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.