The Start-Up of Charleson, Entrepreneurial Journal Entry

 Reflection: Entrepreneurial Journal - Measuring the Cost As I reflect on the "Attitude On Money" article from the W11 Study: Measuring the Cost activity, I find that my attitude toward money has evolved over time. Growing up, I viewed money as a means to achieve security and comfort. I associated financial success with freedom, independence, and a sense of accomplishment. However, as I’ve matured and had the opportunity to reflect on my goals and values more deeply, I’ve come to understand that while money plays an important role in achieving personal and professional goals, it should not be the sole focus of my life. I now see money as a tool rather than the end goal itself. One of the most impactful concepts I’ve encountered in the readings is the idea that our view of money can directly influence the way we live. If I prioritize wealth above all else, it might lead to a life focused on accumulating more without considering the consequences on my relationships, personal we...

  Achieving My "Big Dreams" My big dream is to grow  Ensign Multi-Purpose Cooperative Limited , already registered in the UK, into a thriving global cooperative enterprise that empowers members and creates sustainable opportunities. To achieve this, I must align critical assets, components, and processes with entrepreneurial principles, as outlined in  The Heart of Entrepreneurship .  Learn More about Ensign Cooperative UK here. Links to an external site. Personal Growth and Mindset Building Ensign requires adopting a  promoter mentality , where the focus is on identifying and seizing opportunities rather than being constrained by current resources. This mindset enables me to remain adaptable, creative, and open to innovation. For instance, rather than waiting to secure all resources upfront, I will leverage existing assets—such as the cooperative’s registration and initial members—as a foundation for growth. This approach fosters resilience and allows for incre...

  This week’s study on Disciple Leadership has been particularly insightful and inspiring. One concept that resonated deeply with me is the idea that true leadership is not about authority or power but about serving others and aligning with higher principles. In the readings and videos, the emphasis on leading by example and striving to become more Christlike in our interactions reminded me that leadership extends beyond professional settings; it is a lifestyle rooted in love, integrity, and humility. The story of President Kim B. Clark’s “A Message to Garcia” stood out. The concept of being a dependable and proactive individual—someone who can carry out their responsibilities without constant supervision—spoke to me profoundly. It challenged me to reflect on how often I take initiative and whether I approach tasks with diligence and a willingness to go the extra mile. This has inspired me to work towards becoming someone who can be trusted to deliver, regardless of the obstacles....

This week’s focus on overcoming challenges has been incredibly impactful, both in the insights I gained and the motivation I felt to face obstacles in a new way. The readings and videos explored not only the practical side of dealing with business challenges but also the mindset needed to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. One idea that especially resonated with me was the importance of resilience and adaptability. In entrepreneurship, no journey is straightforward, and setbacks are inevitable. The materials highlighted that instead of seeing challenges as roadblocks, we should view them as essential parts of the journey that make us stronger, wiser, and more capable. This concept reminded me that how I respond to challenges will directly shape my future success. In the “Overcoming Challenges” videos, there was a focus on finding creative solutions, even when the odds seemed stacked against us. Entrepreneurs often face financial hurdles, team dynamics, or unexpec...

In this week’s entrepreneurial journal, I will delve into the powerful insights from the book " Mastery" by Robert Greene. Greene’s work reveals the path to excellence as a journey defined by persistence, self-discipline, and the willingness to embrace challenges. As I reflected on his principles, including the importance of a growth mindset, disciplined practice, and learning from mentors, I found connections to my own entrepreneurial journey. While some of Greene’s ideas resonate deeply, others prompt me to consider new perspectives on what it means to achieve mastery in a world that values both specialization and adaptability. This journal will explore these reflections and how they can shape my approach to entrepreneurship. Mastery by Robert Greene Introduction: Robert Greene dives into the path of achieving excellence through dedication, persistence, and self-discovery. He explores the lives of great figures from history to illuminate a consistent pattern leading towa...

 This week's lessons draw from me some very important questions which will be addressed using the following headline prompts. What are the three most important concepts you learned from this week's study materials? From this week’s study materials, three important concepts stand out: 1.      The Power of Time Investment : Both Wences Casares and Steve Blank emphasize the importance of time management in entrepreneurship. Casares underscores the long-term value of dedicating 20-30 years to a single venture, while Blank stresses setting boundaries to balance entrepreneurial work with family life. Both highlight the need for intentional time investment to create sustainable success and personal fulfillment. 2.      Entrepreneurship as an Inherent Trait : Casares illustrates that being an entrepreneur is not merely a career choice but an integral part of one’s identity. This concept highlights the idea that true entrepreneurs are driven b...

  This week’s reflection, informed by the case study on Spreading Happiness: Warm Fuzz Cards and the "A Hero’s Journey" video, highlights some valuable lessons about business, personal growth, and the journey to success. What stood out most from the video was the powerful idea that our lives should not just be about personal accomplishments, but about creating meaningful impact by serving others. This resonates deeply with Erica Mills' journey, as her success with Warm Fuzz Cards wasn’t only about selling products, but about spreading happiness and fostering connection. In both the video and the case study, there’s a recurring theme of finding purpose. The hero’s journey isn't simply about achieving financial success or building a popular business. It’s about discovering a mission that aligns with your values and using that to serve others. Mills' business thrives because she focuses on what brings joy to her customers, much like the hero's journey encourages ...

  This week’s learning experience has been particularly insightful and transformative, especially through the lens of Life Plan - Deconstructing Your Fears . It provided me with a framework not just for identifying what I want to pursue in life, but also how to overcome the fears that stand in the way of those pursuits. In this reflection, I will delve into the key lessons I have learned, particularly from the readings, videos, and the exercise on deconstructing fears, and connect them to broader entrepreneurial and personal life concepts. Learning from "How Will You Measure Your Life" The W04 Study: "How Will You Measure Your Life" readings and videos were deeply thought-provoking, particularly because they pushed me to think beyond immediate career goals and material success. They forced me to evaluate the broader picture: What will I ultimately consider a successful life? This is a question that often goes unanswered as we get lost in day-to-day ambitions or the ...

  This week has been an enriching journey of self-reflection and learning, particularly in the areas of ethics, integrity, and entrepreneurship. As I crafted my list of “Things I Will Always Do” and “Things I Will Never Do,” I found myself contemplating the importance of setting ethical guardrails early in one’s entrepreneurial journey. These principles, which serve as my moral compass, are crucial for guiding the decisions I will face in business. They reflect a commitment to integrity, fairness, and transparency—values that, in the long run, contribute to sustainable success and trust. I have deliberately added my top five “Will Always Do, and Will Never Do” as a constant reminder of the principles that will guide me throughout my entrepreneurial journey. Personal Code of Conduct Things I Will Always Do: Prioritize Integrity I will always be honest and transparent in all business dealings. Integrity builds trust and honesty, which are essential for long-term suc...

  W02 Reflection: Why Randy Pausch Achieved His Childhood Dreams