Becoming

Becoming a diligent student who connects spiritual development with academic education is a quest for a true follower of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Elder David A. Bednar said: “…your college experience is not merely a game to be played with the ultimate winner determined by test scores and GPA. College is not just an experience to endure and “get through” with the false expectation that somehow, someway we will magically be different on the day we graduate. Rather, a college experience is a period of development in one’s life to be prized and prospered”  (Bednar, 1999). He continues, “I am talking about conscientiously and consistently and constantly learning how to learn. I am talking about preparing you mind for the important and weighty responsibilities that shortly will come to you, and for which you must be ready.” As I read these words, I think beyond the classroom/online learning that takes place in college and see this as a parallel to life. As mortal beings here on earth, we need to be consistently, conscientiously, and constantly progressing or learning. Life is a classroom and we need to be prepared for whatever comes our way. I see academic education as a small part of our overall human learning experience. As we anchor our lives in the Savior and strive to become like Him, we will be building a character that can help us through all of life’s ups and downs.

Sacrifice and consecration are to be part of our earthly journey. “Sacrifice involves giving up the things of this world because of the promises of blessings to be gained in a better world. In the eternal perspective there is no sacrifice in giving up all things – even including the laying down of one’s life – if eternal life is gained through such a course” (McConkie, 1958,  p. 664). We sacrifice things now because we hope for better things in eternity. “Consecration…is to fully develop and dedicate to a sacred purpose” (Bednar, 1999). I believe we can consecrate ourselves and all we have, to helping other people become better. We cannot do this until we improve ourselves and are self-reliant.

Living the Life as an Entrepreneurial Hero

I have asked myself the question: How can I live a more meaningful life and help others along the way? Becoming an entrepreneurial hero is a hard journey, but the result is a life of meaning and rewards only known to those willing to sacrifice and choose the harder path.

“Living life as an entrepreneurial hero means recognizing that life is hard, and that the greatest struggles bring the greatest meaning and the most powerful personal growth. and it means giving up the belief that life owes you something, and instead, win or lose, being determined to never give up, no matter what obstacles get in your way. It means being powerful enough to live independently, but wise enough to surround yourself with people of good character and people you love.”

 (Sandefer, 2011).

Steps given by Sandefer (2011) to become an entrepreneurial hero:

1.  Dream big
2. Take the first step
3. Accept that life is hard and seldom fair
4. Know that you must persevere to develop the habits and character that will determine your destiny
5. Understand that choosing doesn’t mean you are in control, and that real entrepreneurs learn to fail quickly, cheaply, and often
6. Find the right travelers, because you will tend to become like those who surround you

      Sandefer tells us that we never know where we will go or how our journey will end. He gives three questions that he has gathered from talking with many entrepreneurs and suggest that near the end of our journey we will likely ask them.

1. Did I accomplish something meaningful?
2. Was I a good person?
3. Who did I love and who loved me?

The Start-Up of You

So, where do I start? How do I know what I can do to be successful in becoming an entrepreneur? Reid Hoffman gives us ideas on how to determine what we can succeed with. Look at three areas, Hoffman refers to them as puzzle pieces: assets, aspirations, and market realities, to determine what will work for you. He states that all three of these pieces are necessary and without one no one will find the success.
Successful people determine where they want to go or be in the future and then they develop a plan to get them there. One important step in your development is to understand that you always need to work at building yourself. Growth comes through diversity and challenges. Part of your personal growth comes from the people around you. Hoffman tells us to network with others. Figure out how others view you and work at how you want to be portrayed.

Launching Leaders

Jim Ritchie teaches how to become leaders through a program called “Launching Leaders.” He says that “great leaders usually have great friends.” As we grow and progress we will have an incredible journey which can be even better with great friends working beside us. (See “Introduction – Launching Leaders – Lesson 1) He talks about becoming friends with other great leaders to help us on our journey. Watch this clip for suggested people to become friends with:

Introduction - Launching Leaders

President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke at a BYU Idaho building dedication in 2002. He speaks about the greatness that is in each of us. We need to seek the good strive to accomplish much in our lives. We have a divine destiny and we can become great leaders.

I choose to follow the path less traveled and become a true entrepreneurial leader. I choose to stretch and grow that I may be a friend to many and truly make a difference for other people.

Bednar, David A.  January 5, 1999. “Your Whole Souls as an Offering Unto Him”, Rexburg, ID: BYU-Idaho.
McConkie, Bruce R. 1958, 1978. Mormon Doctrine, Salt Lake City, UT: Bookcraft.
Sandefer, Jeff. (2011). "Living Life as an Entrepreneurial Hero". Acton School of Business.