A Journey of Gratitude

This week I loved the readings and videos and found them to be very helpful and contained great messages and advice.

From President Monson’s talk, I want to remember the characteristics of teachers. One thing that stuck out to me is when President Monson spoke about gratitude for teachers, and specifically when he mentioned his marketing professor. He talked about this professor had a friendly persuasion, taught truth, inspired effort, and prompted love. What if all teachers were able to do these things? Wouldn’t the world be a better place? I play a few different “teacher” roles, one being a mother, in my life and just loved this. It made me think that if I can teach my children in this way, it seems like a good definition of a successful teacher.

The last thing that I really enjoyed from this talk is at the end when President Monson told us ways we can show our Savior gratitude, by following Him and obeying His words. I hope to always strive to be the kind of person He was.

From the video, “Avoid the Wrong Job,” I liked hearing that we should choose a job we think is fun. I feel like when we enjoy what we do, it makes all the difference. I also found the advice Christensen gave in the video to put ourselves in a situation to be able to take advantage of opportunities that come up important. I think that a lot of times people miss out when they are unable to take advantage of opportunities.

Changing the World

This week, I learned a lot about changing the world, and the need for it. From President Monson’s talk, “Constant Truths for Changing Times,” I had many insights and impressions, especially regarding parenting. He talked about stocking our families shelves (minds) with gospel scholarship, faith, prayer, love, service, obedience, example, and kindness. He also taught that we shouldn’t indulge our children, for they must learn to make their own way in the world. As a mother, he warned that even when it is easier to take things on ourselves, we shouldn’t we “persuade your children to help, but it is so essential for them to learn the importance of doing their share.” I really appreciated his advice and guidance, because I feel I need all the help I can get when it comes to parenting.

From the video, “Entrepreneurship and Consecration” by Robert C. Gay, I learned that business and entrepreneurship is a way to accomplish Heavenly Father’s work and a means to serve others. One thing he said that really stands out to me, that I hope to always remember is this. He said, “It is not what you have, but who you are. And who you are is not what you say, but what you do. Successful pioneers are inward focused and outward driven.” So many times in life, people seem to get caught up with what they have, and it’s not about that. What we do, will tell others who we are. And to be successful, we need to focus inward, but be outward driven. I feel that by following this advice, one will do good in the world.

Lastly, from the Stanford video, “Make it Personal and make it Work” I found it interesting that Sheryl Sandberg Never wanted to work in a company, because she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, yet she found herself drawn to technology, and seemed like companies were making a huge difference. She then went to work for Google because they had a compelling mission and vision. After google, she went to Facebook She said that both companies had visions that scaled. I agree with her when she said that a compelling vision is what motivates people to become great leaders. Without a vision, this wouldn’t happen.

I learned that one person, and the way they conduct their lives can really have an effect on the world.

Measuring the Cost: Life Balance

I really enjoyed this week's lessons, because it was so applicable to my life, and the constant questions I ask myself. I took so much away from the videos, readings, and assignments. I was really able to think about different scenarios and why certain things, such as time for family and away from work, really matter.

Here are a few things that really impressed me, that I hope to always remember and apply to my life.

 In President Monson’s talk, “Formula for Success” I loved how he spoke about three parables; the 10 virgins, the parable of the talents, and the parable of the fig tree and then said, “From those parables I would like to suggest that if we are really to be a chosen generation, we have the responsibility to be prepared, to be productive, to be faithful, and to be fruitful as well. What we need, as we journey along through this period known as mortality, is a compass to chart our course, a map to guide our footsteps, and a pattern whereby we might mold and shape our very lives. May I share with you a formula that in my judgment will help you and help me to journey well through mortality and to that great reward of exaltation in the celestial kingdom of our Heavenly Father.” He then says that the formula is that we “first, fill your mind with truth; second, fill your life with service; and third, fill your heart with love.” We should learn, understand, and live by the word of God, not by the philosophies of men. We should serve others, magnify our callings, and share our testimonies, because if we don’t, it may perish. I feel strongly that Heavenly Father intends for us to be prepared, productive, faithful and fruitful. He didn’t send us here for no reason. We each have a purpose and need to apply this formula in our lives to become what He intends for us.

In the video “Balancing Your Life and Your Career Successfully” by Randy Komisar I was reminded that money, power, and opportunity don’t bring happiness. He also pointed out that we need to balance our lives, so we can do the things that we enjoy. Another great piece of advice Randy Komisar gave is to “never put yourself in a situation where you can’t say no.” I feel this is good advice for anything we do in life, whether it’s with our time, with our job, our even with standards, friends, family, etc.  

In the video “Is Work/Life Balance Possible?” by Ann Miura-Ko talked about the work- life balance and how it is hard to say it’s balanced. She talks about the struggle it can be, but she reminds us to be passionate and believe that you feel it’s worth it in the end, in any job we have. What would be the point of working/doing anything if we didn’t believe it was worth something? I need to remind myself of these things, at times I feel overwhelmed. And if it isn’t worth it, then to quit, and focus on something that is.

I really enjoyed Stephen W. Gibsons thoughts on money, and I like him feel that money is not only a neccessary part of our lives, but that it is something we need to pay attention to, work at, and do our best with, including the need to work to earn money, and should be self-reliant through it.

From the book, “So You Want to be an Entrepreneur” I loved everything the author said and the advice the author gave about balancing your life, and to put those we love and care about first, because they are truly what make us happy and worth the work and efforts we put into our career. 

And lastly, from “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” reading, I found the following quote to be really meaningful and something we should strive to do. It said, “Along the journey, learn to embrace mistakes and adversity. Take more chances and suffer more defeats. Extend yourself. Long-term research on aging shows that you are far more likely to regret what you have not done, than to regret your errors and mistakes. You are much stronger and tougher than you think. We fear most what we never experience. Embrace adversity as a lesson in humility. Use it to remind yourself to be grateful for what you have.”

Dream Big Dreams

I really enjoyed the things I learned and read this week for class.
Here are a few things I hope to always remember.

 First, from the article, “The Heart of Entrepreneurship” I found it very interesting and gave some interesting perspectives and information about the entrepreneurial mindset. While reading the article I thought much about the type of person I am---the promoter vs the trustee. I thought a lot about the part that said, “A person’s most valuable assets are intelligence, energy, and experience—not money or other material things—which are well suited to the promoter role.” I feel that this is true, both in the business world and a career, and also in life in general.

From the video, “Think Big” I love the idea and motivation that it gives, that we can accomplish goals and dreams, especially when we involve the Lord. I also liked how he said we can do GREAT things, and that it is no harder to be great, then to be good. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t. Pursue goals, dreams, and pursue huge.

From Dallin H. Oaks talk, "The Challenge to Become" I loved and found it really important when he said, "From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become." It is so important that we have done good things, but more importantly what we have become. I always hope to remember this.

Loyalty & Leadership

This week I learned a lot about leadership and how crucial it is to have leaders who are loyal and honest. President Hinckley has taught and has challenged us to, "...run from the tide of sleaze that would overcome you. Flee the evils of the world. Be loyal to your better self. Be loyal to the best that is in you. Be faithful and true to the covenants that are associated with the priesthood of God. You cannot wallow about in lasciviousness, you cannot lie, you cannot cheat, you cannot take advantage of others in unrighteousness without denying that touch of divinity with which each of us came into this life." With this perspective, we know that we must be loyal in every aspect of our lives.

President Kim B. Clark, in his talk, "Leadership with a small "L"" taught many great things we should all heed when it comes to leadership. He taught, "... leadership with a small “L”—the kind of leadership that builds and lifts and inspires through kindness and love and unselfish devotion to the Lord and His work. It is the kind of leadership that we need at every level of every kind of organization in the world and in every ward and stake in the Church. It is the kind of leadership you will need to build an eternal family." I feel like there is much to be taken from this. He then gave three principles of how to accomplish this. First, lead by example. One of the most important things a leader does is what they do. The second principle is to lead with vision. President Clark said, "One of the most important things that leaders do is to help the people they lead understand the larger meaning and purpose of their daily work. " The last principle is to lead with love. Effective leaders learn to energize those they lead through love in action.

From the Standford video, "Aspects of Building Trust" I learned that trust others and they will trust you. In this video, Guy Kawasaki gives examples of trust found in businesses. He also talks about "bakers" and "eaters". The "bakers" are the ones who have the trust.

I really loved  the reading, "Message to Garcia," and was impressed by so many things it talked about. I was impressed when it said, "The world cries out for such: he is needed and needed badly, the man who can carry a message to Garcia.”" I hope to always remember this example. The article talked about the ability to execute being so valuable, and is actually more valuable than education or talent. It also talked about our world of underachievers, but we all have the choice to to develop attitudes, habits and instincts to be among those who succeed. They list 4 steps to take to develop these things. They are: accept the mission and get started, be curious, immediately sketch out a plan, if you need resources don't be afraid to ask, enlist help when needed, report back and show your work, underpromise and overdeliver, expect to make small mistakes, put results before schmoozing, and to replace the voices in your head with positive action. I also learned about having a
Vision, Strategies, Projects, Tactics (VSPT) framework.

 



   

Moving Forward with a Driving Passion

Here are some of the things I have learned from the videos and readings this week.

First, from President Hinckley's talk, "Stand True and Faithful," he said, "The Lord has said by way of commandment, “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly” (D&C 121:45). He is saying to us that we cannot even think about immoral matters. Why? Because evil thoughts lead to evil deeds. Then He has said that if we will let virtue garnish our thoughts, we shall stand with confidence in the presence of God. Think of that. He goes on to say the Holy Ghost shall be our constant companion. Our dominion shall be an everlasting dominion. (See D&C 121:45–46.) What marvelous and remarkable promises these are, and they are given to those who walk in virtue." After reading this, and "What's a Business For?" by Charles Handy, I was reminded of how vital it is to have virtue and integrity in the workplace/business world.

Also from "What's a Business For?" I thought this part was really important and gave great advice. It said, "A good business is a community with a purpose, and a community is not something to be “owned.” A community has members, and those members have certain rights, including the right to vote or express their views on major issues." It then went on to talk about business's should actually treat people like a person, with individual talents, skills, and needs, instead of viewing them as a resource. I have noticed in my workplace, when people feel appreciated with their skills, the work they have done, and the efforts they have put in, morale is boosted, and employees are motivated to try harder to help the business succeed. However, when they don't feel this way, things get done in a not so great way, people are unhappy, and overall, things seem really negative.

From the videos, I learned to do something you are passionate about, that our goal as an entrepreneur should be to change the world, and that the drive for continued learning is what keeps people "vibrant" throughout their lives.

 

 

So you want to be an Entrepreneur?

This week I feel like I have learned so much about entrepreneurship. Through reading "So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur" I realized that not only have I believed so many of the top 10 myths and was glad to see and learn from a different perspective, but also that really anyone can acquire the neccessary skill set it takes to become a sucessful entrepreneur. I also have found that I actually maybe acquire more of the characteristics of an entrepreneur than I have ever thought!

One of my favorite parts of this week's lesson came from Elder Tanner's talk, titled,
"Success is Gauged by Self-Mastery"
My favorite part of the talk was the story he told of his oldest grandson being a "hundred percenter."

 What an awesome example, he even gave up going on a trip to an island. Then, when he broke his leg, to think that that is what he was worried about, missing church, wow---what a great kid! I hope to always remember this story because there is so much to be learned from it. I realized how important  it is to set goals, and then work hard, using self-mastery, to get where we are going, and to stay on the straight and narrow path. Why take the detours? Why make it that much harder on ourselves? This can also be applied to business and entrepreneurship. It will take self mastery and self discipline, and a vision and goals to get to where we want to go.

 

Another part I loved from this lesson, comes from the video titled, "Loyalty to God and Family," given by Jan Newman, where he talked about our time. He said that we only have a set amount of time, and certain things are going to have to be "crunched" however, we should NEVER crunch down on our time with our family or with the Lord. We must always take time for these things, which are most important. In 1000 years, nobody will care what kind of money we made or what company we worked for, but what will matter is our relationship with the Lord and our relationship with our family members. Time is our asset in everything, and in the video "Three Lessons About What it Means to be an Entrepreneur" by Wences Casares he talked about this.

 

Mastery: Skill, Character, or Luck

The following are things that stuck out to me from this weeks videos, reading, and assignments.

First, from the reading, “Are Successful Entrepreneurs Born or Made?” I loved the quote that said, "Entrepreneurs become successful, one small investment at a time, in a never-ending process. Because entrepreneurial success isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. A journey taken one determined step at a time, in a way that builds lifelong treasures." I thought that this is important to realize that it's all about the journey that matters. It was also interesting to read the opinions of different successfull entrepreneurs and what they thought mattered. One said that it was skill, the other said it was personality. I feel like it takes both of those, plus hard work, dedication, and perserverance. Which leads me to another important part of this lesson.
In his talk, "Perserverance," President Faust told a story about young missionaries in Hawaii, including one named Lorenzo Snow. There was a bad storm, and basically Lorenzo Snow drowned. His body was rescued, and the other young missionaries tried everything they could do revive him, but he appeard to have died. Others told them it was too late, nothing could save him. However, they kept going, and had an impression to do CPR (something completely unheard of in that time), and eventually brought him back to life. They kept going, even when others told them to stop. My favorite quote from this talk said, "Success is usually earned by persevering and not becoming discouraged when we encounter challenges. Perseverance is demonstrated by those who keep going when the going gets tough, who don’t give up even when others say, “It can’t be done.”" I liked that and feel that it is so important with anything we do in life, whether business related, or just dealing with situations that come up in life.

 The last impression I had came from the video "“How Do You Find Your Passion and How Do You Pursue It?" I liked how Randy Komisar asked focused on values and what one cares about. He then asked, "What is the ultimate question? What is the ultimate thing to make of your life?" It made me really think about what I want my life to be like. I also really enjoyed the video "A Heroes Journey" for this reason too. It really got me thinking about life, and when all is said and done, what truly will matter.


 

A Life Well Lived

I really enjoyed the insights I gained this week, from the videos we watched and the articles we read.
 
One thing I was impressed came from "How Will You Measure Your Life?”
by Clayton M. Christensen. He said, "People who are driven to excel have this unconscious propensity to underinvest in their families and overinvest in their careers—even though intimate and loving relationships with their families are the most powerful and enduring source of happiness." It was a great reminder to me, being a driven person, that I need to be sure that I am balanced. I shouldn't put too much into my job, and to always keep the perspective of Heavenly Father's plan and that my family ultimately matters most.
 
Another part of Clayton Christensen's talk that I learned a lot from said, "Ultimately, people don’t even think about whether their way of doing things yields success. They embrace priorities and follow procedures by instinct and assumption rather than by explicit decision—which means that they’ve created a culture. Culture, in compelling but unspoken ways, dictates the proven, acceptable methods by which members of the group address recurrent problems. And culture defines the priority given to different types of problems. It can be a powerful management tool. Families have cultures, just as companies do. Those cultures can be built consciously or evolve inadvertently." I have noticed that this is exactly what I do currently in my job.  I like how he called this a "culture," and how he said that culture is what defines the priority given, and can be a powerful management tool. I love how he talked about families and how they can have culture do. It's important to create our "cultures" for good.
 
Something else that stood out to me from this week's lesson, comes from the video, "
Do What You Love”. In this video, Tom Kelley shows a diagram that has 4 components to it. 1-Good At, 2-Born to Do, 3-Pay You to do and 4- Who work with/for. All 4 parts are important when it comes to choosing a career, and need to be thought about in depth. It really will make a difference when you are not only doing something you are good at and born to do, but it is important that it is something that someone will pay you to do, and just as important, in my opinion, you need to be happy with who you work with and for. My current boss is one of the greatest people I have ever worked with and for. Because of  him, I happily work each day, and actually consider my job my hobby. I also feel like I am good at what I do, and I obviously get paid for it too!
 
One last thing I learned this week is from the talk, "Little Things Are Important" by Elder Wirthlin. In this talk, he talked about different relationships we have with different people. He talked about our relationship with ourself, our relationship with others, and our relationship with God. My favorite part said, "I believe that the little things are very important in our relationship with ourselves, in our relationship with others, and in our relationship with God. The question is not one of managing time, but one of managing ourselves with the time we have. Each minute is a little thing and yet, with respect to our personal productivity, to manage the minute is the secret of success."
We truly need to manage ourselves with the time we have. Every minute (little things) add up, and it is important to remember that in these relationships we have. This can also apply to the "business world." I feel that when people take this advice, is when they, and their companies succeed.
  

Honesty and Business Ethics

This week's lesson was on Honesty and Business Ethics, which to me are extremely critical in life, but especially in the business world.
We read a talk given by Sheri Dew, titled, "True Blue, Through and Through" which I really enjoyed and got a lot from. She spoke about integrity, and one part I really liked, and hope to remember is this. She said, "
Integrity is the foundational virtue upon which all other virtues are dependant. It is the first rung on the character ladder. Where there is integrity, other virtues will follow. Where there is no integrity, other virtues have no chance of developing." Integrity is so crucial. If we do not possess it, we basically have no chance of developing other virtues. And integrity is important in every relationship we have. Also from this talk, Sheri Dew gave us seven things that will help us be men and women of integrity. They are:
1. Decide today, once and for all, that you will be worthy of trust

2. Have faith that the Lord can and will help you, and then diligently seek His help.

3. Make covenants and keep them.

4. Stand up for what you believe.

5. Expect your integrity to be challenged.

6. Don’t give up.

7. Covenant–or perhaps I should say, renew your covenant–with our Father and His Son to do what you came here to do.
I feel that all of these truly will help us become a person with integrity.

We also watched some videos that gave great insight on how important it is to be honest and have integrity, as well as good ethics when it comes to the business world. Great information all around! A good example of a person who posseses honesty and business ethics is my boss, Brett. In our discussion board this week, I talked about him, and how he has been successful, in all aspects, because of the way he conducts his business.
 

My thoughts

This week, I really enjoyed the things we learned and got a lot out of this lesson.

One thing that really stuck out to me is planning ahead in life, and planning life backwards. It has been really neat to reflect on what I want to have accomplished when I am old and ready for the next life. I have been able to think about this multiple times, as my Grandmother and husband's two grandmas have passed away this month. It really is important to plan for the future and set goals to accomplish to ensure we become what we hope to be. It gives life more meaning. I loved this quote from the reading, "Stars and Stepping Stones," which says "The most successful and fulfilled entrepreneurs are always advancing toward a vision that gives meaning to their life." I feel this is so true.

Another part of this week's lesson, that I hope to remember always, and that really impressed me, is the transcript and video of Randy Pausch's last lecture. He talked about childhood dreams and how to achieve them. From him, I learned that we should work hard to accomplish the things we have dreamed of. That keeping a positive attitude is key. And to not let fear hold us back.

The last thing that left an impression on me, is the "You can do anything" video we watched where Taylor Richards talked about the Lord providing a way. When we let the Lord into our life, and ask for His help, we can do great things. He will help us accomplish our worthy goals. He wants us to become our best selves.

I am grateful for this knowledge and for the opportunities and experiences I have had and will have in my life, which allow me to progress and to better myself.

One week down....

So far, this class has been, I am not going to lie, a bit overwhelming, but overall a good experience. Looking through the syllabus, I am excited for the things we will be learning throughout this semester. I am especially excited that what we learn from this class, can very well apply to life in general. I am also excited to see what the 5 books have to offer. Even though I am not much of a reader, their titles appear to have some good information. I also love the idea of the case studies. I feel like I learn best from this type of activity. At my current job now, real life situations are how I learn about business best, and that is why I love business!

Although it has only been one week, I feel like I have learned quite a bit in the short amount of time. I loved reading the DPC talk by Elder Bednar. I feel so blessed to be going to school at BYU-I, and am thankful to know that my whole life is designed to be a disciple of Christ.

I am grateful for the advice Mr. Kawasaki gave in the video, where he talked about doing what you love, what you have passion for, then the money will come. I feel like that is what this life is about. Doing the things we love, especially when the focus is on bettering ourselves and our progression, and things of eternal value. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. He wants us to enjoy what we do. He wants us to be successful. He cares about us.