Week 5: Mastery and Spreading Happiness
Entrepreneurial Discovery Diaries:
A Journal
by Nicolette Semmelmeyer
Week 5: Mastery and Spreading Happiness
This was another very full week for me. Full of reading a new book, "Mastery," watching some excellent videos like The Hero's Journey, reading a case study on "Spreading Happiness," writing a subsequent essay on it, and creating a hypothetical board of advisors (super fun.) Not to mention that I have several other classes worth of assignments as well. But by managing my time wisely, I've kept on track with the assignments and am even a bit ahead! These assignments have fueled my progress in coming closer to the vision of my future and shaping what I am divinely designed to do with my life.
Reading
"Mastery"
"Mastery" by George Leonard offers a compelling look into achieving mastery in life's various endeavors. Drawing from his experiences in martial arts and education, Leonard debunks the myth of quick success, advocating instead for a path marked by dedication, persistence, and a deep love for the process. He outlines five essential elements for mastery: instruction, Practice, Surrender, Intentionality, and The Edge and describes three personality types people often embody on their mastery journey: the Dabbler, the Obsesive, and the Hacker.
Central to Leonard's philosophy is embracing plateaus—periods of apparent stagnation—as integral to growth. He encourages readers to see these times as opportunities for internal development, setting the stage for future progress. "Mastery" serves as both a guide and a philosophical treatise on the value of continuous learning, urging readers to find joy in the journey and to stay committed through challenges. It's a concise manual for anyone looking to pursue excellence and find fulfillment in their continuous growth.
I look forward to finishing the book and utilizing its lessons in the coming weeks.
Videos
"The Hero's Journey"
As a full-time mom, student, and aspiring entrepreneur, the concept of the Hero's Journey, as eloquently outlined by Jeff Sandafer, resonates deeply with me. Sandafer's speech is a powerful reminder of the potential within each of us to embark on our own unique journeys toward personal and professional fulfillment. His words serve as inspiration and a call to action for anyone poised at the brink of their entrepreneurial calling, including myself.
Balancing motherhood, studies, and entrepreneurial ambitions is a journey filled with trials, challenges, and immense rewards. Sandafer's narrative, drawing from his personal experiences and insights into the entrepreneurial spirit, mirrors the complex path many of us navigate to fulfill our roles while pursuing our dreams.
Sandafer speaks of the importance of believing in a special mission and the transformative power of undertaking a journey that is not solely focused on personal gain but on contributing meaningfully to the world. This notion is particularly poignant for me. Motherhood has instilled in me a profound responsibility to provide for my child and set an example of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of passion. As a student, every lesson learned and every piece of knowledge acquired is a stepping stone toward becoming a more informed, capable, and empathetic entrepreneur.
The Hero's Journey, as Sandafer outlines, is not just about the end goal but the transformation that occurs along the way. It is about seeing struggles as adventures and setbacks as lessons. This perspective is invaluable for someone juggling the demands of family, education, and business aspirations. Each day presents challenges, from managing household responsibilities to meeting academic deadlines and laying the groundwork for a future enterprise. Yet, each obstacle overcome is a testament to growth, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to one's dreams and responsibilities.
Sandafer's emphasis on finding one's entrepreneurial calling by leveraging personal gifts and addressing a deep, burning need in the world is a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and purpose in the entrepreneurial journey. It encourages reflecting on what I am uniquely equipped to offer and how my ventures can make a difference. This introspection is crucial, as it shapes the path I choose to take, ensuring that my efforts align with my values, passions, and the impact I wish to have on the world.
Moreover, the speech highlights the significance of ethical guardrails and the pursuit of a life of meaning beyond financial success. As an aspiring entrepreneur, the reminder to maintain integrity, prioritize meaningful contributions, and cherish personal relationships over material gains is grounding. It serves as a guide for building a venture that seeks profit, enriches lives, and upholds values.
In conclusion, Jeff Sandafer's reflections on the Hero's Journey of Entrepreneurship resonate with my experiences and aspirations as a full-time mom, student, and aspiring entrepreneur. His words serve as a powerful reminder of the potential within each of us to embark on meaningful journeys, transform challenges into opportunities, and make a lasting impact on the world. As I continue to navigate the complexities of balancing these roles, Sandafer's insights offer both inspiration and guidance, reinforcing the belief that anything is possible with faith, courage, and a clear sense of purpose.
Case Study
"Spreading Happiness"
Erica Mills' story with Warm Fuzz Cards is a testament to the power of passion and adaptability in entrepreneurship. Starting with a rich collection of over 200 greeting card designs, Erica navigated the complexities of business growth while balancing her personal life. Her willingness to listen to customer feedback led to a pivotal shift from general to occasion-specific cards, showcasing the importance of flexibility and market responsiveness. Erica's journey emphasizes strategic planning and the value of customer insights, serving as an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs like me.
Here is the essay I wrote on the study.
Assignments
My Board of Advisors
This was a super fun assignment that I thoroughly enjoyed. Thinking of people, dead or alive, to be on the board of my dream company was enlightening as I created a clearer vision of how I want my company to look. For context, my idea is to create an app where people can come together to help each other. Kind of a peer support app. Creating a hypothetical board of directors for my innovative app and business idea means selecting individuals whose expertise, values, and experiences align with my mission of fostering peer support and community. Given the scope of my project, it would be beneficial to have a diverse mix of individuals who have excelled in technology, entrepreneurship, social activism, and emotional intelligence. This is my Board of Advisors:
Chairman: Oprah Winfrey: As a media mogul, philanthropist, and advocate for empowerment, Oprah's unparalleled ability to connect with people, her entrepreneurial success, and her commitment to social causes make her the ideal chairman. Her success in media and philanthropy, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, offers invaluable insights into building a community-focused platform.
Name: Steve Jobs: As co-founder of Apple Inc., Jobs revolutionized several industries, from personal computing to animated movies, music, and mobile communications. His visionary approach to product design and marketing could provide invaluable insights into creating an engaging, user-friendly app and website.
Name: Madam C.J. Walker: Recognized as one of the first American women to become a self-made millionaire, Walker built her empire developing and marketing a line of beauty and hair products for black women in the early 20th century. Her pioneering spirit in entrepreneurship and marketing, especially in challenging social contexts, would offer valuable lessons in resilience and innovation.
Name: Marie Curie: A double Nobel Prize winner, Curie's scientific brilliance and her breakthroughs in radioactivity research symbolize the relentless pursuit of knowledge against all odds. Her inclusion would inspire a commitment to rigor, innovation, and ethical considerations in developing technology that affects people's lives.
Name: Mohandas Gandhi: Known for his philosophy of non-violence and his role in India's independence movement, Gandhi's insights into human psychology, community mobilization, and social change could provide a solid ethical foundation and community-focused approach to my business.
Name: Michelle Obama: As a former First Lady, lawyer, and advocate for poverty awareness, education, and nutrition, Obama brings a contemporary perspective on community building, leadership, and the importance of fostering healthy environments for children and families, which aligns with my app's mission to support individuals through their struggles.
Name: Satya Nadella: As the CEO of Microsoft, Nadella has been instrumental in steering the company towards cloud computing and AI technologies, significantly impacting how businesses operate and people communicate. His focus on "empathy" in the corporate world, understanding users' needs, and his commitment to inclusive design and accessibility make him an excellent addition. Nadella's expertise would be invaluable in ensuring my technology meets users' needs and does so in an inclusive, empowering manner.
and Me: I am the visionary behind the idea, bringing together diverse experiences and expertise to guide my company's mission.
Reflection
As I reflect on this week's events in my entrepreneurial journey, I feel both anticipation and inspiration. Despite the considerable workload, I've stayed on top of my assignments and even found myself ahead of schedule. Delving into mastery, heroism, and the importance of spreading happiness has given me invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial path.
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