This week I began a course, ‘Introduction to Entrepreneurship’. It’s part of my Business Management degree with Brigham Young University Idaho (online).
As a veteran of personal development and business books I was really impressed with the material presented for the first week of the course. I felt that the material set a great foundation for what we should focus on as entrepreneurs – ourselves!
One of my favorite entrepreneurs is Jim Rohn. One of the main teachings of this successful entrepreneur was that if you want your circumstances to change, you have to change yourself. You can change the world around you (the seasons, the stars, the economy) but you can change yourself.
This is the key to entrepreneurial success.
The first week of the course also emphasized this. For example, we were exposed to Reid Hoffman, one of the founders of LinkedIn. He has an entrepreneurial course called ‘The Start-Up of You‘.
Also, we learned from Jim Ritchie, who shared his ten ‘Friends and Principles of Success’, some of which I’ve been exposed to and wholeheartedly endorse. These included George Clason’s ‘The Richest Man in Babylon’ (excellent short book) and Stephen Covey’s ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’ (a life-changing book).
I was very fortunate to be exposed to these great minds and life-changing ideas in my early 3os. It was a pivotal point in my life, because up until then I had played the part of the ‘victim’ at times. I would imagine how much easier my life would be if my parents hadn’t divorced at age 9, and how I wouldn’t have to struggle financially, and maybe that I would have better family relationships.
However, as I began to realize that I was in charge of my destiny and that I could change, then things really began to change in my life. I had more enthusiasm and bigger hopes and dreams.
Since then, I have continued to immerse myself in the teachings of successful entrepreneurs, but more importantly, I’ve made goals and plans, and have taken action on those plans.
Because of this, I’ve been able to transition to a lifestyle where I can work from home, and have a business that allows me freedom to work the hours I want, anywhere in the world. I also have a much better relationship with my spouse, and am I a much better father.
All of these things didn’t happen overnight. It came with faith, planning, and consistent daily action.
It came as I worked hard on improving myself, a little bit every single day. And it still continues today.
The exciting thing is that we can keep on learning, and achieving new things. As we do so, we become a more valuable member of society and can help others also, which is what brings me the most satisfaction in life.