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.