Dream Big

Randy Bausch is an amazing example of someone who never gave up on his dreams. Often times, when we think of our dreams, we feel they are unattainable. Maybe it's because we think they're silly dreams, or maybe because we've taken a shot at them before and failed miserably. Not getting something right the first time often stops us from trying it again. Rather we decide to abandon the idea altogether. Randy Pausch achieved his dreams because despite failure. He  tried again and again. He was fearless and creative in his approaches.When one thing didn't work, he regrouped and simply tried again. Most importantly he believed in himself. He told himself that his goals were realistic and that he could accomplish them. He let himself dream and that ultimately led him to achieve so many of his goals and aspirations.

Dreaming is something that we should never stop doing. Although our dreams change overtime from being an ice cream man when were five years old to having a family and children and having our dream career as we grow older, they should never cease. Dreaming gives us something to work for. It causes us to strive to be something more. It pushes us out of our comfort zone and gives us hope in times when we feel like we can't go on. The word "dream" is so inspirational because it implies something so amazing it's out of this world. Dreams make us better people because dreams don't come true without hard work. When we go after our dreams, it changes our character. Our dreams give us something to look forward to and help us to remember we can be so much more.

When I was 8 years old I remember watching the news. Footage of some people in Kenya popped on the news of people that were completely emaciated. Parents and little infants with protruding ribs and sunken in eyes from hunger filled the screen and my heart broke. I burst into tears and ran home from my neighbors house. From that time forward I dreamed of going there one day and helping the people. I began making blogs and trying to raise awareness but I was so young and just didn't know how I could make an impact but that desire to help stuck with me through my whole life. It's something I'm truly passionate about and that's why I know that it's something that I can achieve. Passion is one of the most important aspects in entrepreneurship because one would only work so hard for something that they are passionate about. Passion paired with hard work is the perfect combination for fulfilling one's dreams. Making a difference in people's lives is something I've always wanted and something that I feel so passionate about that I'm willing to do what I have to in order to make that dream a reality. No dream is ever too big or unachievable if it's something we really want. 

Entrepreneurial Spirit

When I used to think of someone who is an entrepreneur I think of someone bold. Someone who isn't afraid to take a risk. I pictured a rich business man in a suit that wakes up ready to take on the world every day and never has any insecurities. Because of that image I had painted in my mind of what an entrepreneur is, I never thought of myself. I felt that I didn't really fit that mold. I thought that despite my  strong desire to see changes in the world, that it wasn't possible because I'm just not an entrepreneur. As I studied the videos and articles this week though I realized that if I want to change the world, it will require that I first change myself. I realized that an entrepreneur can be anyone if they are passionate about their cause and willing to put forth the work necessary to achieve their goals.

As David A. Bednar said, it is easy to take the path of least resistance and not push ourselves. However, when we stay in our comfort zone, there is no progress seen. While part of who we are is unchangeable, for the most part we as humans are very moldable. Now I realize that rather than tell myself "well that's just not who I am" I need to look at certain attributes and characteristics that I need to develop in order to fulfill my goals and simply set smaller goals to shape myself into that person. I realize that someone with an "entrepreneur spirit" isn't someone who is the biggest and toughest and richest. It isn't about money at all. Rather it's someone who is simply teachable and constantly seeking for ways to improve themselves.  

I'm excited to learn throughout this course how I can personally develop an entrepreneurial spirit and mold myself into a person who is prepared to make big changes in the world. After doing the readings I know that the journey of entrepreneurship is one far from easy. It requires endless effort, constant learning, and a strong love for what you are doing. There will be bumps along the road.  I look forward to learning how to cope with the challenges of entrepreneurship and studying more in depth what an entrepreneur is and how I can best prepare myself for all that entrepreneurs face. 

Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship, I know in the end it will be worth it knowing that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and challenged myself to become the person I want to be in order to see the change I wish to see in the world.