A Journey of Gratitude & Celebrate Your Life

 Gratitude is a part of the entrepreneurship journey, without a network of guidance, the entrepreneur wouldn't go far. Building relationships and having an attitude of gratitude will allow you to flourish. President Monson talks about "An Attitude of Gratitude" - "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." 

What is Entrepreneurship? 

The definition of opportunity is the future state that is both desirable and achievable. I love that we read about this in our studies this week. It is crazy to know that the effort is limitless. "We must prepare our minds to recognize and create new ideas and then to shape them into opportunities." I know I had similar thoughts as to how I can approach the subject of entrepreneurship. I felt like I did not have enough knowledge about the matter yet this class has opened up my perspective to what I can do next to seek more understanding. 

Excerpts from "Recognizing and Shaping Opportunities" - How Is an Idea Different from an Opportunity? An entrepreneur might get an idea for a new venture by seeing patterns that suggest a solution to a compelling market need—one that customers may not even have identified. An entrepreneur turns an idea into an opportunity by crafting a business model that identifies a strategy for targeting a market segment with a solution that will attract customers, partners, investors, key employees, and other resources that will be needed to enter and gain traction in the market and create value for all stakeholders. This value proposition will also include cash flow forecasts that reflect the entrepreneur’s.

I wanted to add a few notes from this week's reading to help me with my future journey. 

I can see that the mind for business has to use critical thinking and the breaking down of information. The process here allows me to understand how I can change my perspective for my entrepreneurial journey. 

Moving Forward with a Driving Passion

 What are the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"?

I read this book earlier in my studies and at first, it wasn't anything familiar as we know that we all have to function in public and it includes how we conduct ourselves at our place of employment. I found it highly successful for me as I was able to stabilize my dependence on the outside world and find my independence in solving problems at any level. I didn't understand what 'paradigm' was and it was very apparent in this book. excerpts from the book help me understand how it is all put together. - "Paradigms hold the key to our own personal interpretation of reality" 

Habit 1 - Be Proactive

'Actively choose what we our response will be in any situation rather than to react blindly.' - I like this excerpt as we know that we can respond once we're informed on how to approach it. 

Habit 2 - Begin with an end in mind

In order to know where to go, we need to find what our path is and what is the end goal - this excerpt states to begin this 'requires a clear mind vision of your destination and where you now are.' I feel like I have a lot to understand for this habit as I am clearing the 'jungle' that seems to block the view of my life. 

Habit 3 - Put first things first

Being effective means being opportunity-minded, and think preventively. 4 Quadrants for effective personal time management allow one to increase efficiency. 

“Management is doing things right, leadership is doing the right things.” — Peter Drucker & Warren Bennis 

Habit 4 - Think win/win

I liked reading about the 5 dimensions of the habit of thinking win/win. 

Character - Relationships - Agreements - Systems - Processes 

I didn't understand that in our daily interactions with humans, we needed to focus on the relationship aspect and not on whether we can make demands or take control of the interaction. 

Habit 5 - Seek first to understand then to be understood.

Advice is the one thing I cannot give to people, although I may master a subject or discuss something that I am familiar with. I decided to come to an understanding that I have to stay private about my knowledge. I am starting to know that there is a way of sharing knowledge without telling it sounding like chastisement or judgment. 

"If you really want to interact with another person, you need to take the time to listen to where they now are. Unless you have shown the person you acknowledge their uniqueness, they are not going to be open to any advice from you."

Habit 6 - Synergize

I liked this particular habit as we bring everything to one accord. "Synergy is the true test and manifestation of all other habits combined." Similar to the word harmony, we want to establish a mind that is open-minded and light-hearted to the effect that you create new opportunities. Trust and cooperation are keys to being successful in this habit. 

Habit 7 - Sharpen the saw.  

"Take time on a regular basis to sharpen your saw in the physical, spiritual, mental, social or emotional dimensions" Like the saying, Practice makes Perfect, we know that we have to learn all that we can in this life as well as practice what we learn and gain from school, life and the experiences we face each and every day. This goes back to being a lifelong learner. I went to the temple this week and I was able to read part of my favorite scripture Alma 37:34-36 - a piece of it in verse 35 - '...learn wisdom in thy youth..' learning is part of life and if we can continue studying to master it. We are better able to surpass the generations before us and teach future generations how to navigate it all. 

"Stand True and Faithful" - I enjoyed the readings this weekend and I have more scriptures to highlight. One of my favorites - “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly” (D&C 121:45). 

What is Success?

 For the end of the week studies, I was able to ponder, What do I deem successful? How do I know what success looks like? Is it endless riches? paid bills? or owning every we choose to desire? At the beginning of the week we studied about spreading happiness, and read in our book "Mastery". I know that this is coming from us as individuals before the idea of entrepreneurship is introduced in a later class. I find that this class is helpful. I say this because after an intense three weeks of study. I can start to see why it was introduced this way. In order to see where we are going, we need to know where we are and where we want to go. We are studying on our 'want' to be an ENTREPRENEUR. 

I wanted to notate the 3 areas of knowledge that are critical for starting a successful business:

1. In-depth knowledge of the competitive structure of an industry and a network of contacts within that industry; 

2. The skills to run the daily operations of a small, rapidly growing company; and 

3. The ability to raise money (link)

I do not know what it takes to start a business so I find this very helpful in my thoughts to one day start a business of our own. I think these are basics and crucial to be prepared for what the world has to compete with my business. I read this quote in my readings and it placed an impression on me. - "

"...millions of people who have never seen the inside of a business school are running successful companies."

This quote brought light to me as I thought only "business minded" people and those who have money to do so are able to make money more than those who struggle each and every day to make money to survive. I have been able to see individuals who did not attend business school, or hold degrees. I see them thrive and their experiences increase because of their will to do it. 

Quotes and excerpts from "Success is Gauged by Self-Mastery" - President N. Eldon Tanner

“the height of a man’s success is gauged by his self-mastery; the depth of his failure by his self-abandonment. … And this law is the expression of eternal justice. He who cannot establish dominion over himself will have no dominion over others.”

Two important elements in Self-Mastery - Determine your course or set the sails of moral standards. Willpower or the winds in the sails carrying you forward. 

I find this information helpful for me in being able to find Self-Mastery as well as master it. I know that Satan has traps and if I can use the knowledge I gain and experience from school and life. I can avoid the traps that can take me down. This includes my ambitions to make money, and be successful. All this information is overwhelming but engaging because I want to run a business of my own but I have no clue and zero information on how to do it. The readings this week have allowed me to understand myself so that I can do it, and do anything I place my mind to. The spiritual, and mental exercises this week have opened up more opportunities to increase my knowledge. Self-Mastery is possible, and I know that I can achieve it. This week's studies can be used in personal, professional and spiritual lives. I find the connection and patterns are usable in any aspect in our life, and not just in a business. To end my journal this week, I find that perseverance plays a large role in being able to withstand the storms of time. If we can overcome hardship, inflation and the changes in an economy, we can fight through the effects of an ever-changing world. 

"Perseverance is demonstrated by those who keep going when the going gets tough, who don’t give up even when others say, “It can’t be done.” - President James E. Faust

Honesty is the Best Policy

                     Honesty and Ethics go hand in hand. I believe if we put good back into the world, good comes back. Karma is defined as such a force considered as affecting the events of one's life." (link) This helps me understand that there are good and bad that create blessings or consequences. We had a lot of readings this week, but it was a bit overwhelming as time is not on our hands both personally and as a student. 

In Launching Leaders - we have read chapters 4 to 6. I decided to highlight a few takeaways from these chapters. 

Chapter 4 - Charting Your Course

Out of the three phases we learned in this chapter. I resonated with creating alignment: envision your destination - Becoming my best possible self. The cycle of spiritual guidance will help me find my alignment. 

Chapter 5 - The Formula

The synopsis of the formula helps me understand that it will take time and patience to master and that it is possible to achieve. Finding your oil stood out to me because they say "To be successful, we all have to discover that thing - that life pursuits - that truly excites, motivates, and empowers us." I found this enlightening to know that I have to find 'that thing' that pushes me to do what I do as a student and future graduate. I can use the formula for a lot of perspectives in my life.

Chapter 6 - Beware the Double Life

I never thought about what it means to live a double life. After reading this chapter, it has opened up my eyes to how Satan sets traps within our lives that later cause duplicitous living. I would hope that it never happens to me but since we're reading about it. I will know moving forward that I need to beware of the shiny, glittery deceptions that are out there in the world. 

"Making a Living and a Life" - Elder Lynn G, Robbins

President Ezra Taft Benson said it best ".The proud make every man their adversary by pitting their intellects, opinions, works, wealth, talents, or any other worldly measuring device against others." (Beware of Pride, 1989.) This talk goes extensively into the levels that are considered dangerous for man to overcome. I think it is true that comparison and competition are fast-paced in this current climate. Graciousness, kindness, and love are beaming with a flicker of light versus the vast fires of hate, contention, and sin. I feel like we can continue being honest with our fellowmen and using our time and talents for good. I know that Satan has a plan and with technological advances - social media continues to grow out of control and the new generations will be affected. Integrity is defined as the quality or state of being complete or undivided. (merriam-webster.com) As honesty sounds familiar compared to integrity. Being able to fulfill its purpose plays a different approach to being a person with integrity. 

• What are you looking forward to learning and experiencing?

I am looking forward to being able to find my way and answer all of the questions about who I am now and who I want to become. It has come to my attention that I want to accomplish so much in this life. I have yet a plan or an idea of where to go from here. I know that I want an education that can carry me forward financially and scholastically. I also want to fulfill the roles that I have been given as a woman, future mother, and student. In order to fill the 'gap' I want to know what I need to do, and/or say to get the job done. 

Life Plan Bucket List

     In the last couple of days of week 1 for the summer semester, I am getting used to the idea that time is cut in half and we'll have essentially two lessons per week. I have been able to understand what is needed to succeed in this class. I hope that I can do great and press forward for these seven weeks. For mid-week studies, we were to continue our readings about a Life Plan Bucket list which consists of the things that someone wants to do before they 'kick' the bucket. I have had an extensive list but also I have been checking them off one at a time and not naming off 50 for one of the assignments. Here is my list to keep track of my accountability. 

1.     Obtain my MBA degree

2.     Become a mother

3.     Visit every single temple in the world

4.     Start a family business

5.     Become Self-reliant – debt-free, self-sufficient, independence

6.     Travel the world

7.     Learn something new

8.     Go on a cruise

9.     Skydiving

10.  Help someone in need

11.  Take on photography

12.  Visit all the church sites

13.  Ride the train in Japan

14.  Become a foodie

15.  Learn how to bake

16.  Learn how to sew

17.  Learn how to remodel a home

18.  Buy and flip a home

19.  Build a home

20.  Build a barndominium

21.  Own a home

22.  Invest in real estate

23.  Own an ATV, RV, and outdoor recreation

24.  Become an investor

25.  Explore all of the South Pacific islands

26.  Obtain a doctorate and PhD degree

27.  Donate money to charities

28.  Learn how to snorkel

29.  Learn how to scuba dive

30.  Learn how to surf

31.  Visit all the Disney theme parks

32.  Learn how to ski and snowboard

33.  Run in a marathon

34.  Visit every waterfall in the world

35.  Learn martial arts

36.  Learn how to speak another language

37.  Prepare a will

38.  Go kayaking with whales

39.  Volunteer abroad

40.  Pay it forward

41.  Attend a Superbowl game

42.  Watch a Cirque De Soleil show

43.  See a Broadway show

44.  Watch a Wimbledon championship game

45.  Sit front row at an NBA game

46.  Stop procrastinating

47.  Prepare, plan, and go on a family vacation

48.  Walk 10,000 steps a day

49.  Get a credit score of 750

50.  Go on a helicopter ride

OII have a long list to accomplish but it awakens my senses to what I want to do and fulfill before I leave this life. I think this list is doable and that I would need to plan accordingly and make it happen. I was able to continue my studies by reading about what it means to 'Create a Life of Meaning'. I think this is the biggest part of my personal life in finding that solution. I know that I held on to a concept of the 'meaning' of life but I truly did not know what it was until I achieved something (high school diploma, marriage, etc.) The most important thing for me right now is the ability to fulfill all that I can in this life so that the next one can be set up for greatness. 

"Sacrifice involves giving up the things of this world because of the promises of blessings to be gained in a better world.  In the eternal perspective, there is no sacrifice in giving up all things—even including the laying down of one's life—if eternal life is gained through such a course. (excerpt from 'Your Whole Souls as an Offering Unto Him", David A. Bednar, 1999.)

Sacrifice is a huge part of my life as I have seen it through the examples with my parents as well as from my family members around me. This excerpt helps me understand that there is a deeper meaning for sacrifice than giving up for something else. The promised blessings gained from sacrifice touch more than one life itself. Similarly, when we are in the temple, we see it in the sealing room or the celestial room. When we see eternity in those mirrors we know that we are able to attain anything including eternal life. There is hard work, endurance, and grace to name a few traits that I hope to master one day. This week has opened up my eyes to the endless possibilities that my Heavenly Father has in store for me regardless of my weakness and the human in me has the tendency to weather in time. I am filled with gratitude for such a great start to the summer semester. I look forward to eternity. 

Love always,

Lia Kaafi

 

What does it mean to Learn?

 This week we started a new semester, not only a quick semester consisting of seven week but during the summer season. Oh no! The semester will be a double study load as well as a longer study load because each class is extensive in every aspect of I continue this journey to fulfill my degree. The week started out with the usual discussion boards where we introduce ourselves to the class and share a small piece of our lives. There also was a quiz on our studies in regard to the purpose of this course. When I read the title of this class, I had no clue what it would entail. The depth of entrepreneurship can be taken to any level of understanding. My first thought was starting a business and in the syllabus, it was mainly to understand our "Life Plan" before the concept can be taken towards a business aspect. President Hinckley shared...

"Now be faithful. Be true. Go forward. Be ambitious. Don’t short circuits yourself. Don’t stop now. Keep going. Keep going. Educate your minds. And your spirits and never lose sight of the fact that you’re a child of God with a divine destiny and capable of doing great and good and wonderful things."

I took this excerpt as part of motivation and encouragement for me and the journey I am taking to achieve my education. I think it is very important for the current generations to be more mindful of their time and what they want to pursue. We can easily become distracted by outside influences that take us away from the chosen path. I can understand in this first week that we can put a better effort into what is considered a life plan and what we want and how to pursue it. Elder David A. Bednar spoke in a devotional at Ricks College and he opened up my mind to the concept of learning. 

"A disciplined and educated mind is a tool for reasoning and inquiring and evaluating and discerning.  These abilities are not merely the requirements described in a course syllabus; rather, they are essential skills for a spiritual, happy, and productive life." (Your Whole Souls as an Offering as an Offering Unto Him, 1999.)

I found this talk inspiring and supportive to students who waver from time to time because the education journey can be challenging but rewarding. In terms of a journal, I handwrite my entries in a personal journal next to my bed. When I am at work or away from home, my thoughts are placed on my notes pad on my phone. In order to keep our mental health, I believe that we need to release our stresses and strife and it includes what our thoughts are mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. This is my first time taking a summer semester and I have to say it most definitely pushes the limit in terms of time and processing all this information in seven weeks. This week is an introduction to the class and what we will be doing for the remainder weeks. I think it will be a challenge for me but it will refresh some of the 'muscles' that I have not used in years. I look forward to these journal entries as they will help me understand where I fall to find and resolve my mistakes as well as lift me up in providing a better way to learn. A better way to listen and apply these principles in my life.