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 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.

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.