Perseverance...all things are possible

This week we read about Elder Holland's experiences and how they taught him that perseverance is important in life, an education, and in business. We cannot let failures or disappoints distract or prevent us from accomplishing our goals. The video of Taylor Richards tells us to involve the Lord in all aspects of our lives, including becoming an entrepreneur. He relates the story of Nephi, and how the Lord blessed Nephi to accomplish those things he needed to do. But Nephi also called upon the Lord; he didn't just wait for the Lord to step in and help him. It is the same with us. We will have people tell us we can't accomplish what we're trying to do, but if we ask the Lord for help, He will help us in any righteous endeavor. I believe that if I want to become an entrepreneur, and my motivations are pure, then the Lord will help me as I ask for His guidance. I know He helps guide me when I ask for direction, and I know that He will move obstacles from my path, as I pursue righteous endeavors. This was a great reminder to me, as there were elements of things that are in my patriarchal blessing.

The 7 Habits Review

This week we studied “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, by Steven R. Covey. I have a hard time trying to find a favorite habit, but my first thought was that the first habit is my favorite, since nothing can be done without the first habit. My favorite habit is the first: Be Proactive. If we don’t make the choice to take action, rather than just react to situations in life, we’ll always be reactive. This puts us at a disadvantage, and not in a position of control. In order to be successful in life and in business, we must be in charge of ourselves, proactive in making decision to get where we plan to go. The other habits are excellent, also: Begin with the end in mind; First things first (prioritize); Think win/win; First seek to understand, then be understood; Create synergy. I think “First things first” is a habit I need to work on. I need to learn how to better prioritize my daily tasks to accomplish those things that are most important. I also really like the counsel to “First seek to understand, then be understood” as this advice is valuable in all relationship areas of our lives. We will be much more successful if we first understand the other person’s point of view and desires, then work together towards accomplishing shared goals, or working to merge goals together. The 7 Habits are an excellent guideline for how to be a successful person. Developing these habits will help me to be a better business person, community member, and family member. I like that there’s a progression in the habits. The first three habits are personal victories, and help with being able to move on to master the next three habits, which are public victories. And then there’s the seventh habit, to sharpen the saw. To make yourself better, to take care of yourself and your family. This is the ultimate place to be…master of yourself.

Mastering one's self...the most important first step

This videos and readings this week were focused on again on skills and characteristics that are helpful in becoming a successful entrepreneur. The talk which I found most compelling was the talk by Elder Tanner. Although this talk was given to an audience of Priesthood holders a couple decades ago, it contains principles that can be applied by everyone who wants to be successful in business, or just in life. Elder Tanner talked about self-master, and discipline. This is an area which I feel I could improve. Often times I allow myself to get distracted by those things that are less important, and I become less focused on those things that will help me achieve my goals. In his address, he quotes several philosophers that advise self-control and mastery are the only means of being successful. I found several of these quotes notable, so I’ll share them here for future reflection: Plato said: “The first and best victory is to conquer self; to be conquered by self is, of all things, the most shameful and vile.” The word “vile” used here is an excellent visual of how important it is to be in control of one’s self. And da Vinci once said: “You will never have a greater or lesser dominion than that over yourself.” Then he goes on to say that “the height of a man’s success is gauged by his self-mastery; the depth of his failure by his self-abandonment. … And this law is the expression of eternal justice. He who cannot establish dominion over himself will have no dominion over others.” In this quote, the word “failure” is used to express that you cannot succeed without having mastered yourself first. In the Bible, Solomon teaches us that “he that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” (Prov. 16:32.) I’ve always liked this scripture, in that it demonstrates that we are in control of our emotions, and to master them makes us mighty indeed. These quotes really struck me as I read them, and I need to reflect how I can work to obtain greater self-mastery in my life. I know I cannot truly be successful in business or in life without first working on this important trait.

Being an entrepreneur is not for the weak

The lessons this week made me realize that becoming an entrepreneur requires more than just a desire for money. In fact, there is little likelihood of success if money is one's main motivation. Entrepreneurship requires persistence, perserverance, and diligence. It also requires a sense of ingenuity, and a willingness to change as directed by your consumers' feedback. Being an entrepreneur is not necessarily going to provide the most stable income or work schedule. However, it can provide flexibility in doing something you're passionate about, without the contraints of following directives from a corporate employer. It can also allow for freedom in deciding who you will work with, and where you want to work. The reality of the lifestyle of an entrepreneur is one of possible long days, little support, and lots of decision-making. To be an entrepreneur means to have the resilience to accept rejection, and the perserverance to keep pursuing your goals, no matter how difficult the challenge. The question: "is an entrepreneur born or made?" really made me think. I have always felt that I don't have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, but I realized that the real question is: "do I have the perserverance to do what it takes...?" That is a question I have yet to answer. I think, after my experience working with small business owners, that I may get to the point where I'd be comfortable operating my own business, but I'd want to stay small. I do not really like managing all the aspects of a business, so I'd probably be more content with either remaining a small service organization, or hiring a manager if I were to grow into a large enterprise. I guess time will tell how I decide to pursue my future business options.