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? 

I am a very disciplined person. Therefore, I like to work ahead of this course. I set the deadlines in my planner; but try to get them done earlier in the week so I am not procrastinating last minute. I find this helpful. When starting the assignments the weekend before, it gives the student ample time to conduct interviews with their peers. In addition, I like the assignments and this class. I found a unmet need and a solution I am passionate about. During this semester, I have discussed this class and my excitement for my solution. This allows me to gather feedback on the fly and then follow up with individuals to conduct interviews. Since they see my passion, they are more than willing to assist.

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?

I have felt like giving up once. It was with a Cupcake. I was busy that week, got my other assignments done a head of time; but forgot about the Cupcake. I quickly crammed the lectures at night and took the Cupcake. I miss a couple of questions. This infuriated me because I normally diligent with my work.  In addition, I frequently try to complete the assignments before watching the lectures. I felt a little dishearten when I missed a key essential to the elevator pitch. I learned after submitting my video I needed to state a price. Despite these mistakes, I knew my product is still beneficial to society and want to learn more on how it can be altered into something great. Also, I really enjoyed reading Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. His attitude towards Blue Ribbon and his shoes pulled him through many hard times. I never put that book down because I saw myself in Phil Knight. Surrounding myself with an entrepreneur mindset has increases my tenacious attitude these past couple of months.

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. Set Goals - Tenacious people have strong work ethics towards things they are passionate about. Maintaining a clear focus with deadlines to stay accountable to allows one to be and stay tenacious. Write them down.
2. Surround Yourself with Tenacious People - Making friends with a healthy belief system allows for continuous motivation to excel. Friends can help you alter your strategies by showing you their beliefs and will help you when the going gets tough. Also read about tenacious people, you can learn a lot from their life and story.
3. Do not let adversity set you back - Most tenacious people realize failure and adversity will enter into their lives. Many of them have a similar response: accept the setback and quickly move on. It is important to learn from these adverse situations, but never use it as a justification to give up. Set backs are just a learning tool to make you stronger!