The question I began with this semester is “What do you do
once you’ve reached your goal?” I’m
grateful that I have read The Mastery by
George Leonard. I now understand that
goals are milestones along the journey of life.
This week we were given a summary of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. I had read this book almost 20 years ago during
a debilitating illness. It helped in my
recovery. It was a pleasant reunion to
revisit the principles he wrote about in this book. This is one book I recommend to all to
read. I do so because I believe in the
habits he purports. Though not always
proactive, I do strive to be proactive in what I feel is important. Beginning with the end in mind helps any goal
become achievable. When the end sight is
lost in the miasma of life, the ability to accomplish the goal loses steam or
is lost all together. (Consider those
who got lost in the mists of darkness as portrayed in Lehi’s Dream – 1 Nephi
8:21-23.) I especially appreciate the
habit, put first things first. As
discussed in our class earlier, what will really matter at the end of our
lives? What we have done? Or who we have loved? I think my favorite habit though is think
win/win. I’m extremely competitive to
the point I don’t like myself when I’m involved with a competition. Over the years, I’ve learned ways which work
for me to overcome this shortcoming. I
have tried to instill in our children that when they help others win, they will
win even more. And I truly believe this
principle. Recently, I visited a competition
in my home state. I observed the blue
ribbons and thought, “Hmm. I can do
better than this.” At first, I was
disappointed in my reaction, like I’m better than everyone else. But, on further reflection, I realized that
yes, I did have a bit of ego going on, I can turn that around and hopefully,
through my efforts, I can help others become better. The fifth habit listed is seek first to
understand, then to be understood. Let’s
just say, through true confessions, I have a lot of work to do on this
habit. I also love the habit,
synergize. This was very evident in my
home growing up. My family always had a
huge garden to feed us and others. My
mom teamed up with her best friend’s family and we would garden and harvest
together. Those harvest times are some
of my fondest memories. That’s synergy, we accomplished a lot more working
together than we would have done separately.
And the last habit, sharpen the
saw goes along with the beginning of my post.
Keep making goals to help one move along the pathway of life.
I’m grateful for this class, B183, Entrepreneurship. I knew it wouldn’t have me start a business
as it states this in the class description, but I didn’t expect to learn so much
either. This class has answered
questions about why I haven’t been able to do certain things, why I respond to
things a certain way, and has given me hope as well as understanding about my
future. Even at half a century, one can
learn to become better.
