My Last Lecture

After now completing the BYU-Idaho Introduction to Entrepreneurship course, I have a much clearer perspective of how to begin, and what to expect of, an entrepreneur’s journey. An entrepreneur’s journey is one of self-discovery and reflection. Each week of class I learned something new about myself and I had the opportunity to reflect on the lessons I learned in this blog, my entrepreneur journal. Now I would like to share some of the most important things I have learned with those who want to begin their entrepreneur journey.

Before even beginning your entrepreneur journey you must solidify your priorities. By that I mean make sure that you decide now that you will always put your family first and that you will never compromise your morals. Your family will be a support to you as you are a support to them. Also, as you strive to be a person of integrity your life will be filled with greater happiness than you can imagine.

Next you must decide what your dreams are and what your calling in life is. Following your dreams will put you on the path of doing something that you love. Dreams also often provide a vision for how you can make the world a better place; helping others should be your main goal for your future ventures. In order to find your calling you need to discover your God given gifts and use them to serve your fellowman. As you endeavor to do what you love and use your gifts to help others, you will find great satisfaction in your life and career.

Once you start moving forward on your entrepreneur journey, you will find that there are many challenges along the way. These challenges should not deter you from your vision, but should be looked at as an opportunity for growth and change. In Elder Jeffery R. Holland’s BYU Devotional Address, “However Long and Hard the Road,” he declares, “it is simply a truism that nothing very valuable can come without significant sacrifice, effort, and patience on our part.” From that great message take courage and hope. When trials come, see that your goals are still worthwhile and keep moving forward. 

Along your journey take time to reflect on lessons you are learning and understand the person you are becoming. You have infinite potential that can help you to change the world. Reflection along the way can also help you to stop and see all the blessings in your life. When you do this, your heart will be filled with gratitude and you will have greater motivation to keep working hard and serve others.

In closing I would like to say that my heart is full of gratitude for the lessons I have learned about my entrepreneur journey. I hope you, the aspiring entrepreneur, are excited as well to commit to a path of life-long learning!