14A Halfway Reflection

1.     Tenaciousness is a competency. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course? 

In this course, I have used a couple of behaviors to keep up with the requirements of this course. I have had to implement really good time management skills for this class since the assignments usually take a good amount of time to complete. I have had to develop an “entrepreneur mindset” in order to identify a good problem to solve and how to go about solving it. I have also had to be very open-minded. I have had to accept the fact not everyone is going to like my ideas or need my solution. I have had to stay very organized as well. In order to keep track of the interviews and due dates, I have had to make sure I was organized so that the process for each assignment runs smoothly.

2.     Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?

Even though the course has run smoothly for me thus far, there has been times of difficulty. A time where I thought about “giving up” was the first assignment we had to interview people. I have developed more confidence in talking to people I have never met before and in conducting interviews. I was pretty nervous during the first interview I did. After doing more and more interviews, I have become more comfortable around people and being to ask interview questions.

I have always been hard working and tenacious. I definitely feel like I have become more tenacious throughout these last two months. I think from being to able to think outside the box more and developing problem solving skills contribute to this. Having to go out and identify problems in the world and identifying the right market to implement a solution for have been great experiences that have helped motivate me to continue to work hard.

3.     Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset' ?

1.     Be ok with criticism and failure. As an entrepreneur, you are going to fail probably more than once, and people may criticize your ideas. At the end of the day, do not let this deter you from pursuing your venture. Turn failure into motivation to try harder to get it right.

2.     Be open minded. Your idea for your venture is more than likely going to change at different times through the entrepreneurship process. Do not become close minded. Let the flow of new ideas and possibilities motivate you in making your ideas better moving forward.

3.     Have time management skills. It is important not to fall behind in this course and due dates are closer than they appear. By being organized and being able to manage your time well, it allows you to stay tenacious and always be on track.