Entrepreneurial Journal

This week’s study materials made me reflect on a few key themes that connect closely to both my personal life and business: gratitude, resilience, and aligning my work with what really matters to me. President Thomas S. Monson’s talk on gratitude reminded me that I need to pause more often and acknowledge the people and experiences that are helping shape this chapter of life. Between raising a family, running a business, and going back to school, it’s easy to get lost in the overwhelm. But I know I function better, mentally and emotionally, when I take a moment to really see what’s working, who is showing up for me, and how far I’ve come. In the business side of things, Stan Christensen’s message stuck with me. His point about not needing to have a perfectly mapped out career path resonated. I’ve pivoted several times in my professional life, and I often feel pressure to make it all look cohesive or impressive. But I’m learning to let go of that. I don’t need to chase titles or roles t...

Reflections on Charles Handy’s “What’s Business For?” Charles Handy’s article aligns closely with the values I’m building Nutritive Fitness on—prioritizing service and meaningful impact over just chasing growth or numbers. In a world where so many businesses focus solely on profits, Handy reminds us that there’s a deeper purpose to what we do. He makes a strong case that virtue and integrity aren’t optional extras in business—they’re absolutely essential for a healthy, functioning economy. He compares the economy to a machine, and virtue to the oil that keeps it running smoothly. Without trust, the whole system grinds to a halt. If customers, employees, and partners start to believe companies only care about their own gain, confidence breaks down quickly. We’ve all seen how damaging scandals and unethical behavior can be—not just for one company, but for the entire market. Trust is the foundation everything else is built on. Handy goes further to say that the real justification for...

When I think about my attitude toward money, I have to admit: I really enjoy spending it. I love being able to say yes to things that make life fun—whether that’s treating my family, traveling, or just not stressing over every little purchase. But I also know I have work to do when it comes to being more responsible, eliminating debt, and building real financial freedom. I dream of reaching a place where I have enough financial excess to give generously, both when there’s a need and just for the joy of it. How fun would it be to pay for my whole extended family to go on a cruise together!? I’m definitely more relaxed than I should be about aggressively earning or saving money. My husband has always made sure our finances are stable, covering our needs and many of our wants. Now that I’m not needed at home with little kids as much, I have more time and flexibility to help our family become even more secure. That’s something I’m excited to focus on. My view of money definitely affects th...