Ten Traits

While going through the readings and videos for this week, two themes consistently came to mind: growth and self-awareness. I personally work very hard to be very self-aware and always move forward. Both themes tie into this week’s discussion on the 10 traits. A podcast I listened to last week from The Futur, between Chris Do and Corey Poirier, had many great quotes, but the one that really stood out was talking about how maybe the journey is the destination (Do, 2024, 50:57.) So learning about these characteristic strengths and weaknesses is part of the destination, continuing into the growth and self-improvement, and onwards. And then, yesterday, I listened to a podcast by Leila Hormozi about brutal business truths. She talked about how she’s always moving forward and how she stays clear of the people who do not share that mindset (Hormozi, 2024, 4:11.) I do fully agree with that tactic and how self-awareness also means being aware of who you are around and what they are doing with their life. Those characteristics will shine on you, either for the better or for the worse.

Relatable Characteristics

After reading the article, I resonated with several of the characteristics listed. Those characteristics are being determined, being highly adaptable, understanding failure is part of the game, and craving learning. To start, being determined has always been a huge part of me. I am always scheming up a solution to something and making an ideal plan, never a “perfect” plan. Growing up as a military child and now a military spouse, being highly adaptable is a major quality needed to survive in that lifestyle. Whether constantly moving or having that person gone all the time, I roll with the punches and make the best of what I have. Understanding that failure and “no’s” are a part of life is to grasp life truly. Nos and failures can lead to some of the best side quests in life. That is the ongoing joke in my household. My husband is always doing random “side quests” in the military, which has led to some awesome different jobs and ultimately making himself marketable once he is out of the service. For me, it has gone from educational routes and jobs that have led me to this degree. Finally, I always learn something new or dive deeper into a subject. I listen to music sometimes, but I often listen to audiobooks or podcasts. I listen to many marketing, design, and theory books or podcasts. I love hearing people’s views and experiences, especially regarding design, marketing, and strategy theories.

Characteristics Under Construction

The characteristics that were pushed to the side, the ones I need to work on, are being a networking expert, being able to sell and promote, and being unafraid to take risks. Let me explain how I view them and why I need to work on them. Networking, I very much have introverted tendencies. However, I have no issues if I need to talk to people and solve problems in past jobs, but it can be tiresome. I have worked many design jobs, so while I did need to talk to people, I also had significant time to recharge with the head down work. With young children now, I have been very guarded of that energy to save for them to be the best version of myself. When I apply that energy to networking for something I am passionate about, I think that will change how I view and feel about it. For selling and promoting, I truly need to work on my elevator pitches, and I also think that once I have a solid MVP with the features set, will help me when talking to potential users. Regarding risk, I am very calculated, but not to a fault; I will not be immobile because there is a chance of failure. I would be immobile if it were a completely reckless risk, like throwing away a ton of money without doing my due diligence. I always think so many steps ahead to the best of my ability. So, consider me an educated risk taker; before I do much of anything that’s high on my risk radar, I do significant research.

Summation

I plan to write out the characteristics that need work and make small goals to help improve them. Making small, achievable goals will help add confidence to these characteristics and, by doing so, help me be a successful entrepreneur. Max Freedman makes note of the importance of having a great support system in his article, which is crucial to being a successful entrepreneur (Freedman, 2023.) Ironically, my husband is very good at all these things that I need to work on and vice versa, giving an excellent balance. This does not negate the fact that I need to work on them for myself, but he is a huge supporter of mine and part of anything I do.

References

Do, C. (2024, July 24). Episode 300: Unlocking Authenticity.  The Futur with Chris Do. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/42a2CIA3kjOivJa7R2xIpO?si=_DbGb6QxQLqui3M6WTuMuA&t=3215&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A5K96ryZCjCmxqMzEotvS8h

Freedman, M. (2023, October 27). Entrepreneurship Defined: What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur. Business Daily News. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7275-entrepreneurship-defined.html

Hormozi, L. (2024, July 31). Episode 166: Brutal Business Truths Pt.1. Build with Leila Hormozi. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/55oZBK0msN7evBh3bDKdIN?si=MA9RC8TcSr-ZRxOmtlGrXQ&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A5LMPzKk2ylmz0nccR2HNK5