Tenacity and Paying It Forward (14A)

Wow, I can’t believe I am already halfway through this course! I have learned so much in such a short time and have really enjoyed learning how to apply my passion of coffee to an opportunity that I can exploit. I was a little nervous and confused at first on what exactly my product or service what going to be but a coffeehouse can serve as both! I truly believe that WHEN I start The Mount Coffeehouse, I will look back to this blog and these assignments to remember how I can stay tenacious in accomplishing that dream. As I just read in Shoe Dog, the world is made up of crazy ideas! Okay, starting a coffeehouse may not be CRAZY, but I can make mine unique through the elevated volume control system idea.  

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

For this course specifically, I have developed the behavior of counterbalance. Although I would like to give all my time to working on my coffeehouse, I do have other commitments. So, in this busy season, I have learned that it’s okay to be behind at some points as long as I have a clear idea in my head of what I need to accomplish at what time. For example, I sometimes wouldn’t be able to finish an assignment in one sitting (which I like to do), especially in the case of interviews. So with balance, I developed my time management skills even more. 

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 felt like giving up when I wasn’t really getting what I wanted out of the project with my outlet desk in a coffee shop idea (look back to earlier posts). Although it was addressing a need, I felt that I was being too specific, and I’m not really all that gung-ho about desks. Once I stopped being so “boxy” with my thinking, I allowed myself creative license to let my “opportunity” to just be the coffee house I had wanted to start from the beginning. I had just limited myself that this class MUST be about products and services, not entire business dreams. 
I feel like I have become more tenacious in a few ways. Through my interviews, I overcame the fear of bringing up problems that affect people. Before, I was uncomfortable bringing up things that people didn’t like about a coffee shop because I thought I was betraying the space but ultimately, this really helps me see what I can do better for The Mount in the future. Additionally, I believe that practicing mindfulness has made me more tenacious. Nowadays, I actively pay attention and take note of problems, aka opportunities, behind and across the bar. (in other words, problems faced by barista and customer) 

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

I would suggest that next semester’s students do the following: 
1. Practice mindfulness! In doing so, it will ensure you are actually answering the right questions in what your market needs. Make sure someone actually has a need for what you are proposing. 
2. Crank out those interviews early in the week! Interviews were one of the most helpful parts of identifying my problems and market. Make sure you give adequate time to hear from them. 
3. Actively be reflecting! Ask yourself, am I really passionate about this opportunity? Will I be able to sustain tenacity for it for 5 weeks, months, years? 

I love where this class has taken me and looking forward to what is next!