Posts

W14

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? This semester I learned a lot the importance of investing in myself and planning with the end in mind. Many of the videos and articles I read emphasized the importance of dedicating my talents and efforts to overcome challenges and to execute my goals through strategic planning, persistence and dedication. I particularly enjoyed learning about the 7 habits of highly effective people. The habit of being proactive really resonated with me. Being proactive means taking charge with finding solutions to problems people were not aware existed. I also reflected heavily on what my attitude towards money is and how I can use the abundance of wealth in order to seek the Lord, keep His commandments, and prepare myself to become self-reliant. A lot of successful business owners did not sugarcoat their experiences as an entrepreneur. There will be many challenges and o...

W13

This week I enjoyed the different stories from the readings and videos.  I enjoyed reading President Monson's talk about gratitude and learning about his Sunday school teacher who loved all of her students and motivated them to choose the right and think of others. She left a positive lasting effect on President Monson. If I am capable of having that profound effect on those I teach and lead, that would be a cherished feeling and bring much satisfaction to me.  After learning more about entrepreneur Randy Haykin, I strongly believe that it is best for an entrepreneur to start working for a large company first to learn the necessary sales and management skills in order to successfully lead others to achieve their goals and greatness. After working at a large company, I believe I can then venture on my own with launching small businesses or investing in a start-up. I can only imagine how Steve Jobs or Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg felt when they were launching their companies...

W12

Based on what you read in the first two pages (pages 3 and 4), why are virtue and integrity so vital to an  economy?  Virtue and integrity are vital to an economy because they help create trust between the American population and large companies and CEOs. Without virtue and trust, then capitalism will erode. Charles Handy mentions that the American people will then have to rely on the government for the creation of wealth, which hasn't had the best track record in the past. There have been recent scandals that has caused trust issues with businesses. Charles mentions that once there is a crack in trust, it is hard to mend it or gain it back. The American population voted, and a high number of people believe corporations do have the best interests of its employees. There are also reports that CEOs earn more than 400 times than what their lowest-paid workers earn adding more distrust between the people and businesses.  According to Charles Handy, what is the “real ...

W11

What is your attitude toward money? My attitude towards money is that it is a necessity as well as a luxury. We all need it in order to survive, purchase the goods and products we use daily. However, a lot of us do not have enough money to live comfortably. I don't refer to people living in underdeveloped countries. I hear about it from people who live in the same city as I do. My family sometimes experiences this as well. There are times when I have to pause purchases until my next paycheck. My wife and I take care of our diet and health so I can continue to work and provide for our family. There are many times we prepare to make a big purchase once every few months or once or twice a year because we are limited and do not want to put ourselves in debt. Nowadays, it can be easy to put yourself in debt and that is something we try to avoid. Other times, because of emergencies, I do not have sufficient funds to cover the costs and we have to pay using credit cards. We manage our f...

W10

This week's readings and videos left me pondering about my big dreams and how I can think big constantly with my short-term goals and my long-term goals.  I think it can be easy to lose sight of your dreams and aspirations when you compromise on your talents and skills. Right now, I have to work Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and it can be easy to take the rest of the afternoon off and weekends as well. However, doing that for the next 30 or 40 years will not get me closer to my dreams and will not bring personal satisfaction. In today's society it can be easy to compare your life to the neighbor's life or to a celebrity's life. But that is why it is important to think big and follow your dreams.  I never have had the trial of underestimating my potential or skills. Even if I ever did, my wife is supportive and constantly provides motivation and feedback. I enjoyed reading and hearing about successful businessowners and entrepreneurs talk about how they achieve ...

W09

This week I learned the importance of hiring ethical people and having the ability to execute from this week's readings and videos. When it comes to business it is crucial to celebrate innovative ideas and the ability to take risks. This is applicable to existing and new businesses. In order for a company to survive inflation, recessions, and booming markets, it has to continue finding new ways to be a leader in the midst of competition. I liked reading about how hiring nice people will lead to finding ethical people. That makes sense because nice people will always feel compelled to follow the rules and guidelines set by a company and feel morally obligated to help those in need without taking advantage of the desperate.  During my readings, the ability to execute was mentioned as something rarely found in people nowadays. That is absolutely true because nowadays people prefer to be told what to do and how to do it rather than trying to find a solution or taking initiative-takin...

W08

From my individual learning experiences this week, I learned the importance of facing challengers and learning how to overcome them. It is necessary that every one of us face obstacles in our journey because not everything will go our way and they help to build character. When we learn to overcome our obstacles, we always become more resilient and develop a deeper passion for our goals. If we were never enthusiastic about our goals, the first challenge that comes our way would be enough to dissuade us from continuing our journey.  I enjoyed reading the stories and experiences from several entrepreneurs and spiritual leaders. I found it extremely useful that I can apply these lessons in my professional life as well as my spiritual journey. As long as I continue to put my faith and trust in the Lord, good things will continue to happen. My business endeavors will come to fruition. After hearing the various testimonies, I have concluded that we all can react differently to the situa...