Wk 5 Reflection: Skill, Character, Or Luck?

 




Jeff Sandefer, entrepreneur, teacher, and founder of Acton MBA, spoke on “Creating a Life of Meaning” on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011. The talk was sponsored by the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization.


A Hero's Journey is the title of the video we watched this week as part of our study. Jeff Sandefer explains that he is an old friend of President Kim Clark, President of BYU Idaho at the time.  "I believe some of you in this room are destined to change the world, and I’m here to speak to that special group." Mr. Sandefer expressed great respect for the culture of BYU Idaho. I imagine that this is another reason that he and President Clark remain friends after so many years. He is a self-proclaimed Christian, but not a great one, he says. As I have gotten older, I realize that it takes effort to have friends. It used to be a simple part of life. Now I prioritize my children and husband, grandchildren, and home which makes it challenging to foster friendships that aren't convenient. Oftentimes, it is convenient to be friends with neighbors or ward members, or coworkers who we see on a regular basis. It takes extra effort to remain friends with those who are distant, physically as well as in beliefs. This is my first takeaway from this speech. Mr. Sandefer must understand something special about our faith, this school, and Pres. Clark, to continue a genuine friendship. This says a great deal about his own standards and priorities. He seems to be able to relate to "us" through similar priorities.

"I knew that becoming in the LDS faith was the secret to deciphering what I believe is one of the great paradoxes of the ‘Hero’s Journey of Entrepreneurship’ and here’s the paradox. The hero’s journey is all about you, but it’s not about you at all. If that sounds mysterious, stick with me for a few more minutes and I promise we’ll unravel this too and I’ll give you a glimpse into your own future, no matter which path you decide to choose."

Mr. Sandefer founded the Acton MBA at Harvard University. In this program, they promise each student that they will learn: 1. How to make money, 2. How to learn, and 3. How to live a life of meaning. Learning how to learn and how to live a life of meaning are both central to living a Christ-like life. This is our goal as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The same characters taught and reinforced in our faith, will also reap temporal benefits. As we live a faithful life, focused on our Savior, our family, service, and improving ourselves, we will inevitably find the means to provide financially. 

The three questions Acton and Mr. Sandefer wants us to ask ourselves at the end of our career are:

Have I contributed something meaningful?

Was I a good person?

Who did I love and who loved me?

These are great questions that will keep up focused on the narrow path that leads to success. Whether in spiritual or secular endeavors, these life questions make sure that we create a life of meaning for ourselves. 

"This brings me near the end of our journey to the paradox; it’s not about you, it’s all about you. It’s not about your happiness. You see, a hero’s journey isn’t easier than a fool’s errand. You’ll have even more setbacks and more battles because the stakes will be higher. But you’ll fight those battles and be more satisfied and fulfilled because you’ll make a difference. It’s all about you because using your gifts to change the world will change you in the process and you will realize you serve a force in the universe that is far bigger than you are. Here’s one more glimpse into your future. Somewhere along the way – if you choose the hero’s journey – you’ll give up measuring yourself against others. If you’re on a fool’s errand, there’s always someone who is smarter, or richer, or better looking. You’ll always be dissatisfied and unfulfilled in looking for another rat race to run. If you’re on a hero’s journey, the stepping stones you set will be yours. And eventually they will lead you to the gift of gratitude."


Sandefer, Jeff. January 20, 2011. "Creating a Life of Meaning." BYU Idaho.https://video.byui.edu/media/122201_02_Large/0_7ghlpqpk/26923962

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