Week 12 - A Journey of Gratitude

When most people think of the topic of gratitude they think of Thanksgiving. We use this holiday to remember all that we are grateful for and to kick off the season of giving. If we are grateful, why do we only express it once a year?  As latter-day Saints we have been taught that we need to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and give thanks daily. We may do this publicly or we may do it privately. As we show our gratitude for all that we have and all that we are able to do we become more in-tune with the Spirit and are prepared to do the will of God. Our purpose here on earth is to build the kingdom of God. We do this in our families in our communities, and in our career and business choices. We understand that all we have is from Him and therefore, we should use all that we have to honor Him. In a "me" driven world we would do well to thank "Thee".

So You Want to be an Entrepreneur - I was less than thrilled to be reading this book as I consider it to be very narrow in scope and it is difficult to relate to when you know that you don't want to own a business.  However, I felt that I submitted a fair book report that was neutral in voice.  I am really glad to be done with it.

A couple of weeks ago I began reading A Hero's Journey. I think that this would have been a much better book to based this course on. It provides similar introspection and activities but speaks to people of all walks of life. The teachings/ideas/stories are applicable to young and old, intrapreneur and entrepreneur alike. I will be submitting this book report a little early.

In President Monson's talk, "An Attitude of Gratitude" he mentions a 1940's refrain:

Accentuate the positive;

Eliminate the negative.

Latch on to the affirmative;

Don’t mess with Mr. In-between.

If we could take the time to really live by this advice we would be much happier and would be more successful in all that we undertake.

The e-corner videos this week were interesting. One talked about making sure you accept the right job. I liked that it mentioned that if we make unnecessary assumptions they will often lead to bad decisions.  Sometimes we need to remind ourselves what "assume" really means.  It then talks about making sure that you find a job you love. I think this can be taken two ways. Love the job you have or find a job you love. Sometimes the job you love can't provide for your family in this case, learn to love the job you have and you can be successful. Other times, you need to learn to love the job you have because it provides for your needs. Both jobs can be fulfilling it is all about attitude and perspective.

Week 11 - Changing the World

When you are a child you think that you will change the world as an adult. You don't care about how big things are you just have huge dreams. As you get older your views change and you begin to wonder if change is really possible. If you take the time to make life better for even one person then you have changed the world.

One of the application activities asked us if we think that poverty can be eliminated. I don't think this is possible. Even if you change people's mindset there will always be poverty. I believe poverty has existed from very early on in the human race on earth. Poverty can start with the poor in heart and it can also be those who are physically poor. I think what we must consider is that if there were no poverty, would there still be charity?

In President Monson's talk "Constant Truths for Changing Times" we are challenged to think about what should be constant with us. We are also warned to not become complacent. Complacency is a tool of the devil and he is extremely proficient in using it. Complacency allows our defenses to be in a weakened state. We must be ever vigilant.

Mentor Session 8 - Although I really didn't like this book or the associated activities, I did put significantly more effort into answering the questions this time. I have solidified my decision to be an intrapreneur instead of an entrepreneur. At this stage in my life and given my career experiences I really prefer to work within a corporate structure. I enjoy going to mom and pop stores/companies but I do not like working for them. The are too unstable and would require too must sacrifice. I have spent the last 10+ years trying to find a good work/life balance and have finally found something that works. I wouldn't want to upset the balance with a start up venture. My husband loves his job and it requires us to move from time to time (3 moves in 4 years!) and it wouldn't be financially advantages for us to start a business here.