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.