Reflection (Week 14)

• If you had one final lecture to share with a group of students on what you have learned from this course, what would you share?
• What would be your last bit of advice to someone wanting to begin the entrepreneur journey?
• What words of advice, direction, or caution would you give him or her if you had only one chance to give your own last lecture?

   One of the most meaningful things I will take away from this class is how it forced me to sit down and reflect on what values I want to work towards throughout my life. Hand in hand with my patriarchal blessing, I asked for the Lord's help in guiding my thoughts. Now that I have these, I can base my long-term and short-term goals on these values. In addition, I've come to seek for the path of mastery, which focuses on the path more than the destination. Mastery seeks to be taught by a valued teacher. Mastery does not seek for constant climaxes, but constant development.

I would advise someone beginning their entrepreneur journey to not just seek to start a business based on making money. You can lead out by seeking to bless others either through a product or providing them with a job. You can develop a business around a powerful vision that will inspire your employees. When thinking about a business idea, think about when you are experiencing "flow" or as Mihahly Csikszentmihalyi describes, "the feeling that comes when your mind or body is stretched to the limit in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile."  After you've identified flow experiences, you can then work on mastering those skills. This can make you an asset to attract those wanting to solve problems, or to an opportunity based on those skills.

For a last lecture, I would encourage them to get up early, work hard, find your oil, get your education, make your mark, and prepare to serve. Nurture and maintain relationships around you. They will be essential when deciding who to counsel with and who you want to work alongside. Happiness is less important than satisfaction and fulfillment.  Begin with the end in mind. Brick walls are around mostly to keep out those who don't want it bad enough.