Tilting at Windmills

"Fortune is arranging matters for us better than we could have shaped our desires ourselves. . ."  - Don Quixote 

At the start of this semester, the process of becoming an entrepreneur seemed much like the story of Don Quixote jousting with windmills he thought to be giants. My lack of knowledge defeated my confidence on a regular basis. Just like the knight of Miguel de Cervantes’ famous story I felt that the primary skills necessary were a vision and the tenacity to pursue that vision, come what may - that Fortune favors the courageous fool. This week, my viewpoint  took a giant leap forward from delusion to understanding.

“So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur”, published in 2008 by the Acton Foundation for Entrepreneurial Excellence, outlines some of the skills necessary for success. Here are the three main skills:

In-depth knowledge of the competitive structure of an industry and a network of contacts within that industry.

There are two ways to acquire this necessary knowledge – learn them yourself (which will probably take years to accomplish), or find a partner who already has them. I immediately thought of industry mentors. Although it is my goal to become a mentor to others, in the beginning I will need several mentors myself. While pondering on this principle, the thought came to me that I can start building my network of experts now.

The skills to run the daily operations of a small, rapidly growing company.

The best way to learn how to run a business is by working in the operational management of a business, either large or small. This is a bit unsettling because it will eventually require that I give up my comfortable career in order to pursue my dream. Knowing this now will help me create a plan to prepare. When the time comes to make that change, I can be ready.

The ability to raise money.

This skill is listed as the least important. In my own business, I plan to fund my company through capital saved while I am working and preparing.

There are still many questions to be answered, and other steps to take along my journey. But I  understand that I can begin to move forward now, even though I am still a student.

The Paradox of the Hero’s Journey

"The hero's journey is all about you... but it's not about you, at all." -- Jeff Sandefer

My studies this week have brought me closer to understanding how the rest of my life will be pursued. I decided in an earlier lesson what kind of business I want to pursue, and the things my class studied this week have confirmed my decision. For the first time in my life I feel that I understand what I truly want to do, who I want to become, and how I want to arrive at my destination. 

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Knowing what to do, and the right time to do it, is essential to finding happiness in our journey through life. I now understand that, just like money in business (or any other measure of success), finding happiness in business will be elusive if I focus just on my happiness.

Jesus taught that "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:25-26).

So the answer to the paradox of the hero’s journey is simply this – when we lose ourselves in the service of others we will find the happiness and success we seek. They will be the natural result of the work we do. And we will receive them without losing sight of what is truly important in life.

Making A Difference

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -- Aesop

This week I learned about two concepts that resonate deeply with me, mainly because they are ideas I have received impressions about for several years now. We finished up our readings in The Ministry of Business. These concepts are about giving back (chapter 8) and making an “unseen difference”, or becoming a mentor to others (chapter 9).

I have considered the importance of giving back to others as my business grows. The experiences of the authors in this regard validate my thoughts about this important idea. I learned about charitable trusts, and have made a goal to find out more about them. A charitable trust would allow me to make donations to various charities based on my annual business revenues. In addition to charitable trusts, the authors also mentioned the ability to donate time and/or talents to various organizations. I plan to add this idea to my Personal Constitution.

My successes in life have been made possible by many friends, family members and other leaders who have mentored me from a very young age. I would not have been able to achieve my career without their guidance. I recognize that God placed these mentors in my life to guide me. That knowledge humbles me, and I have desired to be mentors to others. This is sometimes called “paying it forward”. I know that as I prayerfully seek opportunities to help others the Lord will guide me.

Both of these ideas are powerful ways to make a difference in this world and leave it better than I found it.

Concerning Apples and a Guaranteed Formula for Business Success

"We've all heard the expression, 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away.' Well, I've got a good question for you: What if it's true? Wouldn't that be easy to do - to eat an apple a day ? Here's the problem: It's also easy not to do." – Jim Rohn¹

This week as part of my reading I learned about a formula for business success – a formula that guarantees success. The power of this formula lies not in some mystical force but comes from a simple practice. What is this practice, you ask? Namely, the repetition of a few good habits day after day after day. Repetition of good habits is the core principle in the adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. It isn’t that apples contain some miracle ingredient that guarantees good health. But practicing healthy eating habits, day after day, helps to maintain our physical bodies. This is an easy habit that will reap a lifetime of rewards. But, as Jim Rohn states above, it is also a habit that is easy not to do as well. So how does eating “an apple a day” relate to business success?

The choice is ours whether to build our business on the foundation of a few principles that become daily habits, or to ignore those principles for the latest business fad or short cut.

Here, then, are the six habits that make up “The Formula”:²

1. Get up early.
2. Work hard.
3. Get your education.
4. Find your oil.
5. Make your mark
6. Get prepared to be of service.

Life offers few guarantees, so I am grateful to have learned about “The Forumla”. By incorporating these principles into my life I know that I will be successful, no matter what business I choose to build.

1. "Jim Rohn Quotes", http://www.quoteswise.com/jim-rohn-quotes-10.html, Web, accessed 9 May 2016

2. “The Formula and Happiness”, The Ministry of Business, Steven A. Hitz with James W. Ritchie, Print.