BUS 110 W6 Reflection

    I have spent this week procrastinating. I try to have my homework turned in at least a day early,  and if I can't make that happen, I work on not being late. Well, this week is a "not late" week. This is fitting, as our lesson is focused on self-mastery...

    In the April 1975 General Conference, N. Eldon Tanner said, "If you want to be successful or outstanding in any field of endeavor, it is important that you determine while young to be a great (young person), and not wait to be (grown) to be a great (adult); and then have the courage and strength and determination to discipline yourself, apply self-control and self-mastery." 

    This hit home for me this week because I am working very diligently to teach my 4 children that they have to learn and practice being good people every day, even as young kids, so that it is a habit when they are adults. Our job is to teach them to be those good adults. At the same time, I am trying to learn how to apply this to being a leader outside of my home, with people that I cannot influence as easily. How do I gently lead others to see that they have to practice being good people? I have to lead by example and kindness. 

    The first example I am focusing on is to continue my education while still being an active parent and wife. I grew up in a family that was always looking for the "next big thing" and the "quick buck". Every time I learn a new skill and show interest in it by sharing that joy of learning, my parent tells me I should sell it somehow. I struggle with this mentality because I have seen this parent invest hundreds of dollars in half-thought-out ideas only to ditch it as soon as they get distracted or the money didn't come in as easy as they thought. I want to be better than that - my hobbies are here for my joy, not someone else's unless I want to share. 

    In the article "So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur?" by the Acton Foundation, they talk about "three 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; 

3. The ability to raise money"

I think that if I can focus on learning how to master myself with my skills and hobbies, as well as learn about running a business, I will have a good grasp on how to be a great example and leader in the entrepreneur business and my home.