Journal Post #13

Final Journal Post

Well, here we are—the final blog post of the semester.  This post is to be focused on what information I could provide that would be most helpful in assisting someone on his or her own entrepreneurial journey.  That brings me to my first piece of advice:

Trust Yourself – The most difficult part about this project has been expressing my opinion, because it is just that—it’s my opinion.  As I look back on each post I see a collection of lessons learned, behaviors observed and perspective obtained.  All of which are coming through the same point of view, which is my own. 

We live in a world where everyone is willing to share their opinions on just about any subject.  There is an unrelenting barrage of articles, blog posts, and tweets spiraling through the vast and never-ending feeds of social media and web pages, all claiming to have the truth; when in fact the majority of which are just some guys opinion.  Develop a habit of making good decisions by taking your time to determine what is right, and then trust yourself.

It Won’t Be Easy – Most things in life that create an impression upon us have some degree of difficulty.  Whether it is playing a sport, graduating from college, or even raising family.  These experiences cause stress, which promotes growth.  The growth we experience will prepare us for the next series of trials.  And you can bet that the level of difficulty will increase as your ability to manage and cope with difficult situations improves.  When we are in the thick of it, I think it is important to ask ourselves, “Would have it any other way?”  Personal progression and growth are much more appealing than the alternative, if you ask me. 

Giving Up and Quitting – There is a big difference between giving up and knowing when to quit.  For most of us, to quit feels like we have given up.  In the moment it can be difficult to tell the difference, as it may feel like failure.  However, in looking back you should be able to tell the difference.

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy, with the expectations and often times unrealistic goals we set for ourselves.  Just because you quit does not mean you now have the right to stop putting forth effort.  You may need to change the focus of your effort, but you still need to press on.  Maintain optimism in the face of opposition, keep pushing yourself, and remember this too will pass. (2 Cor. 4: 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.)

Love – My final piece of advice is to love.  Love what you do, love the people you surround yourself with and never forget the people that love you.  There will be difficult times when you are unsure what to do, times will be tough and you may even feel like giving up.  Your loved ones will give you the strength and encouragement you need to get up when you are down and to keep pushing when you are tired.  Serve them and love them; it will help keep you grounded and maintain a positive outlook you will need on the journey ahead.

$100.00 Challenge Project Update:

I was able submit final update on my project.  I enjoyed reflecting on each of the steps throughout the process.  I learned a lot about myself and actually gained confidence in knowing that I can start my own successful business.

Journal Post #12

Reflection

As a missionary, I made a goal that I would write in my journal each day.  It wasn’t a goal I necessarily made for myself, it was more a goal that I was encouraged to make by my Branch President in the MTC.  He promised that in so doing we would be blessed.  Knowing that I was going to need all the blessing I could get I took on the challenge and wrote in my journal every night. 

When I first started I was unsure what to write and couple months into it I felt like I really didn’t have anything meaningful to say.  I felt sorry for any of my future children that may end up reading this poor excuse of a journal. 

Twenty months in to my mission and hundreds of pages later, I actually went back and started reading my journal, starting from the beginning.  I was amazed—not of myself, but of the blessings I had received in that short twenty month period.  I could see growth, maturity and increased understanding in each entry. 

I think the thing I treasure most about by journal is that every day was accounted for.  I knew I had to something productive each day, because at the end of the day I would be responsible to note what I had accomplished.  I did not want to return to the apartment without something to important to note.

The journal in this class has served as a similar tool for me.  Each week I have had the opportunity to reflect on all the assignments I have worked on in each of my classes.  My journal entry has almost always been the last assignment I completed that week, as it was my time to reflect on what I have learned.  I have made a personal commitment to continue to keep a journal an account for my time and remember the lessons I have learned.

$100.00 Challenge Project Update:

This week was great.  I really enjoyed watching each student’s presentation and seeing how their projects turned out.  It was interesting to see the variety of ventures that were pursued.  It was truly inspiring. 

Get Going!!!

It’s 5:30 AM and the alarm goes off…  You are faced with your first difficult decision of the day; do I hit the snooze and get a few more minutes of precious sleep, or do I get up an exercise?  That is just first of many choices you are presented with during the day.  It is a lot harder to muster the motivation to do something that requires more time, energy and effort.  Hitting the snooze button always seems more appealing in the moment.  But by 6:15 you are thankful you chose the latter, you got up and ran your four miles in the cold, and you are now better for it.  You have the energy and determination to take on the next challenge.

We are all faced with a barrage of choices to make each day: what to wear, where to eat, what to do, who to follow, when to lead.  Some of these decisions are more significant than others.  But when and how do you know which is right?  When we decide to take the easy way out we are deciding the effort and possible reward are not worth our time.  This can create a mindset or habit of avoiding challenges rather than tackling them head one.  Doing what is difficult creates stress, which promotes growth.  It also improves your ability to focus on the bigger issues and not sweat the little things.  So get out of bed, lace up your shoes and get running!!!

$100.00 Challenge Project Update:

I have been working on completing my spreadsheet of the results of my project and putting together some pictures and for the powerpoint presentation.

Journal Post #10

Priorities and Time

Priorities and time are two concepts that go hand in hand.  They sometimes work together and other times not.  As a married, father of 4, full-time employee, full-time student, soccer coach, and active LDS member I have come to understand the importance of priorities and the value of time.  Priorities are abundant and time—obviously, is not.  In fact, in many situations I find others around me trying to prioritize my priorities for me, which is somewhat of a paradox.  Having limited time and often-unlimited list of priorities or responsibilities I have found a couple of things that have worked for me:

1. Identify what is important to you and allow that to direct your prioritization.

We should all have a “short list” of things that are most important to us.  For me, my wife and kids are what I value most in this life.  Yes, I enjoy snow skiing, I like being with friends, I would love to spend time training to run a marathon, but right now many of those activities do not occur as frequently as I would like.  Understanding the time and season of life improves my perspective and allows me to allocate my time efficiently right now.

2. Do your best.

At the end of the day, all you can do is your best.  If you put forth a sincere effort each day to setting daily (even hourly) goals and accomplish them, your best will get better.  You will still come up short, but as long as you efforts are directed by your core fundamental priorities you will be able to go to bed each night knowing you have given it your all. 

$100.00 Challenge Project Update:

I have one me more shelf install to complete this morning.  I am planning on completing my budget spreadsheet and see where I have ended up.

Journal Post #9

Asking the Wrong Questions

As kid I was often asked, “So, what do you want to be when you grow –up?”  Honestly, I had no idea.  I did know that a career was a commitment and I didn't want to be committed something I didn't like.  My response to that question was always, “A doctor.”  Looking back my understanding of what was required to be a doctor, the day-to-day responsibilities and the different fields of medicine were very limited.  I did know that a doctor was a respected profession and I knew that I could avoid any follow-up questions like, “Why would want to do that?”  I also knew that as doctor I would be able to take care of the needs of my family.

Later on in life, after working 2 years in an E.R. as an Orderly and being overwhelmed by the amount of schooling required, I realized that this was not a realistic career path for me.  I did not have a passion for medicine and I definitely did not have a passion for school.  But for some reason I still associated success with being a doctor. 

In reflecting on this I have come to the conclusion that I was being asked the wrong question.  It’s not what you want to be, but who do you want to me.  There was nothing wrong with my logic in wanting a respectable career and the means to take care of my family.  Where I went wrong was in thinking that this was the only way to achieve my aspirations.

In talking with my own children I have caught myself asking them the same question I was asked.  I have made a resolve to ask them WHO they want to be rather than what they want to be.  Focusing on “the who” requires a lot more work, but it removes the any boundaries in allowing you to reach your full potential.  

$100.00 Challenge Project Update:

This week I was able to install two of the shelves I built and was able to get paid.  I have two more installs scheduled next week.  Excited to see how many I actually end up selling.

Journal Post #8

Family Management and Business Management

With some of the discussion board posts we have had this week, I have thought a lot about the correlation between family management and business management.  I think that there are a lot of similarities.  The other day my wife made mention to me that she thought it was interesting how on Saturday morning I brought all of the kids into the living room and mapped out the schedule of things we would be doing.  Our four children are fairly young, ages 10, 8, 5, and 2.  Looking back on that situation it felt pretty natural to me.  Like most families, our Saturdays can be pretty eventful—chores to accomplish, basketball games to attend, errands to run, etc.  I wanted to make sure we were all on the same page and that everyone knew what was expected.

I do the same type of thing at work.  When things get pretty hectic around quarter end I usually call a quick meeting with the team.  Go through our to-do list, review our goals, update everyone on where we are at, and essentially make sure we are all on the same page.  And if there are any issues, let’s discuss how we can resolve them.  Both approaches are very similar in nature.  I also think that both approaches also show each member the team and your family that you care.

There was a part in the “E-Myth Revisited” that I really liked.  It stated, “If your thinking is sloppy, your business will be sloppy. If you are disorganized, your business will be disorganized. If you are greedy, your employees will be greedy.”  Our business management skills are essentially a reflection of who we are as a person.  I think thing can also be said for our family management skills, as well.

$100.00 Challenge Project Update:

I was able to paint and stain the shelves and frames today.  This week I have scheduled a few installs.  I should actually start to see some money coming in…

Journal Post #7

Prepare to Fail

Prepare to fail… It’s going to happen.  Try as you might to avoid it; you’ll soon find you can’t.  It will find you in every endeavor you pursue.  Whether it be picking up a new sport, building a shed in the backyard, starting your own business or even in relationships—like your marriage.  That’s right, you are destined to fail and no matter how smart, how aggressive, or how focused and determined you think you are—you are gunna bomb...  Big time. 

Failure is something many of us try to circumvent at all costs.  Why?  Because it leaves nothing to be desired, just a feeling of self-doubt, self-pity and discouragement.  No one wants that title of “failure” at the end of his or her name.  It doesn’t do much for your ego or your reputation among your peers. 

Failure and success should be looked at as moments in time.  They are both part of the process of progression; however, I feel failure is much more vital.  True, success does gives you a taste of what can be, a feeling of accomplishment, but does it actually make you better?  When we fail we are left in a hole with a decision, to give up or get up.  It’s the getting up requires us to trust in whatever strength and resources we can muster to dig our way out.  We leave with a renewed perspective, appreciation and understanding of who and where we want to be.  Thankfully, it is the failure that prepares us for the success.

$100.00 Challenge Project Update:

So now the real challenge begins—time management.  I have quite a few orders in, I have my materials and supplies.  Now it is just a question of finding the time.  With midterms in three of my classes this week, I wasn’t able to spend my Saturday in the garage working, as I would have liked.  This week I am going to have to put some time in on the evenings.  I want to get everything built and then stain and paint them all at the same time, to use my time more effectively.