My Last Lecture

Whether you have thought about owning your own business or not this course will provide you with great insight into what is available out there. Your eyes will be open to new avenues that you hadn’t realized existed. You will learn the safeguards to prevent you from ruin. You will learn how to create a plan. You will find confidence in your abilities. You, have something to offer. There is something you are great at. At least that is what if did for me.

               The first thing I learned on my entrepreneur journey is how easy it is, NOT. Just interview a business owner and you will see how much harder they work. The hours are long and they sacrifice a lot, but the reward often outweighs the means. This comes with caution however. If you aren’t careful you will lose sight of your priorities. So going into a business remember to set your priorities and remember them. If family is first, keep it first. You will regret losing sight of what you hold most dear. Find ways to grow your business without sacrificing all you have.

               Another bit of advice is to set your ethical guardrails. It is too easy to lose sight of the right path when you allow the lines to be grayed. Declare, in writing, what you will never do. Declare what you plan to do each day. Do not cross the line. Remember to read the scriptures they will keep you grounded.

               The last bit of advice is to know the business you are going into. Do not try to learn the business on the fly. Expect to make lots of mistakes but find ways to grow from each one. Knowing the business will help prevent you from making the costliest ones.

               I originally took this class thinking I would learn what the other side of business was like. I had fears of going into business for myself and thought I would never do so. Like many I need the security that goes with having a job as to being the owner. I realize that that security is not always going to be there whether I am the employee or employer. The freedom that comes with being a business owner must be great. I have been told it is fantastic. I don’t know when I will be making the jump but I know I am no longer afraid. I go with both feet planted on sound principles and an opportunity to make my success. This class has been a blessing to me and will be a blessing to many.  

Gratitude

This week I had the opportunity to evaluate my blessings. With the recent birth of my new daughter I took the time to ponder on the things I am thankful for. Number one would be my wife and family. I truly feel blessed. My recent addition gave closure in a way to a trial my family experienced 3 years ago. We had two children Isabella, 5, and Bryce, 2, and we had one on the way. We elected to not know the sex so the anticipation for that special was even more exciting. When my wife went into labor we readied ourselves for a new bundle of joy to arrive. Excitement turned to heartbreak as we were told the baby boy had died. Trials are a part of life and when we find the blessing in them we grow towards our Heavenly Father. As I watched the videos this week I took the same evaluation on my work history. Many times in my life I failed to find the blessing that was there for me at work. I didn't always look for ways to grow or find a direction to go. I can say I enjoyed my jobs and was very successful but I didn't take advantage of all that was available. I am truly grateful for the realization of this.

Action Plan - Find something at work that I am grateful for each day. Seek one opportunity for growth. Plan out a more general direction in my career as supposed to specialization.


Thomas S. Monson
"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."

Attitude toward wealth

I loved Elder Gay's talk. He came to my Stake Conference a few years ago and it was one of my favorite Conferences. There are a few principles that came to mind as I watched his talk.

1. Have the right attitude toward wealth. Wealth is not goal of this life. Wealth doesn't make us happy. Wealth can not be our focus. 
2. Be a pioneer. Be determined to hold onto your principles. Remember the love of the Savior when we look at our fellow man, our brothers and sisters. 
3. Strive to make our hearts and mind as one. 
4. We were prepared from the foundations of this world to lift this world. We have the ability in our personal lives and our businesses to lift and motivate. 
5. It's all in our Attitude. I love this saying. I wish I could change the Safety part to say Success.

How can I make Elder's Gays direction a part of my life? How can I know of the struggles that others go through and not look for a way to help? Maybe my purpose is to find a way to help the needy and find satisfaction in the happiness of others.