The Beginning of the Beginning

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Embracing the Entrepreneurial Journey: Faithfulness and Diligence

This week, I began my exploration into entrepreneurship with two profound readings that have already shifted my perspective on what it means to be successful - not just in business, but in life itself. Elder David A. Bednar's "Your Whole Souls as an Offering Unto Him" and Jeff Sandefer's "Living Life as an Entrepreneurial Hero" both present complementary frameworks for personal development that I believe will serve as foundational principles throughout this course and beyond.

The Integration of Faith and Diligence

What struck me most about Elder Bednar's address was his emphasis on the integration of faithfulness and diligence - the concept that being "both faithful and competent" is far more powerful than either quality alone. This mirrors entrepreneurial thinking in a profound way. As Bednar states, "a mighty heart and a strong mind" are both required to make a meaningful contribution.

I've always struggled with balancing my spiritual/ethical values with my academic pursuits and career ambitions. Sometimes I've felt these were competing priorities, but Bednar suggests they should be complementary. His discussion of the "path of least resistance" in academics resonated deeply with me. How often have I chosen classes or approaches that promised an easy grade rather than genuine learning? His challenge to avoid this path has made me reconsider what true success in education looks like.

The Hero's Journey in Entrepreneurship

Sandefer's framework of the "entrepreneurial hero" provides a practical application of these principles. His counsel to "dream big but start with small steps" feels like a blueprint for moving forward. I particularly connected with his emphasis on finding work that puts you in a "flow state" - those moments when you lose track of time because you're so engaged in what you're doing.

The hero's journey he describes isn't easy. Life is hard, perseverance is essential, failure is inevitable, and the people you surround yourself with matter tremendously. These truths may seem obvious, but they're often overlooked in the glamorized portrayal of entrepreneurship we see in media.

Moving Forward: My Personal Application

As I begin this course, I'm examining where I currently stand in terms of both faithfulness and competence. What are my unique gifts that I can develop toward mastery? What small steps can I take now toward bigger dreams? Who are the fellow travelers I want beside me on this journey?

I'm looking forward to developing what Sandefer calls "Permanent Beta" - seeing myself as a work-in-progress and committing to daily investment in my growth. And I'm excited to discover my "competitive advantage" - that unique combination of skills, passions, and opportunities that will allow me to create value in ways others cannot.

Perhaps most importantly, I'm challenged by both authors' emphasis on living for something greater than oneself. Whether framed as consecration (Bednar) or finding meaningful work that serves others (Sandefer), both point to the truth that entrepreneurship at its best isn't just about making money - it's about making a difference.

This journal will serve as my companion throughout this journey of discovery. I commit to honest reflection here, celebrating victories, processing failures, and documenting the insights that will shape my entrepreneurial path forward.

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