Craving Criticism

This week I had the chance to read about some myths on entrepreneurship. Some of these myths I felt I already knew and some I previously believed. After reading these myths I was able to have a clearer idea of what an entrepreneur actually was. I then took these myths and shared them with family, friends, and colleagues. The individuals I shared them with were also able to develop a better understanding of entrepreneurship. Then after sharing these myths I asked them to compare me to a successful entrepreneur. The shock didn’t come in the actual results, but it came in the results I wanted to hear.

Everyone loves to hear how well they do things, and they love hearing the positives things people have to say about them. Hearing these compliments is necessary to help people develop, but also builds confidence. However, as I have gone through this course I have been able to find my strengths, which is very valuable, but unlike in previous times in my life I salivate at the thought of hearing something negative about myself.

During this course I have sought constructive criticism and found that is where I have learned the most. As I have attempted to change behaviors, apply new concepts, and stretch my limits I have seen more progression in myself than ever before. I see myself more comfortable and confident doing things I would have avoided before. I am more aggressive with my success and see more hope and a brighter future. These results and feelings make me crave criticism like I never have before. As I continue to apply my strengths and work on my weaknesses I will be more capable of helping myself and others.

"A little less talk and a lot more action" - Toby Keith

I am one of those people who is always trying to think of new ideas. I have probably come up with hundreds of business ideas. After thinking of an idea I turn to those I trust most, and ask what their opinions are about the idea. Two of the people I share my ideas with are two of my former companions from my mission. They love hearing my ideas and talking about them. They both live in St. George, Utah and had the chance to hang out with each other last weekend. While galavanting about, they started to talk about me. One of them started talking about how I have had nothing but ideas since I was 19 years old. He said, "That kids never stops thinking!" The three of us feel our theme song is "How do you like me now" by Toby Keith. While telling me this story about how they were talking about all my different ideas, he told me that they gave me a new theme song. It is "A little less talk and a lot more action," still by Toby Keith. I couldn't help but laugh and love the new song. This was so true. Too many ideas of mine have been swept under the rug just to make room for another one I would soon forget. It is great to think and talk things out, but action is where real results happen.

I read talks this week about persistence and taking a journey that would change myself. These two topics went together very well. I have created a process of not acting on any of my new ideas. How am I supposed to know how good these ideas actually are if I never try them. I make excuses like, I don't have time, or I don't have money, but excuses prevent me from changing into a better individual. I need to exercise a little more persistence when it comes to action. If I can stay persistence with testing out some of these ideas, I might find success, and I definitely will find knowledge. I need to make sure that I do not shy away from things that will teach me lessons I can only get from persistence and taking the first steps on a journey that will help change my life.