My Last Lecture

The most valuable thing I learned from this class was how important it is to make meaning in what you feel your calling is. There was a short little video where Guy Kawasaki talked about making meaning in what you do as an entrepreneur.  He said if you were going to start a business or non-profit you should set out to right a wrong, stop something great from going under or make meaning.  When I originally thought about owning my own business, my motivation was based on creativity but my thoughts were based on profits.  I guess I was thinking I would be in charge and organize and run my little business.  I have since decided that I want my life’s work to mean something. If I am going to spend my time and talents on something, I want the time spent to bring meaning to my life or someone else’s.  I don’t want to waste my time chasing the dollar.
            “To put it simply, living a life of meaning is about living life with intent.  It’s about deeply, honestly knowing ourselves.  And it’s about developing the wisdom to appreciate that this brief spark of consciousness of ours is an enormous, rare privilege—one in which we’re capable of extraordinary things.” (Jeff Sandefer, Living Life as an Entrepreneurial Hero).
            Another wonderful thing I learned was how important it is to know yourself; your strengths, weaknesses, talents, desires.  If you are going to spend your life focused on something it should be something you enjoy and are good at. You must have passion for your work, and a determination to be successful and always improving.
            My favorite experience during this class was my Entrepreneurial Interview.  I was led to talk to Kim Benson.  I could see in her life how the Lord had prepared her for the steps necessary to start and grow her business. This experience reminded me that the Lord loves us all and as we have righteous desires and live worthy, He can help us do amazing things. It gave me hope to hear Kim’s story.  Hope that the Lord will lead me too, to use this education to better my family and those around me.  I loved that Kim’s work has such a positive effect on people.  Her business revolves around her customer’s successes.  It is her favorite part, to celebrate with the clientele she calls family.

            I don’t know what the Lord has in store for my future, and whether I will ever own my own business.  I do believe that as I follow the teachings of the Lord, that He will lead me through the doors to the people who need me and what I have to offer. I believe that as I search for a way to make meaning in what I do, that meaning will come, and my time will be well spent.

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