My Journey to "Become" - Through Execution

I have spent a lot of time studying and pondering about what it takes to be an effective entrepreneur and what Heavenly Father wants me to become.  I feel those two ideas need to be one movement.  In his talk, "The Challenge to Become," Elder Oaks shared, "What is important in the end is what we have become by our labors."  Heavenly Father has placed me on this earth to become who he needs me to become and I feel that path includes being an accomplished entrepreneur.  In studying about and talking with other entrepreneurs, the common goal and motivation seems to be a burning passion to help and serve others.  That same burning desire to bless others is the core of my existence.  

The Heart of Entrepreneurship: 

As I pursue this journey of becoming what Heavenly Father wants and expects me to become, I ask myself if I have what it takes to be an entrepreneur.  Am I innovative, flexible, dynamic, risk taking, create, and growth oriented?  I can honestly say yes to each of those entrepreneurship traits.  I cannot think of a single  job I have done where I have settled with just getting the job done or demonstrated an average job.  I am the type of person who does the best job I possibly can, out works the others around me, and looks for ways to better the place.  I have a mentality that every task is an opportunity for growth and always wanting to do a little better than the current.  I loved the quote, "A person's most valuable assets are intelligence, energy, and experience - not money or other material things" (The Heart of Entrepreneurship).  This resonates with me in so many personal levels.  

A Message to Garcia:

This may have been one of the most impactful pieces of literature I have read.  Rowan, who was given the task to deliver an urgent message to General Calixto Garcia, who was lost somewhere deep inside the mountains of Cuba, simply "got the job done."  He did not ask for detailed instructions.  He did not hire a consultant or assemble a task force.  He simply took the letter and delivered it.  I thought a lot about this and think I am the person who will absolutely get the job done without any doubt, but I do ask for direction on every little detail.  I think this is to ensure I am doing it right and don't want to let anyone down.  My big take away from this is -  to "be called on," I need to be trusted to just get the job done with no hesitation or direction.  "Just Do It" - my all-time favorite slogan.  Do you long to hear your name called when time is shot and the stakes are high?"  Absolutely!  

Execution: 

The ability to execute is more valuable than education or talent, because it is far rarer.  God has given me talents that he wants to be use to execute and bless others.  As I hone those talents and master a discipline that brings me great joy as I serve others, I will be discovering what my "calling" is.  By learning to execute, my employer will not be able to let me go.  The ability it execute is rare, but those who learn how will become game changers.  I see this in action at work daily.  In my profession, not all the athletes get to play.  While they all spend the same time training, only some play the game as we have more athletes than positions available on the court.  My motto is:  Play so well that I, the coach, cannot afford to take you out of the game.  This is something I try to teach my children and my athletes.  Rather than becoming upset or frustrated with less play time or looking for others faults to point out so they can play instead, learn to execute.  As they change their mentality and learn to execute, they become far too valuable to be out of the game.  I love athletes who make it so hard to pull out of the game, that they remain in.