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Becoming - A way of being in life and work


On the journey of life, we experience many things often not having the right tools at our disposal. Finding the right tools can be cumbersome but also crucial to any success we have professionally and personally.  It is reminiscent of a great visualization in the following idiom, "You can't serve soup with a fork."

One such tool is in the actual power of the word Knowledge.  Knowledge is the basis of continuous learning.  Certainly, this creates hiccups and setbacks that solidify the need for continuous learning and personal growth.  We have heard many times from our progenitors the necessity of reading and finding answers in the valuable pages of books.  Books are fast being replaced by google and other such search engines.  However, the written word is still valuable and edifying because someone took the time to write down what we were most curious about. There will always be questions that need answers.

In keeping with the framework of knowledge, recently I read an article that seemed to create a distinct perspective of thinking.  The article was a Harvard Business Review, Randy Haykin: The Making of an Entrepreneur (A) 498-047.  I have gained valuable insight about leadership qualities that I believe not only work in our careers but in our homes.  What can be learned from Haykin is this valuable statement that resonated truth in a straightforward way.  Often, we over complicate situations and over analyze.  There is an appreciation for leadership models in an entrepreneurial setting.  “To me, a leader is someone who sets the creative direction for a concept and can then harness the human resources to turn that concept into a reality: a product, a market, or a company. A leader is someone who creates something from nothing…”

Creation of something out of nothing.  This is a valuable skill in terms of re-purposing, finding value in nothing and making it complete and something.  For example, can save money by finding creative ways to rethink left over food instead of throwing it ways.  Perhaps there is an object that is wasting space than needs an innovative, creative way to be utilized.  One can never tell how such alternatives can become the next venture which creates a boon of wealth and success.  Again, an opportunity not to be missed; an unmet need realized.

A personal element to note, my grandmother always advocated, creating something from nothing, certainly she was ahead of her time and perhaps entrepreneurial minded.  Funnily may be this author is genetically pre-disposed to such ventures.

Finding the right people to fill in the gaps where we have trouble standing is not just meant for good business but also in our lives.  Being a single parent myself, my gap is not having a life partner or husband to help raise my daughter.  A host of friends and family on a group and individual level with specific skillsets and life experiences stand in the gaps that I cannot meet all the needs.  Eventually we all must search outside ourselves for someone to stand in the gap.

My insight is that leaders are many, however it takes a select few to really harness the skillset that creates harmony and passion toward momentum.   A team effort which instills fun, and creativity in the day to day work.  It also takes someone who sees the frame work, builds it and finds team members to stand and fill the gaps, later only to be those who will drive the vision of the company.  Haykin believed, “Then, as the company evolves, I think it becomes more of a management challenge: you have to know enough about what the company needs to grow to put great people in the right positions. Eventually, you should be able to step back as the leader and let other people's own ideas shape the business.” (Harvard Business Review, Randy Haykin: The Making of an Entrepreneur (A) 498-047)”

A final element in the tool box of life is Gratitude.  I have always been of the believe that gratitude gives you altitude and is a virtue we all need in our lives.  It is a virtue that many forget.  This is not just about the typical p's and t's aka please and thank you.  Those accolades are minimalist in nature.  A true sense of gratitude is intrinsically embedded in our hearts daily not just during those moments when peace arrives, or the chaos and calamities of life are quelled.  Gratitude is an everyday moment, one gift at a time. It is not a just in the gifts we receive but give to others with an ounce of cheer and humility.  Saying thank you, showing appreciation, measuring the intent of our heart by how much grace and thanks we have for life.  It’s the smile and tear from that moment you acknowledge the efforts of others, including the higher power you believe in or perhaps you don't.  Either way taking time to say thank you, be appreciative makes all the difference in the world. Stop and watch what happens as you do this.

On that note being a big follower of practicing what you preach. I would like to take a moment to thank my professor at Brigham Young University who gave a challenge to write a blog every week.  It has been the most amazing and satisfying assignment in my schooling career so far.

Thank you also to those of you who read or follow my blog. Without your readership and following this blog, I would not have an audience.  With all my heart I thank you for your time and energy.  Thank you for finding your passion and consistently being here every week.

To my parents who knew knowledge was power and showed me the books I thank you.  For my grandmother's innovation, thank you for sharing your philosophy of making something out of nothing and that in my life it is alive and well; being utilized every day.

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