I am learning that success begins with the person, before it can be translated to the business.  I am learning that I need to open myself to people, be vulnerable without fear in order to make and keep good friends.  I am learning to be a better listener and communicator.  I am learning about the habits, attitudes and skills I need as an individual to become the person I was sent here to be, and I am learning or rather relearning these things through the many talks, videos, periodicals and books I have been studying this semester.

According to my course syllabus, I should have an understanding of my calling in life and the start-up of me; evaluate what matters most and draft key elements of my life plan; examine my fit for a career as an entrepreneur; understand the role of honesty and social entrepreneurship; learn how to deal with the adversity in my entrepreneur journey; examine the profile of other entrepreneurs by conducting an entrepreneur interview; understand the value of Mastery, The Ministry of Business, and how to apply it in my life and, Embrace the 14 critical mindsets of successful entrepreneurs.

I believe I am on track with the course syllabus.  I understand that application of the skills, principles, strategies and habits I am being exposed to will take time to develop into solid habits, and I am ready for the challenge.  Ever so often I need to be reminded that God is mindful of me and my needs, and this week I received a strong dose of God’s mindfulness of me.  On a personal note, both lessons 7 and 8 were right on the mark of what I needed, and when I needed them to get through the week.

President Hinckley reminded me to be true to myself, pointing out that the adversary of truth would like to injure me, destroy my faith and lead me down paths that re beguiling and interesting, but deadly.

Stephen R. Covey with his 7 habits of highly effective people helped uncover the kinks in my personality, and provided suggestions on how I may go about fixing them. Sister Patricia Holland reminded me that the only limitations I had were those I set on myself.

Elder Holland pleaded with me to understand that nothing very valuable can come without significant sacrifice and effort and patience on my part.  I have been asking how much more could I handle, and he quoted the Lord in D & C 64:33-34 which says, “Wherefore, be not weary of well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.  And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.  Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days“.

As I ponder the challenges I faced this week, and consider the alternatives, I give thought to President Monson’s words – “throughout the journey along the pathway of life, there are casualties.  Some depart from the road markers which point toward life eternal, only to discover the detour chosen ultimately leads to a dead end.  Indifference, carelessness, selfishness, and sin all take their costly toll in human lives.

David Carrington’s short video was very poignant – he cited the three things I needed to focus on, to implement to be successful in my business – (1). Increase the number of customers; (2) Increase the frequency of Purchase and (3) Increase the average order.  Things that I am aware of, but needed repeating.  My question in this regard is, how?  What process do I implement/follow to accomplish these three things?  I am looking forward to uncovering the answer to this question.

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