Week 4: Measuring Lives and Crafting Core Values
Entrepreneurial Discovery Diaries:
A Journal
by Nicolette Semmelmeyer
Week 4: Measuring Lives and Crafting Core Values
This week was quite busy with many assignments, like a book report on Launching Leaders and an essay. It has been challenging. During my struggles, I thought about how I could balance being a mom and a student while dreaming of starting a business. I felt lost and unsure of my capabilities.
We learned about measuring our lives in a different way, not just by success but by what we value most. We made core value statements to help us make choices. I found these value statements to be introspective, and writing them made me think about the things I’m already good at and how I’m closer to being the person I want to be than I originally thought.
The last few days, I’ve started to worry about handling it all - being a mom, a student, and wanting to start a business. Can I really do it? Will I succeed?
But as I worked on my core values, things started to make more sense. I saw myself more clearly. These values showed me what's most important, where I’m currently, and how to manage everything. Being a mom and a student isn't a problem; it's a strength. It teaches me important things like time management and understanding people. I’m doing a lot better than I realized I was. Maybe I’m a step ahead?
I also realized that success in business isn’t just about the end goal; it's about the journey itself. Balancing everything won't always be easy, but it's a way to show how determined and adaptable I am. I already have it in me. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about myself and what I want to accomplish. Yes, I’ve waited a bit longer to get things going, but hey, life isn’t a race, is it?
So, I’m moving forward with confidence. My core values are like a compass with a mirror, guiding me and showing me who I truly am. Being a mom, a student and a future entrepreneur can all work together. It won't always be smooth, but I believe in myself and my values to help me through the bumps. I already have it in me. I just haven't been seeing it in me.
Week 4 brought some doubts, but it also made me more determined. Being a mom, a student, and an entrepreneur is not just possible but an exciting adventure filled with learning and happiness.
I've linked my Core Value Statements here, my essay on My Core Values here, and my Book Report here.
One of the last assignments included three questions we were to write the answers to in our journals. I found the exercise to be really helpful in deconstructing my fears about owning my own business and becoming an entrepreneur. Their questions and answers are as follows:
If
I really focus on following my dream, do things carefully, and get help from
friends or mentors, the chance of things going really bad is much lower.
Having a good plan, God, and people to support me means I can avoid big mistakes and
not end up facing my biggest worries.
2. As you look at your list of fears, what themes emerge? What is at the core of what you really fear? Financial ruin? The judgment or disapproval of others? Physical harm? Endangering the ones you love? Embarrassment?
When I think about what scares me most, it's mostly about failing, losing money, worrying about what others think of me, and feeling embarrassed if I don't succeed. Deep down, I'm most afraid of not having enough money and letting down the people I care about. There's also this fear of not reaching my own goals and regretting not trying harder.
3. What is the risk of taking no action – not following your calling? How do you plan to deal with fear when it pops up on your entrepreneurial journey?
Not trying at all and ignoring my dream comes with its own risks. I'd always wonder, "What if?" and regret not seeing what I could have achieved. This could make me feel like I missed out on something important. To handle fear as I start my business, I plan to tackle it directly. I'll remind myself of what I'm good at, the support I have, and how I've planned to avoid big problems. I'll keep learning and be ready to change plans if needed, using fear to push me forward instead of holding me back, and I'll ask for advice from people who've been there before to help me stay on track.
Reflection
In conclusion, as I reflect on these questions and answers, I realize that by pursuing my dream with determination, careful planning, and the support of others, the chances of my worst-case scenario happening are much lower. My fears mostly revolve around failing, financial difficulties, and worrying about others' opinions. However, not taking action and ignoring my calling also carries risks, leading to regrets and missed opportunities. To overcome fear on my entrepreneurial journey, I will rely on my strengths, seek guidance from God and others, and use fear as a motivator to push me forward rather than hold me back.
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