be courteous. The details are the thread in our life fabric. 

Journal Week 2

This week I had the opportunity to learn about ethics, integrity and honesty.  I watched a video by Frank Levinson, “Why are Ethics Important.”  He talks about a pretty big mistake he made in picking someone to operate his business, he chose this person because he was really smart.  That decision ended up costing him his own job.  The take away from his story is; it is better to build people around you that are honest and loyal above all other attributes.  Intelligence is nice, but honesty is better.  He also suggested to begin with trustworthy people at the beginning of any business decision and stay the course.  Never make unethical decisions.

The second video was by Jan Newman called risk in Business.  His message was to be invested in what you do.  He kept using the term “skin” as in “get some skin in the game”.  For me this represents our personal investment, which can be labor, time, financial, spiritual, but always ethical.  Although each of the videos were short, they left a great impression on me.  I have been fortunate to be at home while we raised our children and never really had to face any of the tough decisions regarding ethics that go along with business.  I know as I finish my education and enter the workforce, there will be temptations.  Having a gospel centered education is great, but I think the ultimate trump card for me is having a gospel centered life.  Ethics and honesty are issues not only in the work place, but everywhere.  Being an older student I have life experience on my side, so I understand the truths from my own experiences.  It was a great reminder of what is important.

I was also able to read a few great articles.  I really liked the message from Elder Lynn G. Robinson describing how being on the highest level of integrity will shape your career.  He says,

”Those at the A-level aren’t working for mankind, but living for mankind, trying to lift and help others. If a love of God and fellowmen is the primary motivation, then the working man or woman will be a kingdom builder and a full-tithe payer. They will have a “zeal towards their fellow men . . . and will be perfectly honest and upright in all things” (Alma27:27).  As a laborer they will be “worthy of their hire” (Luke 10:7).  As an employer they will give a “just recompense of wages,” (D&C 124:121).  They will be a beloved employer and endeavor to help, not only their customers, but also their employees and community. They will have a baker’s dozen mentality with superior customer service. Sometimes this person will even render service at no charge to help someone in need, such as those doctors who travel to Third-world countries to help the disadvantaged.  Their products and services are of the highest quality.”

I want to be this kind of person once I enter the workforce.  What a great motivator! 

Week 1 Entrepreneur Class Journal

This week was jam packed full of insightful information.  I really could not read fast enough and I am sure I didn't absorb nearly enough.  I was inspired by a transcript I read from Randy Pausch's Last Lecture.  Randy helped invent Virtual Reality games and was an imagineer for Disney. The premise of these lectures were an exercise allowing the speaker to think about what they would say if it were indeed their last words.  The ironic twist is that it really was Randy's last lecture.  He was terminally ill with cancer and had months to live.  He was positive, and funny.  He told of all his dreams and how he accomplished so many of them.  I found a comprised version of his lecture and will post it here.  It is my hope to revisit this every time I feel discouraged.  His message resonated with me on so many levels.  He was a charismatic leader, but not necessarily the most scholarly or academic.  He originally did not get accepted into the college he wanted to attend, however he ended up graduating from, Carnegie Mellon.  An instructor made a phone call to get him an interview.  He taught about walls and how they keep most people out, except the ones that really want in.  Walls are there to challenge us, and make us better problem solvers.  I just love this concept.  

Entrepreneur Class Journal

I have entered a new semester and have been asked to create a blog to journal my thoughts.  As I went about creating a new blog...every blog name I came up with was already taken.  I spent about 20 minutes trying to create a new name.  At that point it became apparent that it was a waste of time, so I have decided to adapt my adoption blog and use if for my schooling purposes.
The questions I have to ask myself are what strengths do I have an an entrepreneur?  I have been self employed as a care giver in the past, I have also started up a small interior design business and a photography business in the past.  I have learned valuable lessons in each of these endeavors.  The first is that I know what my strengths are.  I am good with people, time management, budgets and I enjoy creating a finished product.  I am a finisher, I rarely start something without finishing.  Through these experiences I have also learned some of my weaknesses.  I have self esteem issues, it is hard for me to hear someone didn't like the way I processed a picture.  That is one of the reasons I got out of photography, because it was so subjective.  I also undervalued my time.  It was not cost effective for me to continue.  I am still trying to decide what I want out of my education and hope time will tell.

Some of the things I enjoyed learning about this week came from the videos.  President Hinckley's talk was inspiring.  His point that we are not genius,  and don't need to get all "A's" resounded with me.  He said that we simply need to do our best and that the Lord will open the Heavens to us.  That was a great comfort to me.