My Entrepreneur Blog

In reading the summary of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey, I felt that I do most of these steps daily. Of course there is always room for improvement. For example, I like to find the Win-Win, but my motivation is probably more about being true to myself enough to advocate for myself, but being too nice just to take all. I tend to bend over backwards to find the win-win. It can be exhausting. If I change my motive behind it, it may become easier. But this was not the Habit I want to talk about this week. Actually, there are two of equal value to me at this time. Habits 6 and 7 are the habits that held particular meaning to me at this time (although I'm sure the importance will change often). Habit 6 is Synergize. It seems like a simple idea that would not be difficult to implement. But for me, it is so hard! Synergizing means to "combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals that no one could have done alone...

I was intrigued by the words of the ancient philosophers, Leanardo Da Vinci, Plato, and King Solomon, who was known for his great wisdom. Plato suggested that, "The first and best victory is to conquer self; to be conquered by self is, of all things, the most shameful and vile." I certainly agree with the first half of this statement. However, I believe the second have is subjective. Of course, if giving in to pornography (for example) is the subject, then his statement would be right on point. However, if depression is "self" that needs conquering, then of course, it is sad and difficult, and often tragic, but shameful and vile? I'm not sure I agree with him. Da Vinci stated, "You will never have a greater or lesser dominion than that over yourself. The height of a man's success is guaged by his self-mastery; the depth of his failure by his self-abandonment. ...And this law is the expression of eternal justice. He who cannot establish dominion over ...

Looking back on my life, I can see times when I acted as what our lesson refered to as a "Dabbler". Other times, I behaved as more of a "Hacker", and yet from time to time, usually depending on who I'm on my journey with, I have shown up as the Obsessive. I thought quite a lot about these three personalities, both in business and in my relationships. I saw others that I know very clearly as one or another. But looking at myself was difficult. I was grateful when the book, Mastery mentioned that everyone has each of these at some point in their lives. It was a relief to be normal for once. I saw some times in my first marriage where I was the "Obsessive." I had to have my house imaculate all the time. I tried so hard to be perfect. I held onto the relationship so hard, for so long that I just about squeezed it to death. I did the same thing when I tried to start my first real business. I gave into what my partners wanted, losing sight of my vision. I pu...

1. If you pursue your calling with discipline, intentionality, and the help of fellow travelers, what are the chances that your worst case scenario will really happen? I will definitely pursue my calling with discipline and intention, so things will likely work out well. But other than my husband, I am seriously lacking in fellow travelers. I hope some come along soon. When I started this idea of an events center/healing center that is really a front for a refuge, I had several fellow travelers. They all wanted to join me. We had it all mapped out. A whole community of like-minded people who offered a variety of skill sets that would benefit the business as well as the emergency refuge (a safe haven during trying times... a sort of naturopathic hospital, equipped with medical supplies, herbal remedies for people who can't get their medications anymore, doctors and nurses, and natural healers. Everyone helps as they can. We saw a big community garden, a meditation path, and severa...