Successful habits for anyone

This week we studied The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People. Several years ago, my husband introduced me to these principles. I enjoyed revisiting several principles  I had forgotten or didn't catch  the first time  I was introduced to these habits.
    I found it very interesting that  the basic foundation for one's success was how one views the world,  or in other words, one's paradigm. One point the article made was,"no matter how  much a person works on their attitude, they won't change if they don't change their perceptions."
   I find this is true in every aspect of my life.  For example, When my spouse and I have a disagreement, if  I perceive him as an enemy, I will not be open to solving problems with him. I will always distrust him. However, if I view him as a friend who happens to have a disagreement with me about something,  I can talk things out and we can get the issue resolved.
   It follows that one's paradigm would also affect the way one interacts with a coworker, a manager, a boss or a business partner. If one's paradigm isn't based on truth, success will be difficult to achieve because one's paradigm  will not only determine how one interacts in  relationships, but will also affect personal habits that determine success. The article  states, " what we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do...."and " if we want to make changes in our lives, we can do so by focusing on our paradigms.Paradigms are inseparable from our character."
   So, I  guess I need to focus on my paradigms. They are the key to habits that will  lead me to success in every aspect of my life. If only change was that easy!

 

Week 6: Time for Mastery and for family

   This week my instructor invited us to spend time with our families .What a blessing it was to do so. I had time to actually talk to my spouse in the evening for more than 15 minutes of quick chit chat before going to bed.  I was able to go to my daughter's  choir concert without worrying about homework that was due. I spent more time talking to my adult children who still live at home. The best part was being able to spend time sitting outside and relaxing when  I got home from work instead of immediately going to the computer to complete assignments. It was rejuvenating. I can see now the benefit of daily relaxation. It is what Stephen R. Covey describes as " sharpening the saw." I want to incorporate  this into my daily life and I can see how this is essential  fore entrepreneurs to do if they want to keep their priorities. Family must be an integral part of an entrepreneur's lifestyle if he is to truly have joy and success.Family is what life is all about. Living in families is an essential  part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will always be there for you if  you put your best efforts into building that relationship with them.
       thing that was emphasized this week was self-mastery.  I realized that I need to build my skill levels in many areas if I want to succeed. I also realized some small ventures I could start in my home to develop mastery and experience. It was reassuring to read  that entrepreneurs don't need to know everything before they start a company and that sometimes an  partner who knows more about different skills can be  a big asset to help with things you may be weak in. In other words, don't be afraid to try something just because you don't know enough about it yet. Look for opportunities to learn and find people who can help you.This is what  the majority of today's entrepreneurs do.
       

Week 5: A Hero's Journey: Will I be a hero?

This week I listened to a webinar titled " A Hero's Journey." The premise of this video is that we have a mission on earth to fulfill. That mission can be fulfilled if we have enough faith and courage to find our " entrepreneurial calling." The speaker emphasized that when we choose to have a hero's journey, we are choosing to"live every minute as though you have a mission." What a powerful message!  Live each minute as though  I have a mission. This encompasses all of one's activities, thoughts, ideas, and actions. If we live as though we are on our mission right now think of how different our lives would be. Each day I would wake up with  a purpose, with a plan, with a road-map of where I will go and what I will do that day to get me closer to fulfilling the mission  I was sent here to fulfill.  Wow. It is a mind-stretching concept, but it is empowering.
    One thing that this hero may not like about the journey though, is that what really maters is how I have changed in the process. Most of us are a little afraid of change, afraid of the unknown. I am. Part of me wants to be a better person, someone who will change the world and make a difference. the other part of me is frightened and scared because of past failures, and negativity from others who have led me to believe I am worthless and a nobody. The little girl inside me is afraid to take a step for fear of being reprimanded for falling. However, that little light inside is trying to remind me that I have gifts and talents, that  I am of worth, and that I can find a calling to match those gifts. I need only rely on my God. He wants me to have joy. Finding that special gift and calling  I was given,and then using it, will bring me the joy  I crave and desire.  Will I take the step of faith necessary to follow that call? Will I embark on this hero's journey? This is my challenge.

Deconstructing My Fears

     This week, my assignment was to do an analysis of  the fears I have about being an entrepreneur. I realized  the overall theme I have is of losing control of the project or of someone else taking credit for my ideas.  I want to ensure the ability to be self-reliant so we won;'t become beggars on the street. This is a biggie for me. My  life hasn't been an easy one. A lot of things have happened which I have not had control over which has left me feeling insecure. This is why  I want to be safe and assured  that all will be well, that everything will work out as planned, and that I will live a life of joy once my dreams are realized. 

      We all know this isn't going to be the case. Life isn't that way. Everyone and every business has its ups and downs.  That is why we have mentors, and a support system  to help us when things aren't going the way we planned. If  I do my part,showing discipline and determination to succeed, and have the support of  fellow travelers who have journeyed this path before me, I will be able to either avoid pitfalls or at least have someone there to help me through the tough times, continuing to believe in me and my dreams. without that support system, I would truly fail. 

      So, do I give up on my dream just because  of my fear of failure? Never! I already did that once. that is why I am going into entrepreneurship in the first place. Because of fear, I did not pursue the career  I really wanted,the one thing that would have filled my bucket every day. Now,  I want to be truly happy and fulfill that childhood dream, that elusive joy I craved, the sustenance I have  hungered for all my life. If I don't follow my dream this time around,  I will die inside.  I will live a life that is less fulfilling and will not be an unseen difference.   I will have essentially failed my mission in life.

   So, negative thoughts.. I bid you be gone! I will  entertain you no longer.  I will succeed, Or I  will die trying!  As Churchill once said, " Never give up!"

   

Putting first things first

 Week three of Entrepreneurship  class. I am feeling stressed about all of the work  still in store as the course progresses. I have been trying to put family activities as a priority, since this was mentioned a lot in the readings this week. I was expecting less stress for putting the most important things first. The opposite occurred.  I have felt more stressed this week in all of my classes than all the other weeks.I have tried to plan my time and balance all of my responsibilities but I am feeling something has got to give. I just  don't know what yet.
    Last week  I felt so energized by the hope  I felt in reaching my dreams. I am feeling very deflated now. I am too overwhelmed with work and school mixed with family responsibilities. I suppose  all  entrepreneurs will probably experience this wide range of emotions as they struggle through their journey to success. I suppose, as the readings mentioned, if our eye is single to the glory of God and fulfilling His purposes in serving our fellowmen, everything will work out  in the end and our path will be made clear.
     I learned this week that I need to exercise more faith in God that things will work out according to His timeline. I need to trust His timeline and trust in the  promptings  I have received. I learned  I need to also seek more education in my chosen field. So  that  is also something  I decided to add to my list of things to do regularly, although I wasn't too good at following through on those plans.  I will need to be more consistent with that as well.  I guess I just need a long talk with Heavenly Father to express my feelings,concerns, and hopes, and receive counsel from Him as to my path forward.  I am still struggling to receive  firm confirmation. Hopefully, General Conference will answer some of those questions.