There are some things I learned as an LDS missionary that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. One of them is that I am a lot weaker than I thought I was. But after reading all the required passages from "Branding yourself," one of the biggest things I have found is this concept: "Yes, I have weaknesses.... but so what?! Realizing weaknesses doesn't make it a permanent tattoo on my character, instead it brings out and buffets the strengths and gifts that I have been given. I just need to focus more on my strengths WHILE being aware of my weaknesses and staying humble.
I have also found how important observation is with trailing questions. One thing I have observed so far that sticks out at the moment is my dad and how he has run his landscaping business. After reading these articles, I have found many traits that my dad has acquired which he has used to run his business successfully DESPITE his weaknesses. Some of his biggest tools are networking everywhere he goes, and quick recovery after failed attempts. He isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. He has failed countless times, but one thing I found, is I never found out about the failures until much later on. Why? Because he doesn't give the failure more than a day of thought! He gets up, dusts himself off, and is back at it the next day chowing down on new plans and resources.
What I haven't figured out:
What the heck are my strengths?? Especially my strengths that will help me to create something, something to provide for my family? I know that I am a hard worker, that is a strength, I'm not afraid to get in the grit and the sweat and the blood... but then how can I apply that strength? Which brings me into my next thing I haven't figured out: Where are there needs? Where are there needs where I can fill, needs that I am currently suited to grapple with head on even in my poor college-student situation? Yes this will come with more experience and observance, but as it said in the article "living life as an entrepreneur hero," it's a heck of a lot better to learn hard life lessons early. I need to find a need and slowly but fearlessly attack it, baby-step by baby-step. Its time to set goals for observance and strength-finding.
New goals: 1) Note at least two things I observe each day appealing to business or my personal strengths, and also note a question to go along with one or both observations.
2) Ask some close friends and family about my strengths, write down their response and try to find in myself what they have observed in me.
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