Week One Reflection: Faithful Diligence and The Hero’s Journey

This week’s lessons drove home two big ideas. Giving my all to God and adopting an entrepreneurial mindset. These ideas push me to live with more intention, purpose, and a can-do attitude.

Elder David A. Bednar's devotional, "Your Whole Soul as an Offering Unto Him," pointed out the misleading divide between spiritual development and academic discipline. He taught that faithfulness alone is not enough. It must be combined with diligence and competence. This perspective led me to reflect on how I approach my responsibilities. Am I praying to the lord to help with my studies and focus, or am I not taking advantage of his blessings? Am I taking care of my intellectual side and spiritual side while here at BYU-I, or am I only here for the low costs and education? 

The theme in "Living Life as an Entrepreneurial Hero" was to accept growth, resilience, and responsibility. I realized that I must grow intentionally, make deliberate moves towards mastery and purpose, rather than wait passively for life and the Lord to shape me. This is not merely learning the steps on how to be a business leader, but growing the mindset to become a good leader.

These readings, and the others, really emphasize the importance of fully committing ourselves, be it in religion, study, or personal betterment. As I go on, I want to use these lessons. Practicing caution when reading and working, treating them as sacred chances to better myself. Developing skills, aware that talent and religion combined have a big impact. Viewing adversity as times of refinement that shape me into a person better equipped to serve others. I am excited to be more responsible for my own growth and development in the future. As I mature in my spiritual journey and personal growth, I would like to be the hero of my own life, not a shotgun rider passenger character. This week's meditation has encouraged me to seek wholehearted excellence. Guided by the principles of submissive diligence and strong perseverance, I plan to study and endeavor in a manner that enables me to live an honest, significant, and service-oriented life.