Week 6: Moving Forward with a Driving Passion

This week felt like a very slow week for this class!  I really enjoyed the videos, especially the one from President Hinkley.  I want to save that talk and share it with my daughter in a couple years when she become a young woman.  One quote that stuck out to me in regards to business was:

"Look for the good in those about you, and emphasize that good. Never go around gossiping about your associates or speaking unkind words concerning them. Such words will only backfire to hurt you."

Gossiping is not only hurtful in a social context, it is also unprofessional and hurtful in a business setting as well.  


I also enjoyed reading What's a Business For?  I agree that it would be nice to take the government out of regulating everything, and we the people do what is right simply because it is right!  My husband and I had a good discussion about this over our lunch date.  We both also liked the concept of more productivity in 35 hours a week instead of 40!

I've learned each week that instead of becoming more nervous about being an entrepreneur, I am become more excited.  I was going to school out of inspiration, not desire.  I was terrified of failure in school and with my business.  As I learn in all my classes and learn about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship I feel more capable and excited about the possibilities!

Week 5: So you want to be an Entrepreneur?

I really enjoyed this weeks readings and assignments.  As I go through this course I get more and more excited to be an entrepreneur!  Here are my highlights:

Self-Mastery: while reading I kept thinking why is this so hard?  What does self mastery really mean?  Deep down I think self mastery is allowing our spirit to shine through the natural man.  All of our struggles, and temptations apply only to our physical being.  Our spirit knows better and can guide us.  As we become in tune with the Holy Ghost, we allow our spirits to shine and become masters of ourselves.

Finances: I have always seen the value in the financial advice we receive from church leaders.  I am known as the cheap/fruggle one in my family.  I am not one to want the nicest/newest things.  I am able to go without and be patient to save for something I really want.  I am very thankful for the blessing to naturally live within my means.  I do know there is always room for improvement.  Though I never spend more then we make, I am not good at keeping a formal budget.  This is something my husband and I always say we should do and we have been working on.  This week I feel more motivated to stay on top of an actual budget.

Mentor Session:  I learned a lot about how others see me and was humbled at what I learned.  I am grateful for the talents and abilities I have been blessed with. I want to continue to learn, grow and improve.  Each day is an exciting adventure and I am happy to be on the journey towards entrepreneurship. 

Mastery: Part 3 Tools for Mastery

Part 3 of the book Mastery point out that we all make resolutions and sometimes we fall short.  Author, George Leonard,  explains why we sometimes give up or fall short.  He explains it as homeostasis: the way we are program ourselves over time to behave and react.  When we try change something that we have done over and over again, our per-programing tries to take over and get us to go back to the way we've always done things - the way we are used to doing it - even if it's not good for us, it's what we know.   In behavioral economics they refer to this as a "hardwired heuristic".   He points out that homeostasis applied to us as individuals as well as entire groups and cultures.  So how do we break apart and get ourselves to change and get on the road of self mastery?

1. Understand Homeostasis
2. Be willing to negotiate with resistance: Willing to take one step back for every 2 steps forward
3. Develop a support system
4. Regular practice, consistent, and a schedule
5. Dedicate yourself for life

Once you understand and commit yourself to these guidlines to surpassing your limits of homeostasis, you can start on your road to self mastery.  Doing so will take energy.  It is a known fact that physical fitness has a direct role in the energy you will have.  I have seen in stark contrast my husbands energy from a few years ago to now.  He lost 45 pounds, exercises and eat right and now has so much more energy he had 5 years ago.  We also need to be optimistic. The book states that "people with a positive outlook on life suffer far less sickness than those who see the world in negative terms." (pg.124) We should also be honest.  He recommends setting priorities, make a list for today, the week, the year and so forth.  This is something I love to do, I am the queen of lists! Last on not least we need to make commitments and take action!

The book also talks about taking advantage of the little things.  Don't waste time driving or washing dishes in a mindless effort to just get it done.  Use that time to meditate and ponder.  I find myself doing this and know it makes a difference in how I view life.

George Leonard gives 5 Keys to Self-Mastery they are:

1.  Instruction: you can be self taught, but finding someone to learn from can be very beneficial.  Take the time to find someone who fits your needs.
2. Practice: you must dedicate yourself
3. Surrender: allow yourself to give into what self-mastery means for you
4. Intention: remain positive, if you start with an intention, stick with it.
5. Edge: enjoy the adventure!

Mastery: Part 2 The 5 Master Keys

Part 2 of the book "Mastery" defines and explains the 5 Master Keys to self mastery.

1.) Instruction:  The author George Leonard explains that we can be self taught, but if we want to take a journey to mastery then we will need a teacher.  He describes a master teacher as "one who delights in being surpassed by their students." (pg. 57)  I thought about teaching my art students and how excited I get when I see them improve and excel when they really push themselves, and how often I think, if they keep at it, they'll be better then me!  He also talks about the magic of teaching slow students.  How sometimes the reward when someone who struggles gets it is so rewarding.  I have a child who struggles with learning, and I find myself rejoicing over the most basic academic achievement that I never have with my other children.  I can see the reward of hard work and effort apparent in what he is able to accomplish. In addition, George goes on to say, "the person with exceptional talent: to achieve his or her full potential, this person will have to work just as diligently as those with less innate ability." (pg. 67) People often think my art just comes naturally and I don't have to work at it, but I know it is the hours of continued dedication that enable me to do what I do.

2.) Practice: "The master of any game is generally a master of practice" (pg. 77)  Practice not just to achieve a goal, but practice for the pure joy of enjoying what you are doing.  To become a master we must dedicate time to whatever it is we want to master. He compares this to family: "Families that stay strong together hold fast to certain rituals regardless of the haste and distractions of daily life." (pg. 79)  This made me think of the counsel we have received from our Prophets to have Family Home Evenings, daily Family Scripture study and Family Prayer.  This divine counsel will help us practice to be masters of the gospel and unite us as families.  I can't think of a better then to master!

3.) Surrender: We must surrender to our teachers.  This does not mean to bend and give in to temptations or to give up our morals.  However, it does mean to listen to instruction and to try things even though they may seem to be pointless or mundane.  On a regular basis I have my students draw and shade a sphere.  Some students hate doing this exercise repeatedly, while others see their improvements in shadow contrast and placement.  It is this surrendering to the exercise that helps them to improve. "For the Master, surrender means there are no experts.  There are only learners." (pg. 88)

4.) Intentionality: I felt was a lot about the vision.  Taking the time to in-vision what we hope to master, and then applying it to our lives. If we never have a dream of what we want, or a vision of who we want to be,  we will not have a path to follow or a direction to take.  This vision inspires us every day. 

5.) The Edge: Having a teacher as part of Key 1 helps us to learn the limitations on what can be done, what has been done, what works and what doesn't work.   Their instruction helps save us time on "reinventing the wheel".  Rather then spending out time learning how it is done on our own, we can go the other direction and push the limits.  Learn how much further can we go?  The key is not to be reckless, but to find new ways, explore possibilities and enjoy the journey.

Mastery: Skill, Character or Luck Week 4

I took the challenge in the video “A Hero’s Journey” by Jeff Sandler and asked my closest family and friends what they think I do better then anyone they know.  I felt a little like I was fishing for compliments.  However, Jeff was right, the answers I got confirmed what my calling in life needs to be.  I was grateful that the values I hold dear are visible to those closest to me.  I was humbled by the strengths and traits that they see in me.  

I really enjoyed the self mentor session.  I thought it had a lot of good questions to think about and ponder.  I think I need to print it off and put it in a time capsule and open it in 10 years to see how I compare!  It was good to be "forced" to take the time to really reflect on strengths, weaknesses, goals and plans.  

 I have always been a fairly optimistic and outgoing person.  I really try to see the bright side to things and stay positive.  I have really enjoyed all the books, articles and video clips about enjoying the journey not just the destination.  I have found myself talking to my kids about this when they are struggling through something and reminding my husband when he is frustrated.  But most importantly evaluating myself  and taking the time to enjoy my journey!
 

Mastery: Part One, a Masters Journey

I really enjoyed the first part of the book Mastery by George Leanard. He starts out by sharing a quote from his 1987 article in Esquire magazine, "the mysterious process during which what is at first difficult becomes progressively easier and more pleasurable through practice." (pg. xi)The idea behind this book is to persevere.  We cannot have a quick over night road to success, anything that we want to accomplish is going to take work, lots of hard work.  The idea is, to not look at it as work to get to where or what we want.  But to enjoy the journey just as much as the outcome. 

George talks about our nations problem with quick fixes and instant climaxes.  This mindset makes us focus so much on the future rather then enjoying the present.  I try really hard to apply this to my life, especially as a mother.  Those days when it's just long and hard, kids being out of control, the house a mess, burnt dinner etc.  I try to remember how blessed I am, remember my kids are only little once, having an impromptu fire drill makes memories and life is just plain good!  The author states, "people who love the plateau, life for these people is especially vivid and satisfying." (pg 44)

Later George explains the face of mastery.  Often we see photographs of the ultimate high or ultimate low.  The winning shot, or the devastating loss - both extremes.  However, he says, "mastery's true face is relaxed and serene, sometimes faintly smiling." (pg. 47)  Again, it's not the climax that makes us a master, it's enjoying what we are doing! "See it, hear it, smell it, feel it.  To love the plateau is to love the eternal now, to enjoy the inevitable spurts of progress and the fruits of accomplishment." (pg. 48)

A Life Well Lived - Week 3

I have really enjoyed the readings this week.  I have been struggling with balancing everything.  I have felt overwhelmed with all the directions I am being pulled.  I am caring for my family, trying to be a good wife and mother, put full effort into my schooling, still provide good lessons to my art students, keep up on PTA president responsibilities, fulfill my calling as Committee Chair for cub scouts, and getting kids homework done and to all their extracurricular activities.  I have been working on setting up a schedule planning each minute of every day to make the most of my time. 

The readings this week helped me prioritize where I am spending my time and confirm that I am doing what I need to do.  I have also reviewed my grad plan to make sure I can stay on track.  I don't want to become so consumed with school and work that I loose sight of the important things, my family and my religion, like what was cautioned in the book excerpt "How will you measure your life?"  I also have worked on making a mental effort to give up some study time to take a minute for the little things.  A minute for scripture study, family prayer and bedtime are the little things that are really big things.  Plus - when I do those little things, I feel better prepared to study!

Conclusion: The Start-up of You

In summary "invest in yourself, invest in your network, and invest in society.  When you invest in all 3 you have the best shot at reaching your highest professional potential."

The authors ended their book with encouraging words.  Even though we may all be born entrepreneurs, we can only become a successful one if we put in the effort and work.  We need to utilize our resources, and give back to others.  We should share what we know and understand and learn from one another, much like the learning module of BYU-I. 

Honesty and Business Ethics - Week 2

I really enjoyed all the reading and videos again this week.  I can't say I learned anything "new" but I did have my feelings reinforced and my convictions strengthened.  Last semester I had to read "Making a living and a life" by Elder Ribbins, I was grateful for the opportunity to read it again and take the time to evaluate my life and make sure I am still on track.  I love being with people, everything I do in work, volunteering and social life is about other people - Elder Ribbins puts it this way, "mankind is your true business."  I couldn't agree more.  We are all brothers and sisters and being able to interact with one another is a real blessing that makes our Father in Heaven proud.

I was inspired about the story with Joseph F. Smith standing up to the thug and saying that he was a Mormon, true blue through and through!  I admired his faith and boldness and want to become more like him.  I liked how Sister Dew told us to expect our integrity to be challenged but not to give up!  If we decide now to stay true to our integrity we will be strengthened in the face of challenges.

After this weeks lesson I came up with my own formula for ethics:

INTEGRITY  +   HONESTY  =  ETHIC

Thinking about these three qualities and how I see them in myself and others I admire was humbling.  Also, seeing how not applying these to our lives can be devastating to ourselves and those we love was a good reminder to stay true to who you are.

Chapter 7: The Start-up of You

"What will get you somewhere is being able to access the information you need, when you need it." (pg. 195)

This statement screams organization to me - a skill I am still working on perfecting. Though upon further reading of the chapter I had a fun discovery, they are talking about....you guessed it: networking!  Knowing people and being able to talk with them and utilize what we learn is called network intelligence.  The authors talk a lot about the I(we) formula, even though we are working on the start up of ourselves, we can only do it with the help of others and by helping others.  

There are some great stories about how people they know used their network intelligence.  Gathering information should be spread out among a variety of people with different points of view to help you get a well rounded idea.  After gathering information they suggest to synthesize what you have learned. This means to analyze what you learned from who, think about their biases, are there exaggerations?  Being able to dissect what you hear from people and only take what is relevant to what you need to know is a talent that is important and can be perfected for your benefit. 

Chapter 6: The Start-up of You

Risks - Yikes, I am a very cautious person and risk scares me!  My father is a natural entrepreneur and is able to do what this chapter talks about naturally.  I wish I had a better sense of seeing risks as opportunities!  The authors advice "strategically pursue only those opportunities with enough upside to justify the possible downside.  It's one of the key skills that makes entrepreneurs successful."  (pg 176.)  He goes on to explain not to be carelessly risky but to make intelligent risks.

When debating on a risky opportunity this is a good question to ask: "If the worst-case scenario happens, would I still be in the game?" (pg. 180) 

The author explains that sometimes, the riskier people are more prepared in the long run then those that are less risky with career choices.  Less risky now can mean very risky later.  As an example he talks about a realtor.  They have a very risky job, no set income or consistency.  This is very risky, however, a realtor has become adapt to managing and will be prepared and able to pivot and change when necessary when needed.  A reliable job, Monday thru Friday, 8-5:00 suddenly layed off can be very risky for the individual who doesn't know how to manage like the realtor who is used to it. This was a new way to look at risk for me - maybe this perspective will help me push myself out of my comfort zone and take a few risks!

Chapter 5: The Start-up of You

Make the most out of opportunities!  This chapter talks about finding, recognizing and utilizing opportunities.  Doing this is not a one time effort, it is an "on-going investment". (pt 148)  Opportunities can be as simple as recognizing when we need to adapt a plan, talk with someone or being in the right place.   "Winning the lottery is blind luck.  Serendipity involves being alert to potential opportunity and acting on it." 

A way to increase the opportunities we come buy is to increase our associations.  Yes - this applies to the last chapter on networking.  As we make ourselves part of groups and become acquainted with people we open ourselves up to a whole lot of opportunities that otherwise might not present themselves.This takes what the authors refer to as 'hustle'.  You have to be willing to put forth the work to be successfull. 

Sometimes it is hard to know which opportunity to jump on and which one to pass up.  However, if you fail to make a choice and leave your options open, you might just miss the right opportunity for you.  " Making a decision reduces opportunities in the short run, but increases opportunities in the long run." (pg. 170)