W06 Reflection: Entrepreneurial Journal

 Self-Mastery

Obtaining self-mastery is an important skill to develop. It takes self-discipline and self-control to master this ability that will become a blessing in our lives. Plato said, “The first and best victory is to conquer self; to be conquered by self is, of all things, the most shameful and vile.” And da Vinci once said: “You will never have a greater or lesser dominion than that over yourself.” (Success Is Gauged by Self-Mastery, President N. Eldon Tanner, April 1975) Self-mastery is a choice and a way to become a better version of yourself. The Lord is looking for worthy people what will represent Him in building up His kingdom. Be trustworthy in all that you do. 

Three areas of knowledge

These areas of knowledge are based on running a business. They are industry knowledge, running a business, and capital. All areas are important for a successful business. Knowing is to believe. I think knowing everything you can about your business will benefit it in so many areas. Allowing others to help you with their knowledge will benefit you as a business owner and understanding the financials of the business is a key component to the success. 

The Entrepreneur and Family

You have to make rules or they will overtake your life. Making rules or goals in the company will help you to stay the course on success. Inviting and allowing your family to be a part of your business will allow you time to be with them but also teach valuable lessons. I remember as a young girl my dad owned his own construction company. There were a lot of hours that he put into this business. It wasn't just his business but he made it about us. We would help him with anything that he felt we could do. As a young girl I would take a bucket with a heavy magnet around the job sight and collected anything metal. This saved him time and money on nails in his tires. He used us 6 kids to do a lot of little things that we were happy to do for him because we were able to be with him more and he took the time to teach us valuable lessons about work that we would have not had if it wasn't for him. I attribute my hard work ethnics because of my parents and the business they developed. 

Loyalty to God and Family

Always be a light in the world with you light and integrity. The Lord will bless you if you can manage a family, church callings, and a career. His knows that you will be a lawful steward if you can maintain success in all you do. His timing is not always your timing and so He will direct you through if you put your trust in Him. I have seen this in my life as I had 3 kids under the age of 3 and my husband worked all day and took his holiday pay to serve in scouts. He would go on week long scout campouts or weekend outings with the boys in the ward and Liahona ward. I complained a lot year after year but it wasn't until I was asked to come to one of the Liahona boys court of honor for his eagle award. He stood there and describe my husband's loyalty and example that he will never forget. It was at that moment years later that the Lord allowed me to see why Josh's calling was so important to Him. I understood that He was called in an inconvenient time for me as I needed my husband home with our little kids but he was magnifying his calling and being blessed as he served. His kids were always taken care of as we moved into a home with a big yard and we learned how to work as a family to improve and maintain the yard, house, and animals. Making time for God and our family allows blessings that we may not be about to see if we didn't take the time to do these things.