Entrepreneurial Journal: Last Lecture

            I think the most important thing to do as a new entrepreneur is to set goals.  Don’t only think of goals you’d like to achieve, but write them down and plan the steps that are required to get there.  With specific goals written down, you will be much more likely to attain them.  Setting goals will help you to focus on what you want to accomplish.  Knowing what you want to accomplish will also help you to do so faster.  It is amazing how quickly your goals can become a reality when you stay focused and align your actions with what you want to accomplish.

            Another important thing to do is to believe in yourself.  Believe in your ability to be successful and to accomplish great things.  I think that people are often unsure of their abilities and are afraid to even attempt their big ideas or goals.  But that fear is what holds us back from being successful.  Dream big and make those dreams a reality. 

Be grateful for the people in your life and the experiences you encounter.  As we show gratitude to the things we have, we will be more content and satisfied with our lives.  This contentment can make it easier when we face challenges and difficulties. 

Learn from mistakes and don’t be afraid to try again.  Enjoy the journey to success rather than focusing solely on the destination.  Be generous and willing to help others.  Karma will take care of you as you care for others.

Always be honest with yourself and with others.  Never compromise your integrity, even if it means less success on the surface.  But if you are ever dishonest, your success will never be as satisfying as it would have otherwise.  Surround yourself with honest people that you trust and value.  Be willing to trust others and they will trust you in return.  This trust will lead to loyalty and you can build a wonderful network that you can rely on for a lifetime.

Be sure to do something that you enjoy – why spend your time and efforts on something that you don’t like or believe in?  Most importantly, maintain a healthy perspective of your work.  Being an entrepreneur requires a lot of time, effort, investment, and dedication.  But there have to be limits – especially if you have a family.  Don’t let your loved ones disappear into the background as you absorb yourself in your work.  Always make time for them and know when it’s time to “clock out” and be home.  Keep your life balanced.  A successful entrepreneurial venture isn’t worth much unless you have a supportive family that you take the time to spend time with.

Week 12: Entrepreneurial Journal

Lessons Learned:
This week was focused on gratitude.  Having and expressing an attitude of gratitude helps us to maintain a positive outlook and to recognize all the blessings we receive.  President Monson’s talk, An Attitude of Gratitude, reminded me of so many things I am thankful for.  From the big things to the small things, we are blessed with so much.  One of the points that President Monson discussed was that of focusing on the positive and eliminating the negative in our lives.  He said “We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude.”  I have seen this to be so true in my own life.  A positive attitude is contagious, just as a negative one is.  We can spread happiness as we show gratitude for the things we have rather than mope about the things we don’t have.
Furthermore, President Monson discussed the importance of having gratitude for our friends.  He said “let us have gratitude for our friends. Our most cherished friend is our partner in marriage. This old world would be so much better off today if kindness and deference were daily a reflection of our gratitude for wife, for husband.”  I think that showing gratitude for those we love is so important.  I think that more than expressing gratitude by word, we must express gratitude by action.

Week 11: Entrepreneurial Journal

Lessons Learned:

This week we focused on how the world is changing, but President Monson’s talk reminded me that eternal truths never change.  One thing that stood out to me in his talk, “Constant Truths for Changing Times,” is the importance of shaping our young children in a positive way!  I loved the analogy of the mind being a cupboard and we stock the shelves.  President Monson quoted Dr. Glenn J. Doman saying, “What is placed in the child’s [mind] during the first eight years of life is probably there to stay. … If you put misinformation into his [mind] during [this period], it is extremely difficult to erase it.”  He also pointed out that “the most receptive age in human life is that of two or three years.”  This made me reflect on what I should be doing as I raise my 1 year old daughter.  This information has encouraged me to be more mindful of the movies we watch and the music we listen to.  I remember movies that I only saw once as a 2 year old, so I know that we must be careful of what we allow our families to be exposed to. 

We can strengthen and inspire those around us, from the people we live with to strangers we meet on the street.  We also read an article about Microlending by Muhammad Yunus who started the Grameen Bank.  He said “don’t give up dreaming.  Be a dreamer.  And keep on trying to make the dream come true.  Dream about the world you would like to have.  If we all dream about a better world, I can guarantee you that we will create a better world.”  This is such a positive attitude, and I know that if we do this, we can improve the world and society in which we live.

Week 10: Entrepreneur Journal

This week I learned about balancing my life among all the different things I may be involved with.  Balance is essential for true happiness.  The Acton Guide on Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness shared some shared some simple, yet critical, truths concerning happiness.  One of the most widely believed myths is that future changes will make you happier.  People believe that they will be happy if they have more money, a bigger house, lose more weight, drive a nicer car, get another promotion, etc., but the reality is that if you are not happy now, you probably won’t be happy in the future.  The guide showed research evidence and graphs that show this fact.  It helps me to remember that happiness is an attitude – a state of mind.  We are the ones who decide our level of happiness, not our achievements, possessions, etc.  We must learn to be happy in the present and with the lives we have and stop chasing after future happiness.

We must prioritize the things that are most important to us in our lives because, eventually, we will need to decide between one thing and another (and sometimes more).  If we decide now what is most important to us, those decisions won’t be as difficult when we are faced with them.  If I decide that being there for my family is the most important thing to me, then I will do everything I can to do that – even if it means making sacrifices or turning down opportunities at work or school.

Week 9: Entrepreneurial Journal

Lessons Learned

This week’s mentor session helped me to see that my idea of starting a home daycare business is much more probable that I originally thought.  Yes, there will be challenges, but there are simple, effective solutions to address those challenges. 

Challenge 1:
The first challenge would be the time commitment involved with starting a business.  I would love to start a business from home, but I also want to be able to spend the time and attention needed by my daughter and husband.  I already find it difficult to get things done, such as working, homework, housework, food preparation, etc. while caring for my family – I’m not sure if I can fit more things into my schedule right now! 

Solution:
My concern of time commitment can be alleviated through family support and delegation.  If my husband is willing to take on some of the responsibilities at home, I would have some time available to focus on my business.  I think balance and delegation are the solutions.

Challenge 2:
We are trying to save up money so we can buy a house, so I would prefer limiting any investments or expenditures right now.  I know that starting a business does require some investment and I could see returns after some time.

Solution:
We can set aside a specific amount each month that is solely for my business.  That way we can keep saving for a house while still providing some financial resources for setting up my home daycare.  Another option would be to get a little loan from my mom and pay her back over time with my revenues.  A good thing about having a daycare service is that there are very little investment requirements!

Challenge 3:
I don’t want to be tied down to my business – I like having the flexibility of traveling and visiting family when I want to.  I know with some businesses, this would not be a concern.  But for my idea of starting a home daycare business, I would need to be there and available to take care of the children on a consistent basis.

Solution:
I can address this concern by arranging a small team to cover for me on days I am unavailable.  My sister would be a great option for this!  I could also ask a few friends if they would be willing to work some days and have a network of backup workers.

As shown above, starting a business does involve risks and challenges.  But these challenges can be addressed and concerns can be resolved through an entrepreneurial  mindset of creativity and determination!

Entrepreneurial Journal: Week 8

Lessons Learned

This week’s reading and video assignments helped me to see the importance of trusting others and being trustworthy.  A Message to Garcia was very eye-opening to me.  It shared excellent principles and guidelines to follow as we are given responsibilities and assignments.  It also pointed out common things that we probably shouldn’t do – things that I am guilty of.  One of the things that stood out to me was the fact that few people will simply carry out a project once assigned – they have to ask questions and receive help in doing so.  I often ask several questions when I am asked to do a special project or assignment, but they are for clarification and to ensure we are on the same page.  This reading indicated the importance of moving forward, presenting progress, and revising if needed.  I guess that is something I could work on – instead of needed all the details and instructions, I should just move forward and report on my progress to make sure I’m doing things right!

I also loved Guy Kawasaki’s thoughts about trustworthiness, especially the quality of always defaulting to yes.  He said that “Defaulting to yes means that when you meet people, you are always thinking, ‘How can I help that person?’ which is very different than when you meet people, you're always thinking, ‘How can that person help me?’”  I think this is a great quality to have and is something I could definitely work on in my own life.  I tend to help people only when needed rather than always asking myself “how can I help this person?”  I am going to strive to develop this quality by mindfully asking myself that question as I interact with others.  I’m sure that I will benefit and live a fuller life as I apply this!

Entrepreneurial Journal – Week 7

Lessons Learned

We all face challenges and trials.  But we get to choose how we face them and what we get out of them.  Rather than let our challenges dictate our reactions, we must analyze and think for how we will act in response to our challenges.  We cannot avoid challenges, but we can learn from them.  I loved what Elder Holland had to share about this topic.  He said, “I am asking you this morning not to give up ‘for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.’  That ‘great work’ is you—your life, your future, the very fulfillment of your dreams.  That “great work” is what, with effort and patience and God’s help, you can become. When days are difficult or problems seem unending, I plead with you to stay in the harness and keep pulling.  You are entitled to “eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days,” but it will require your heart and a willing mind.  It will require that you stay at your post and keep trying.”  What an inspiring, empowering statement!  I know that as we face our challenges with faith, we can overcome them and become better, wiser people as a result. 

Overcoming our challenges requires action and hard work.  We cannot simply wait for the challenge to pass by.  Elder Holland shared a quote of Marilyn Funt who said, "I used to think being somebody meant public recognition of one’s efforts. Wrong.  I now know that the feeling of being somebody comes from hard work and self-growth.  Being in control of my life makes me answer that question with a strong 'Yes!'"  As we work hard and face our challenges, they can help us to learn and grow.

Week 6 - Entrepreneur Journal

Lessons Learned:

What is a business for?

This week’s readings and videos helped me to gain a better perspective on businesses and their purposes – or what should be their purposes.  It seems that today, so many businesses are simply concerned with the bottom line rather than what is best for the long-term success and growth of their company.  If you want to leave a true legacy, look beyond yourself, don’t worry about what investors or shareholders might think, and do what is best for the company as a whole.

We must always maintain integrity and be true to ourselves and others.  Honesty is vital for a company’s success.  While a company may feel like they can get away with some discrepancies or dishonesties, those things will always catch up with them in one way or another.  Virtue and integrity are vital for a company as well as for individuals.  Those qualities build trust.  If others do not trust you or your company, you or your company will suffer.  If we strive to  increase our virtue and integrity, people will trust us and our businesses will blossom.  Rationalization has plagued the society as business leaders fudge numbers and do what looks best at that moment.

I also learned more about the purpose of profits.  Profits should be used to do something more or better – not just to accumulate wealth and status.  We should make profits so they can become something greater!  Learning about this perspective has helped me to see the importance of using our resources to improve the world around us.

Week 5 - Entrepreneur Journal

Lessons Learned:

There were a couple of things that stood out to me this week.  First is the importance of maintaining an eternal perspective, especially concerning wealth.  God does not care how much money I earn or what I buy with that money.  Wealth is an opportunity to help and serve others.  I want to apply this principle of generosity in all aspects of my life – everything I have is a blessing from God and I should share my blessings with others.  This not only includes money, but also time, talents, and other resources.  I want to have a more giving heart and to reach out and serve those around me -  and wealth is not a requirement of doing so.

I also want to develop self-mastery in my life.  I was impressed by the examples given in Elder Tanner’s talk “Success is Gauged by Self-Mastery.”  I know that living a self-disciplined life with commitment to goals and improvement will lead to self-mastery.  I read the book “Mastery,” by George Leonard, and we can develop mastery in all facets of our lives - including daily chores and routines.  We must live each day to the fullest and use every opportunity we can to constantly improve ourselves.  If we become complacent or stop striving to improve, we end up taking steps backwards.

I am a firm believer of setting goals and developing self-discipline to achieve them.  We need to act now to achieve our goals and become the people we hope to be.  Elder Tanner said, “If you want to be successful or outstanding in any field of endeavor, it is important that you determine while young to be a great boy, and not wait to be a man to be a great man; and then have the courage and strength and determination to discipline yourself, apply self-control and self-mastery.”  As we make decisions and commit ourselves to our goals, we can achieve so much and become inspirational people who can influence the world for good.  There is one thing that one of my former bishops shared with my ward a few years ago.  It has always stuck with me and I still apply what he shared into my life on a regular bases.  It is something that I think can help us apply the principles of self-mastery and know how we can continually improve our lives.  He told us to:

1. Write down something you should start doing
2. Write down something you should keep doing
3. Write down something you should stop doing

And he said to do this on a regular basis and to evaluate how you are doing.  Ideally, I would love to do this exercise every week, but I think I do this every month.  It is so interesting to see how things build on each other.  Doing this helps me to identify little things that I should or shouldn’t be doing and motivates me to set goals to do so.  It helps me to waste less time on Facebook, to remember to pray and ready my scriptures, and helps me to use my time more wisely.

Week 4: Entrepreneur Journal

Lessons Learned:

I think the most significant thing that I learned was through the Mentor Session assignment – I can be an entrepreneur starting now!  I always thought that I needed to finish school first, but that assignment helped me to think of different possibilities that I can begin immediately.  The one that I am most excited about is starting a home day care business.  The more I think about it, the more excited I am.  I am home every day with my 1-year old, but I love working and wish I could have a job.  Starting a day care business is the perfect solution for me – I can work while taking care of my baby!  I looked into the state requirements for starting a day care business, and I can start small at first without having any licensure requirements.  If I like how things are going, I can get my business and day care licenses, get CPR certified, and care for more children.  I discussed my ideas with my sister and asked if she would be interested in working together if we wanted to care for up to 16 kids, and she loved the idea as well!  I think that day care is something that is always in demand and I’ve thought about ways to set my day care apart from others.  First of all, my house is childproof and fun – it’s filled with toys, musical instruments, and we have a huge, fenced back yard.  I would create a schedule with times for snacks, reading time, music time, dance time, nap time, etc.  I would charge $5/hour for each child, which is a great deal for parents.  It would also work great for me!  If I started caring for 4 children, that would be a combined $20/hour!  I have also considered the possibility of offering a sibling discount - $5/hr for the first child and $3/hr or any additional siblings.  That would make the day care more affordable for parents while still providing an adequate income for me.  It really seems like the perfect solution for my business and home desires!

Week 3: Entrepreneur Journal

“To Manage the Minute is the Secret of Success” – Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

I loved this message by Elder Wirthlin .  It was simple, direct, and very applicable.  His message was one of truth and it motivated me to use my minutes more effectively.  He emphasized the importance of the little things in life – and minutes are little.  But they add up!  He brought an important point up – we have a fixed rate of minutes each day.  We can’t add more minutes and we can take away any minutes.  How we act and use our minutes requires us to manage ourselves wisely with a positive outlook.

What really stood out to me was how important the little things are with our relationships with others.  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 made me think about the kindness that others have shown me.  I am touched by a simple smile.  I savor a sincere compliment.  I remember words of encouragement forever.  These are all great feelings and I can share these feelings with those around me by looking for ways to do the same. 

As I pray and turn to the Lord for strength, I’ll be able to develop spiritual qualities.  “We will love more and criticize less.”  I want to do the little things to improve my relationships with family, friends, and even strangers.  I’m going to make an effort to smile and be friendly toward others.  I will look for things I can complement others about.  I will share encouraging words to lift others up.  

Week 2 - Entrepreneur Journal

Lessons Learned

I learned how useful and important it is to review journals!  This week I looked back on my past two entrepreneurial journals and I feel like I relearned what I previously studied.  I think that reviewing my thoughts and what I am learning will reinforce the information I am obtaining.  It will help me to remember what I want to learn and help me to see if I am using that information.  For example, last week I wrote some thoughts about Randy Pausch’s lecture and I was reminded to see the best in other people.  By simply scanning what I wrote last week helped me to remember that important principle and encourages me to use it in my daily life.  We need reminders to know where we are going, what we want to do, and why we are doing things.

I also learned the importance of putting God first in all aspects of our lives.  Elder Lynn G. Robbins’ talk “Making a Living and a Life” discussed the importance of being motivated by the love of God – rather than being motivated primarily by money.  Money isn’t a bad motivation – it simply shouldn’t be the primary one.  As we put God first and act out of our love for Him, He will bless us and help us to prosper.  Elder Robbins encouraged me to always be an A-level person.  I believe that his teachings are applicable at home, as well as in the professional world.  I can be an A-level wife and mother as I strive to live a Christ-centered life.  I shouldn’t act out of selfish motivations.  If I act with the love of God as my primary motivation, I can enjoy peace, harmony, and the Spirit in my life and home.

Week 1 - Entrepreneur Journal

Lessons Learned

This week’s assignments were very insightful for me.  I found Randy Pausch’s lecture to be inspiring and motivating.  He gave sound advice about following dreams – even the small dreams (like winning big stuffed animals).  I think he taught a great lesson about attitude.  He apologized for not being sad or morose due to his cancer.  He was lively, upbeat, positive, and even mentioned that we should choose to be Tigger rather than Eeyore.  A couple more things that stood out to me are to show gratitude and see the best in others.  Those are two things that I can implement more in my life.  I find myself easily irritated by my husband’s lack of help and support at home and with chores, but if I look for things to be grateful about and see all the things he does do, I would be a lot less irritated.  As I strive to see the best in him, I will have an increased appreciation and love for him.

Lessons Not Yet Learned

 Our assignments this week focused on following your dreams and creating a vision.  I need to figure out what my own dreams are.  I feel like I don’t know what my dreams or life vision are or how to follow them.  I stay very busy at home with my daughter, housework, homework, etc. and feel like I don’t even have time for following dreams, let alone take a shower or have a hobby!  I know there must be a way to balance everything and perhaps better time management would allow me to do more and be able to follow my dreams.  Creating a list of 50 things to do helped me to see what is important to me and gave me some great ideas for dreams to follow.  I also found the Stars and Steppingstones article to be very beneficial in determining how I want to be remembered and what I should focus on now to achieve that.

Creating My Entrepreneur Journal!

Lessons Learned:

This week’s introductory assignments have made me so excited for this class.  Being able to read about the different assignments that we will be doing this semester helps me to feel confident and know what to expect throughout the course.  I always love video assignments and I found President Hinckley’s words so empowering.  We must always uphold strong ethics and maintain our integrity.  President Hinckley’s love for us is so evident.  I also loved what Elder Bednar had to say about BYU-Idaho being a DPC.  His comparisons between the MTC and BYU-Idaho helped me to gain a better perspective of my education and the importance of learning with the Spirit.  In his talk “You Whole Soul as an Offering” helped remind me of the true purpose of our education.  I shouldn’t only focus on getting all A’s in my required classes.  I should look for opportunities to learn, take courses that challenge me, and grow from those experiences.

Lessons Not Yet Learned:

I was able to read about how the case studies work in the class and the importance of them.  However, I have not done one yet, so I will need to learn more about them as I go.  They sound like an excellent way to learn the material and present opportunities to analyze and contemplate different problems and situations that we may face throughout our careers.  I also want to learn how the information I am obtaining can be used at home with my family.

Jasper Update!

Jasper had her 4-month appointment last week!  She is now 24 inches long and 11.5 pounds!  

She got a cold and as a result, she learned how to blow her nose!

Jasper is extremely social and talkative.  She loves to coo and holds several long conversations each day with anyone who is around!  She loves to smile and grin at everyone.  She has also tried rice cereal a couple of times and is learning how to use a spoon!  She is growing up sooo fast!

Jasper helps me with my online classes and particularly enjoys learning about business law.  She has also decided that my new iPod Touch should be hers and likes to draw pictures on it.  She makes each day so much fun!!!  :)