Week 10: Measuring the Cost, Life Balance

"We have the responsibility to be prepared, to be productive, to be faithful, and to be fruitful as well."

This was one of my favorite quotes from President Monsons talk, "Formula for Success."   He also said, "You and I have the responsibility to learn the word of God, to understand the word of God, and then to live his word. By so doing, we will find that we have learned and accepted the truth."  I find my self on a spiritual roller coaster sometimes and I get so frustrated with myself.  Why can't I always be glowing and on fire like when I was converted and baptized?  I realized that by continuing to live the gospel I have accepted the truth in my life!

I really enjoyed all the readings this week.  I have to admit, I was a little disappointed with the amount that was due Thanksgiving week.  I really wanted a lighter work load and to have a little "break". However, I think the reading really helped me reflect and think about the things I am grateful for the things that are most important to me.  The readings went along well with the talks that we had in Church on Sunday as well.  The speaker said, "we must learn that budgeting our time is just as important as budgeting our money."  I think that is the underlying message this week.

My favorite quote that I want to remember for Brother Gibsons talk:
“Money reveals the kind of person we are.”

Week 8: Loyalty and Leadership

This weeks reading made me think about the men and women the Lord wants us to be.  He has set standards and guidelines to help us be loyal, trustworthy, faithful and dedicated.  These attributes not only help us on a personal level, but in our professional lives as well. When we are true to who we are at home and at work we become the individual others will want to be around and do business with.

"A Letter to Garcia" posed some good questions for self reflection.  I try to be the person that is reliable and efficient.  Reading the questions thought I did realize that sometimes I try and go the quick way and ask for answers rather then find out for myself. (like needing help on the computer, I often default to my husband instead of attempt to fix it myself)  I think there needs to be a balance in this area.  We need to be willing and able to ask. Sometimes things will get done better if we learn the right way from an expert rather then trial and error and "Jerry rigging" it.  However, we also need to be accountable and willing to learn and improve for  ourselves. 

I enjoy the mentor sessions each week.  I know that some feel that it is a lot of necessary work.  However, I find a lot of value in taking the time to evaluate, contemplate, stratigize, set goals and make plans.  I have spent a lot of years dreaming of what entrepreneurship can be like.  Unless and buckle down and figure it out and actually do something, my dream will never become a reality.  I believe this is a small investment of time that will help pay off for future success.

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!

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!
 

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 3: The Start up of You

This chapter seemed like an opposite to the idea: Stars and Stepping Stones.  Instead of setting a goal and working your way backwards to create stepping stones, this chapter talks about a different method: ABZ planning.  The whole idea is that the world is always changing, therefore you can not have a set plan with steps to take along the way.  You should "be ready to change your business based on market feedback...start companies that are true to [your] values and vision, yet remain flexible enough to adapt." (pg51)  The book goes on to explain that even though you may not have a step by step plan your choices should still be disciplines, with lots of planning - not just random.

The idea behind ABZ planning:

A = The plan for right now.  The most you should plan is 2 steps ahead.

B= What you pivot to when you need to change what you are doing.  Once you pivot to this plan, it become plan A and you set a new plan B.  Changing doesn't always mean failure.  A pivot is a decision you make based on what you've learned along the way.  It can be something as simple as taking a new direction.

Z= Where to fall back.  What to do if all else fails.  This is not a permanent plan, just a safety net to use if needed when adjusting plan A!

When talking about plans the authors point out that it is actions that we learn from, not the plan itself.  We have to act to discover where we want to go and how to get there.

My Favorite quote from this Chapter:

"They compare their cash salary to their peers' instead of comparing lessons learned.  They invest in the stock market and neglect investing in themselves."

An interesting suggestion they give is to get the experience you need is to offer to do the job for free.  I think this is hard advice for some, however, I think they are spot on.  Invest your time now that will build a resume for the future!

Reflecting on Me - Week 1

I really enjoyed the talks, articles and videos of week two.  They really helped me reflect on who I am, where I am and where I want to go.  I enjoyed thinking about my calling in life and joining that with the idea of "Stars and Stepping Stones."  As a girl, my star was motherhood, my calling was to be nurturing and teach my children.  I am still a mother of 4 beautiful children, but as they are all off to school all day I find myself reevaluating my life.  I will still nurture and teach - but I am limited to "after school hours".  Reality has also hit, that as they grow they will need me less and less.  I need to find an additional calling in life and a star to focus on.  I believe that calling/star is creating art to share with others through my business: Howell Creations.

I appreciated the videos - specifically "Treat Life as an Experiment".  I was motivated to look at failures as not discouragements but as just learning what didn't work, learn from it and move forward.  I was inspired by Thomas Edisons statement: “I haven’t failed, I’ve just found 10 thousand things that didn’t work”

I look forward to continuing to learn ideas and concepts that can help me become an entrepreneur.  I enjoy being uplifted and inspired.  I am grateful to have the Lord guide me and strengthen me on this journey to self-discovery and setting business goals.