W07 Reflection

I've been thinking a lot about the readings and videos from this week, and it's amazing how much they've made me re-evaluate my own career and life goals. The whole module on entrepreneurship and finding the right job really hit home for me. I've always had this idea that to succeed, you have to find one thing you're good at and become an absolute expert in it, but the "Avoid the Wrong Job" video completely challenged that.

The idea of being a generalist instead of a specialist was a game-changer. The speaker, Stan Christensen, argued that people often make the mistake of specializing too early because they think it's what's expected of them. But he pointed out that being a generalist is more fun because you get to work on different projects. It also makes you more adaptable in a world where specialized knowledge can quickly become irrelevant. This really resonated with me because I’ve always felt a pull toward exploring different things, and now I see that’s not a weakness, but a strength. I can put myself in a position to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise, instead of being locked into one narrow path.

I also found the "Paths to an Entrepreneurial Career" video incredibly insightful. It dispelled the myth that you have to be a serial entrepreneur or work in investment banking to become a successful dealmaker. The research presented showed that the most likely path to entrepreneurial success is actually getting to the C-suite of a large company and then "backing into a private company." This surprised me, but it makes a lot of sense. Working for a large company can provide you with the experience, network, and resources you need to eventually strike out on your own. It's not about avoiding big business, but learning from it so you can leverage that knowledge later.

The gratitude readings were a wonderful reminder of the importance of appreciating the blessings in our lives. I was particularly moved by President Thomas S. Monson's talk, "An Attitude of Gratitude." The story of the ten lepers who were healed by the Savior, and how only one of them returned to give thanks, was a powerful lesson. It made me reflect on how often I might be like the nine who don't express gratitude. He also gave a beautiful list of things to be grateful for: our mothers, friends, and the Savior. The talk was a poignant call to not just feel gratitude, but to actively express it. This is a concept I really want to work on, both in my personal life and professionally. I've found that a positive attitude, as highlighted by Larry North, can make all the difference, even on the worst days. It’s a powerful asset.

Overall, this week's materials have given me so much to think about. They've encouraged me to embrace a more flexible and adaptable mindset when it comes to my career, and they've reminded me of the profound importance of gratitude. I'm looking forward to putting these concepts into practice and seeing how they shape my future experiences. The journey is just beginning, and I'm excited to see where it leads!