Week 10 - Attitudes

What a wonderful week this has been. My parents were in town last weekend, and I got to spend Thanksgiving with my son and his girlfriend. I wanted to share just a little of what I am thankful for...

Those things I am grateful for, are too many to mention, so I picked just a few. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who sees my potential, but loves me for who I am. I am grateful for a Savior who loves me so much, who atoned for my sins. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost who comforts and guides me. I am grateful for my son, who is my inspiration. I am grateful for my parents who encourage me. I am grateful for my faith, which makes me want to be a better person.

This week in class we learned a lot about balancing family and career. As a single mom, I knew the struggles related to work and family. I learned very quickly that we only get this one chance to watch our little ones grow. They are in our care for a short time in the grand scheme of things and this time is precious and should not be taken lightly. I am sad for the milestones I missed, but oh so grateful for those I got to share. I will hold them near to me always.

We were asked to answer the following questions this week:

 What is your attitude toward money?

I have always been anxious about money. There are times when it has been a real struggle, and often times I had to choose which bill would be paid. Now that I am doing better financially, I find it hard to spend money. I tend to hold onto it for fear of losing it, or not having enough of it.

 How can your view of money affect the way you live?

 Sometimes I feel trapped by money. I feel anxious when I make a large purchase or when something breaks down and needs to be repaired. I always feel like I will run out and not be able to meet my commitments.

What rules are recommended for prospering?

 This week we read “Attitude on Money” by Stephen W. Gibson. In this article we learn there are rules to be followed in order to prosper. They are as follows:

“Rule 1. Seek the Lord and have hope in him.

Rule 2. Keep the commandments that includes the temporal ones, tithing and fast offerings.

Rule 3. Think about money and plan how you can become self-reliant.

Rule 4. Take advantage of chances for learning so you will not be ignorant of these matters.

Education, as President Hinckley has taught us, is the Key to Opportunity.

Rule 5. Learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated.

Rule 6. Do not send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty or the sick or those who are held captive.” (Gibson)

As I read this article it became clear to me that I need not fear. As long as I am following the rules and the guidance of our Prophets and Apostles, and doing that which is pleasing to the Lord, I will be provided for. I cannot just sit back and wait for it happen, I have to be actively involved in making the money, but as long as I work hard and live righteously, the Lord will guide me to make the correct choices with regards to my finances. 

Week 9 - Insight

This has been a wonderful week for me. I have learned so much as I interviewed my Entrepreneur, and also as I read the takeaways other students got from their interviews. We have all been blessed this week with great advice and encouragement. One of the best things I learned in my interview with Mr. Phillipson this week, was, “it’s not enough to be financially savvy, you also have to show financial restraint.” As I thought about this I realized, sometimes we have to accept a little less on the front end, to reap greater rewards on the back end. Taking risks is what entrepreneurs do, but their risks are carefully vetted and reviewed, they are not just taking risks for risk’s sake. 

In the “Launching Leaders” video this week, Jim Ritchie spoke about a book “Your Emotional Fingerprint” by Woody Woodward. Ritchie shared that in the book Woodward helps you “develop a blue print for your feelings and emotions” which in turn helps you understand why you react the way you do to situations, and how you can use this to your benefit. I struggle with this, as I noted in last week’s post, and feel I could greatly benefit from reading this book. More to follow on that....

Week 8 - Leader – do I have what it takes?

This week in our class we have been reading, watching and learning about leaders and followers. This got me thinking, “Am I a good leader? Do I have what it takes to lead effectively?” As I pondered these questions, I realized that it depends on the scenario. There are times when I take the lead, and other times when I follow. In my opinion, being a good leader is knowing when to follow a great leader.

I had an epiphany of sorts this past week. I am in the midst of a very stressful financial undertaking, and things didn’t really go according to my plan. Instead of taking a step back to review what I had learned and regroup, I allowed my emotions to take control and a “meltdown” ensued. I am grateful to all those people who rallied around me to help me back up, but later on I realized this was my weakness. Please don’t misunderstand me, being affected emotionally is not the weakness, allowing the emotions to take control is the weakness. I learned I must control the situation and take cues from the emotions, but keep them always in check. You cannot lead an organization by always succumbing to tears; those you lead, look to you for strength and guidance.  

Our general manager is looking for someone to take the reins in our office, so that he can focus on other areas. Although my emotions were linked to a personal matter, he will remember this moment and wonder “if she struggles with those decisions, how much more will she struggle with difficult business decisions.” I know I have the knowledge and skill to take on this responsibility, but I also know I need to work on my leadership abilities. You cannot follow someone into battle who is cowering and sniveling. You can, however, follow someone who acknowledges their fear, but rides out ahead of the charge with courage and a desire to make a difference. This is the leader I strive to become. 

Week 7 - Never Give Up

This week we are preparing for our Entrepreneur Interview. I have been thinking about this a lot this week. I want to ensure I am asking substantive questions, I also don’t want to waste anyone’s time with the “generic stuff”. I have also been struggling with who I would like to interview. I have been thinking about someone I can learn from, someone I admire, someone with similar standards to mine. I still have work to do.

I have also been thinking about Eric Ries talk “The Five Why’s”. We have been going through a rough patch at work. Morale is low and employees seem to be at one another more than normal. I would like to view this scenario using the “Five Why’s” strategy. I would like to discuss this with my boss also, I think if we could come together as a group to discuss what’s going on, it would be helpful, and hopefully solve some issues.

I am so grateful for all the readings and videos this week. I have been struggling with some personal issues this week, and lately school has been very challenging for me. I have been thinking about whether I want to continue on this path. The Mormon Message by Elder Holland “Good Things to Come” was so encouraging to me. If I can only hold on a little longer, I will see the good that will come from sticking to it. My heart was softened as I read President Monson’s talk “Looking Back and Moving Forward”. In this talk President Monson says “We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face.” (Monson). This was such a powerful reminder to me and I am stronger and more resolved after reading it. 

I will hold fast, I will learn from the past, I will look to the future and I will endure.