From within You!

The Book by Jeff Sandefer and the Rev. Robert Sirico called “A Field Guide for the Hero’s Journey” offers to us principled perspectives that apply to living our lives with meaning and significance. Wonderful poems, insights, and statements are provided throughout this book to help enlighten the mind and bring a sense of urgency to reflect on the way one acts every day.  

We learn from an early age whether to look at life with hope or despair. The Sun is either always shining or dark clouds and rain are always expected. This difference between an optimist and a pessimist is related to whether the glass is half-full or half-empty of water. This book allows us to balance our lives so that we can learn to be a more optimistic when the glass is empty and more pessimistic when the glass is full.

We live with various forms of fear and concern. We might even give up when things are going well for us. An Edgar A. Guest (1881-1959) Poem called “CAN’T” addresses such hopelessness. Here are some highlights from that poem:  “Can’t” is the worst word that is written or spoken. “Can’t” is the father of feeble endeavors. Ambition and courage it crushes daily. Refuse it the lodging it seeks in your brain. All that you dream of you someday shall gain. Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying.   Answer this demon by saying: “I can.”

This book contains thoughtful questions to help you evaluate how you are at this point in your life. Questions like, “Do you tend to rush into things, or hesitate too long?” “Are you a perfectionist who always demands the best, or are you satisfied with better-than-before?” How about an alarming question such as, “Who would continue to stand by you?” in times of life-threatening scenarios from bankruptcy, cancer, divorce, or disability.

You can go around in life feeling sorry for yourself and quit whatever you start or you can choose to see problems as opportunities, as challenges spurring new ways of thinking and personal growth.  Just as climbing a mountain or lifting heavier weights, adversity builds mental, emotional, and spiritual muscle. Challenges build character. A letter from Paul to the Romans says, “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”  We must live our lives with hope.  After all, are you ready to stop any negative chatter in your thoughts, and replace it with a vision of possibility and achievement? Your life bigger than this one moment.  In the midst of a setback, will you give in to despair or use the wings of your imagination to look ahead to better days?

I have reflected upon the following as it applies to friends, family and myself. The devastating outcome in times of despair can lead everyone to go down with the ship. Remember, you need to be diligent in looking forward and upward to gain the ultimate prize. You need not do this journey alone and you can rally those around you to uplift and strengthen each another.

I have found myself in great need of adjustment according to the chapter regarding rest.  Unfortunately, I have misunderstood the importance of rest. The authors’ state, “You might be so industrious that you neglect one crucial aspect of any long journey: rest!” You will find yourself more in tune with God and your fellow man when you adequately rest or sufficiently sleep. A proper balance of work and leisure will eventually allow you to learn to carry over certain elements of rest into your work. There is a need to reflect and recharge. How amazing the design of the gospel from the Lord to take every seventh day as the day of rest. One should spend a day without distraction to rest, reflect, and listen to that still small voice. Rest is more than the mere conversation of energy. I am adjusting my life to have an adequate amount of rest. It is extremely difficult to re-train my body to accept resting beyond my typical 2-4 hours a day. I have begun to live my journey with rest and reflection. I have found a deeper understanding with the things that I do on a daily basis and in life. I wish you great joy and reflection as you too read this book and good skill to you with your life’s journey. 

You can find this book on Amazon by clicking the following link. 

A Field Guide for the Hero's Journey

A Life of Fulfillment Through Gratitude.

I wish to share with those that read this posting, the incredible reflection perspective regarding the fulfillment that comes from living a life with an Attitude of Gratitude. I referenced the link to the online article below provided by President Thomas S. Monson. I desire to share two of the many impactful thoughts I was left with after reading his talk. 

The first significant thought I have gained from reading this general conference talk is when President Monson said, “We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude.”

I have experienced various circumstances where a couple and/or family speaks with extreme negativity towards one another. I have even found myself to be self-deprecating at times when striving for perfection. Such negative comments and/or feelings are detrimental to growth in both health and emotional development. We can live with peace and joy even in the most grievous of circumstances as we live with gratitude and charity. 

The second significant thought I wish to share is the gratitude for our mothers. President Monson said, “who willingly made that personal journey into the valley of the shadow of death to take us by the hand and introduce us to birth—even to mortal life …” My mother sacrificed a lot in her youth in order to bring me into this world. Her steadfastness against all adversity has taught me to stand firm in my beliefs and allow no one the satisfaction of persuading me away from the truthfulness of the gospel. I will be forever grateful for the sacrifices, the joy, and unconditional love my mother has willingly shown in raising me.

I hope you enjoy the talk as much as I did. 

Attitude of Gratitude by President Thomas S. Monson.

A Better Poverty-Free World!

I read an amazing article this week from BYU Studies titled "Microlending: Toward a Poverty-Free World." Muhammad Yunus presented intriguing actions based from real-life economical experiences in achieving opportunity to poverty stricken communities. You can find the PDF dowload at the end of this posting. I was asked to provide my thoughts to some questions provided in my Business 183 class in which I will now share with you.

Microlending: Toward a Poverty-Free World Report by Matthew Beckwith

1)  Describe real-life economics. What implications can this have on a society? 

     Real-life economics defines a reality of what can be brought from within each human being and not just those that are considered the “elect” or few that are “chosen.” Real-life economics separates the theoretical environments that currently shape the world today. The self-fulfilling prophecy that accepts various categories of our current human society with the wealthy, middle class, and the poor can become a concept found only in museums and history textbooks. In the pursuit of everyone being created equal allows one to think that everyone should have the same opportunities to create something from within themselves for the betterment of society. This self-actualization drive is most often found in everyone who lives with hope for a better and brighter future. 

      Worldwide implications from such a daring choice to live would provide strength in commodities, strong quality standards for products and services not solely based on “minimum” established requirements. The requirements that often alludes application in a monetary class established society is the quality that comes from one’s heart. No longer would their need be training in how to meet the minimum requirements or how to “step around” the minimum requirements. The quality focus that comes from pride in their work, the hope for their future, the betterment of their society will far exceed ways in meeting the “minimum requirement” to products and services. 

2)  What is your personal opinion of the Grameen Bank? Why do you believe it has been successful? 

     My personal opinion of the Grameen Bank is praiseworthy. This concept should be implemented throughout other countries with a focus in areas of low to zero income families. This focus can then continue to middle-income families. It appears that the more credit worthy individuals are those that have nothing to lose because they had nothing from the beginning. Often times we hear of high profile executives earning millions of dollars a year demonstrating fewer ethics and poor financial self-gratification actions that continues to inflict further suffering among the other classes of society. 

     The single most important reason I believe that it has been successful is because “hope” is being reinstituted among the children of God. I wonder if a study with faith-based systems would center on an individual’s internal level of faith based on their perspective of hope. Little children demonstrate an unshakeable amount of belief in their parents as long as their parents continue to do their best.  This same ability to live with unconditional hope in moving forward in life can become the drive in adults to live their lives centered on hope.  Muhammad Yunus stated, “Because of barriers created by our societies, individual people never get the full opportunity to bring out their full potential.” 

     The second reason would follow hope and that is with the ability for an individual to dream. Muhammad Yunus provided encouragement for all to “be a dreamer.” To dream about a better world in way that would bring a better quality of life for the present and future generations. To no longer, accept assigned status as something that is stamped upon humanity. Muhammad Yunus continued with “If we all dream about a better world, … we will create a better world.”  

3)  Do you believe that a poverty-free world is possible?  Why or why not?  

     I do believe in a poverty-free world is possible. I believe this due in part with the few examples from history. The studies of civilizations will find real-life examples of where there were no classes of people for even a particular King worked among the people not for gain from other people but support for his own family.  I did not say this would be easy. In fact, another example of a people living the “Law of Consecration” would almost convince one that a poverty-free world is not possible. The greed and disdain in comparing one to another goes against the principles of unconditional love, unity, hope, and in summation charity. However, one must determine the causes that eliminates the hope that dwelt within a human being and place cause for further understanding in eliminating the duplication of such destruction with any given soul. 

     I have come to understand that knowledge is power. Power not defined in terms of control or of authority. However, power that like energy, fuels the mind to greater enlightenment and energy to take action. We need to train our minds to think in terms of charity and in a better world. Humanity will then look at opportunity with embracing arms instead of trembling fear of failure. I concur with Muhammad Yunus when he referenced, “Economics has committed a strategic mistake in conceptualizing a human being … Each human being has great potential buried in him or her.” It is in this great potential of human framework, along with ethical strength that convinces me that we can create and live in a poverty-free world. 

     Let us dare to dream for a better world. Let us dream of a world that no longer accepts the class of low income or poverty-stricken people as a natural order of life. Let us incorporate a world of opportunity for all those who are good and want to be involved in creating a better world. A world filled with hope, with care, with unity, and with charity. A better world for future generations may enjoy together as one enormous happy and coherent family.  

Microlending: Toward a Poverty-Free World found at BYU Studies

The Balancing of Life

I have reflected upon this past week regarding the balancing of one’s life both personally and professionally. I have discovered that a personal balance in life must first be identified and achieved before one can be confident professionally.  I have included a link below that I hope will provide thoughtful provoking guidance to balancing your life in these different atmospheres.

I desire to share what I have gained over the past twenty years, so you may make the necessary decisions in your life’s journey. I am speaking regarding the need to acknowledge you are in control of your life. You balance your health and relationships with others. You make the time to eat right and exercise. You value those precious moments with your family and friends. Please, allow the Lord to guide you in all things. 

I started falling into the trap in becoming absorbed in my business to provide for my family. I worked long hours and made it a point to attend their events. However, I realized I had missed ten years of my family’s experiences due to working long hours. Make your evening routine with them. There is something to be said for eating dinner together as a family. Tell them bedtime stories and listen to them with whatever is on their mind. You must make strict time for your family. Spend time with your spouse. Your family will be with you for all time and eternity that is unless you forget about them to pursue your earthly work goals instead. 

I have met hundreds of naysayers when it comes to starting and running your own business. They will influence you or try to assure you that your idea is not good enough for whatever reason. Their professional portfolio of work experience usually indicates they are speaking more from their fears than their expertise.

You be sure to live your passion. You give it a shot and if you fail with one endeavor, well then, know you are that much better to succeed when you start the next one. I failed miserably with my first business and this is when I was then married with two children! It was from that experience that helped me to refocus on the next business, which took care of my previous business debts and provided for my family for over four years. The third business is the business I still have today which provides for my family and the families that work with me for the past sixteen years.  I am grateful for not having to take out one business loan in pursuit of my dreams and passions over the past twenty years. You can do it because you will do it with the Lord leading you. 

Good skill to you my friends.

Advice from Elder Busche

Do You have the Heart of an Entrepreneur?

I found the March 1985 Harvard Business Review article titled “The Heart of Entrepreneurship by Howard H. Stevenson and David E. Gumpert of great interest this week. This intriguing article was written back in 1985. I find the information provided in this article still applies to us today. I will share some thoughts regarding this document and encourage you to read the article yourself by clicking the link below.

The first significant thought regarding this document references the following, “An injection of entrepreneurship, by which creative people are encouraged to strike out and come up with new products or services, may become important to the financial health of organizations.” I concur that the value of an individual or individuals that can identify and assess an improved way of doing something within their organization.  Organizations should strive, encourage, and embrace entrepreneurial personnel in establishing a baseline for future vision. An organization or person’s most valuable asset is the intelligence, energy, and experience in moving a mission or purpose forward.  

The second significant thought regarding this document is the need for organizations to explore the unknown and allow creative opportunity to stabilize and grow an organization. It is understandable why large organizations place restrictions in workplace performance. The minimum standards are set and the hope for an individual or a team to excel is restricted to comply with the minimum policy standards. There is value in thinking outside the box. Unless greater flexibility is shared for cross-organizational standards and performance is allowed, the larger the risk that the organizations longevity is restricted to minimal success and lower profits.

You will find a leading successful company applying similar principles today. Choose the link provided by Stanford University's Entrepreneurship Corner below titled “License to Pursue Dreams May 17, 2006 by Marissa Mayer.” Ms. Mayer shares how Google incorporated the practice of trusting their personnel and allowing them the time to have fun in creating something new.

I wish you great success in your entrepreneurial journey whether that journey leads you to your own business venture or in support of the business venture, you currently support. 

Heart of Entrepreneurship March 1985 by Howard H. Stevenson and David E. Gumpert

License to Pursue Dreams May 17, 2006 by Marissa Mayer

Trust Yourself and Then Trust Others!

I was listening to a video segment this past week from the Stanford's Entrepreneurship ecorner site titled "Aspects of Building Trust." This segment was a segment presented by Guy Kawasaki of Garage Technology Ventures. 

Mr. Kawasaki starts out by stating, "Trustworthiness occurs when you first of all trust others." The sequence of events is that you trust people and then people will trust you. I pondered this statement and found, from my upbringing, that trust is earned and not given. Therefore, the question arises how one trusts others when in essence you do not even trust yourself. May I suggest a similar exercise that I have gone through in trusting myself, which provided for me to trust others?

I grew up in a challenged environment. The golden rule was not "whoever has the gold makes the rules." It was do unto others before they do it unto you. Golden rules or rules in general had absolutely nothing to do with how transactions occurred. In retrospect, this self-destructive mentality could have destroyed natural caring character from within. It could have hardened my heart and distanced if not destroyed the relationships experienced with family, friends, and business associates. 

I did what anyone who is "bad to bone" would do. I took on that fear head on and embraced it, identifying the concerns or fears I had in trusting others and myself. What I found was alarming. I did not trust myself early in life because I did not become the person that was trustworthy. I did not like who I was becoming nor did I like the ill-mannered decisions made from inexperience and lack of mentors. How could I desire to have people trust me if I did not trust myself? I then started a journey of self-discovery of who I wanted to be and the character traits that would allow me to trust myself. 

I completed the journey. I am grateful for the positive influences in my life that provided for me introspection and character development. I have found it easier to trust others as I have learned to be trust worthy myself. I am still cautious at times when I see the need for others to have character development in trusting themselves. I am grateful to show by example that it is okay to explode the defense mechanisms built around ones heart and live a free and joyful life. The need to tear down the brick walls and barbwire fences will tumble when you learn to trust yourself. 

Mr. Kawasaki continues to share the belief that trusting others first will allow others to open their heart in trusting you back. Please click the link below and listen to further insights regarding this all-important topic.

Aspects of Building Trust

You Need Not Take This Journey Alone

I was viewing a video by Taylor Richard titled "You Can Do Anything" from the March 21, 2011 Rollins Center at BYU. What provided a level of enthusiasm to my heart is the references that he made that the Lord will do great things for us if we will follow the Lord. He will open doors for you. You will see him provide ways to do great things and take advantage of great opportunities.

I also viewed a video by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland titled “Good Things to Come” from the sharing the Gospel online section of the LDS.org website. I personally felt motivated that we can endure with love, peace, and hope even though we experience trials in our lives.

I reflected upon the understanding I have gained watching these videos. My pondered a time when I opened my second business in 1994. I lacked almost every understanding of business except for the acceptance and belief that the Lord will provide a way for me to take care of my family. I started a computer training business and with computer training, you need to set up a classroom with computers. I was limited resources and could not afford one computer. The Lord opened up door after door for me. I received a call from a CEO of a HR outsourcing company asking if I would help him understand his laptop. From that one session, he opened one of his rooms on the top floor in trade for computer training for his company. The blessings continued and the business was a success. 

People of different faiths and those that do not have a faith are successful in business every day. I find that there is a quiet calm, a peace if you will when you seek the Lord's direction in your life's journey. We no longer need to underestimate ourselves. We must continue to pursue our goals and dreams. Let us take this journey with the Lord’s help.

Please click the links below

You Can Do Anything

Good Things to Come Video