Training to become a world-class entrepreneur will enable one to “maximize opportunity while being happier, healthier, wealthier and wiser,” said Aaron Dirks, president of the Louisiana chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and co-founder of the Association of Corporate Growth Louisiana Chapter, at the Business Education Complex on Tuesday.
The speech was a part of the Executive Education’s Breakfast to Business series at the University and was held during the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities.
Dirks said he wanted to give the crowd of military veterans and students, among others, a better understanding of why “exercising our mind and body gets us closer to attaining those four things.”
“Everything I’m talking about today is thousands of years old,” Dirks said.
He advised to challenge one’s body once a day, such as athletes do, to renew and become stronger. While challenging the body physically, Dirks also advised stimulating the mind with intellectual reading or listening material.
Dirks said by exercising the body and mind simultaneously, the brain has the ability to get “in the zone” to experience something equivalent of a runner’s high, sending endorphins throughout the body and stimulating the brain.
“It’s good motivation to keep working hard every day,” said business management sophomore Derek Worstell.
Worstell said he also gained insight into how to take advantage of everything he has in his life.
In accord with exercising the mind and body, Dirks said one should take a break after workouts and once every 90 minutes during the day to experience “thoughtlessness.”
The rest periods are times of renewal, he said, and allow time to recharge throughout the day.
Dirks said it’s also important to remain focused on the present, not the past or future. Focusing on the present moment creates clear thinking and increases mental capacity, he said.
By following the routine of mental and physical exercise each day with renewal, Dirks said entrepreneurs have the chance to increase physical, mental, spiritual and emotional capacity.
Business management junior Nicole Robles found the speech interesting as well. She said it made her reflect on her daily routines and realized she may need to take some time to relax mentally throughout the day.
Robles said she was inspired to get her “mind in a better place” and try to not be as on-the-go as she usually is.
Worstell and Robles attended the speech as part of the fellowship program for the Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute, which acts as a mentorship program for students aspiring to be entrepreneurs.
Dirks said he has practiced the methods he advocated for the past few years and has had great success not only in his business life, but spiritually and throughout every aspect of his life.
He said all people should give the methods a try to better their lives, not only entrepreneurs.
“It’s not only for yourself, but everyone you come in contact with in your life,” he said.
“It’s not only for yourself, but everyone you come in contact with in your life.”
Members of the audience listen intently to President of Louisiana Chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization Aaron Dirks on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013 during the Breakfast to Business series at the Business Education Complex.
