Post 10

This week the lesson was titled “DREAM BIG DREAMS”. I have heard that we should dream big but I used to think it was a cliché phrase. This week I read and watched interesting advice from church leaders and entrepreneurs that encourage us to think big, pursue our dreams and become what we want to be.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, “Now is the time for each of us to work toward our personal conversion, toward becoming what our Heavenly Father desires us to become. As we do so, we should remember that our family relationships—even more than our Church callings—are the setting in which the most important part of that development can occur… We do not obtain our heavenly reward by punching a time clock…. What is important in the end is what we have become by our labors…Instead of being judgmental about others, we should be concerned about ourselves. We must not give up hope. We must not stop striving. We are children of God, and it is possible for us to become what our Heavenly Father would have us become.”

He highlights the importance of our family relationship and how it can help us in the process to become what we want to be. Our experience as families will prepare us to achieve bigger dreams and enjoy successful experiences. One thing that is important to remind is that we have the capacity and ability to do whatever we want. As children of God, we have a divine nature which allows us to be perfect in something if we practice.
Instead of giving up when things are not going well, we must recognize our potential and work harder.

POST 9

When I hear the word leadership, the first that comes to my mind is responsibility. I used to think leaders only focus on manage or guide a large an important group of people that admire this person, and also that to be a leader it was required to have knowledge and capacity to watch for the followers. This week I knew a different but amazing way to be a leader following the teaching of the Savior: Leadership with small “L”

• Lead by Example: One of the best ways to preach the gospel and to teach is by our example. Some people are always looking at us and will copy our actions.  We have a huge responsibility but also will receive the blessings of seeing the progress of many people.
• Lead with Vision: "One of the most important things that leaders do is to help the people they lead to understand the larger meaning and purpose of their daily work." Kim B. Clark
• Lead with Love: The Savior always taught with love. We need to follow his example and do everything with happiness and love. The Lord commanded us to love one another and serve our neighbors.

Post 8

“Blood, toil, tears, and sweat. The best things are always worth finishing. As long and laborious as the effort may seem, please keep shaping and setting the stones that will make your accomplishment “a grand and imposing spectacle.” Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. Dream dreams and see visions. Work toward their realization. Wait patiently when you have no other choice. Lean on your sword and rest a while, but get up and fight again. Perhaps you will not see the full meaning of your effort in your own lifetime. But your children will, or your children’s children will, until finally you, with all of them, can give the Hosanna shout.” 

Jeffrey R. Holland

This week has been overwhelming because of the amount of homework to do and exams to take, however, this quote has brought me peace to because reminded me I´m not wasting my time, I´m in the entrepreneur journey.
Usually, we want to finish an assignment as soon as possible because want to see our effort is worth. When a task is taking more time or effort than we expected, we give up because do not see immediate results. This reading encouraged me to change that thinking and see the time “wasted” as an investment that will benefit my family, friends, and society in the future.  

Another important topic this week was the understanding of human problems. When things are not going as planned, we usually think external factors have influenced our process but most of the time internal factors are the trouble makers. First, we need to analyze ourselves to find the causes and then plan how to do not make the same mistakes.

POST 7

“The worst horse can be the best for if it perseveres, it will have learned whatever it is practicing all the way to the marrow of it is bones… To achieve his or her full potential, this person (with exceptional talent) will have to work just as diligent as those with less innate ability.”

George Leonard

This week I learned seven habits that will help me to become a highly effective person.

1.      Be proactive.

2.      Begin with the end in mind.

3.      Put first things first.

4.      Think win/win.

5.      Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

6.      Synergize

7.      Sharpen the saw.

All of them have equal importance because they work together. However, I would say that the last habit has a special meaning for me because it focuses on taking a time to ponder what we are doing, how can we improve, and to relax and find an equilibrium in our lives.

This habit has a physical dimension which encourages us to spend a minimum of 30 minutes exercising to improve our capacity to work. The times when I´ve applied this habit, I felt more energetic and happier.

The spiritual dimension is a good reminder to focus on our purpose in life.

The mental dimension does not mean watching TV all the time to relax our minds. It means educating ourselves by doing activities that will help us to sharpen our mind. I love reading books because I always learn something new and have the opportunity to develop my imagination.

The social or emotional dimension requires communication and interaction with other people. Serve others is a great opportunity to develop this dimension. Happiness comes after realizing we have a special purpose in this life.