Of Faith And Survival

The Life of Pi

In Belief And Possibilities

My million dollar circle member mentors talked about two things today: Belief and Possibilities.

Of Choices And Circumstances

"If you do not make a choice in your life, your circumstances will make a choice for you." ~John Maxwell

Life happens to all of us. The difference with the successful and those who are not is not in who gets through life without problems, but in who responds to life as a victor or a victim. There is not one person in this world who is not without a problem. I believe that what separates the successful from the not so successful is that single decision of choosing the kind of life you would want to live, no matter what life throws at us.

"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude toward the problem." ~Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean

Most people go through life thinking that they are where they are because of their circumstances. They were born poor. They were not able to finish school. They don't know enough. They only know a certain skill. They don't know how to sell. They are not confident enough. They don't know how to talk to people. They are busy. They just had a family. They need to work late hours. They have so many bills to pay. They are taking care of a sick relative. The list goes on. They live their lives believing that they have no choice. In reality, they have a choice, they were just afraid to do something different in their lives, because no matter how difficult life is for them, they are in their comfort zones.

Sad, isn't it? People would rather do the difficult stuff than the uncomfortable. Difficult stuff gives you permission to complain, that's easy to do. Uncomfortability pushes you to grow, that's hard.

Exercise your freedom to choose. Your life is based on the choices you make. Choose to be great and your life will be great. Make a choice now, and your circumstances will change. Wait for your circumstances to change, and it will forever stay the same running around in circles.

Make a choice, now. Fix your life. Buenas dias!

Of Money And Choices

Money is never a requirement for the best life, but it can give you more choices so that you can truly experience and live the best life that you can have.

In Looking For Opportunities

For the past few days, I have been meeting a lot of people for a project that I am working on. I am expanding my business and is growing a brand from a billion to 5 billion dollars in 3 years.

I learned two things that made me excited about what I am doing.

What struck me was the kind of people that shows up - mostly 40's and above, earning quite well with their job and those who are in a good position with their companies. Those who usually cancel the appointment are young people or those who are just simple employees. My mentor is right, successful people become successful because they are the ones who keep their commitments and they are the ones who are always open to new opportunities. Those who I believe, really needs the opportunity, are those who are not really open or is not even looking.

Another thing was the question that, why do people in their 40's, 50's and even 60's still look for other opportunities? I mean, one should already be made and enjoying their lives at that age, right? It made me think a very simple yet profound truth: if I stay at work and do the best I can on my job, I will get promoted, earn a good income but at the age of 40 or 50, I would still be looking for an opportunity that will help me reach my dreams (if ever I still believe in dreams).

I was sharing this to my mentor a while ago at our monthly Fast Start Training. I was telling him about what I realized about life and my choices. One, if you are looking for business partners, look for those who are already successful, not just because they are your friends. It's best if they are both. Second, if I do what everyone else is doing, then I will get the result of everyone else. It is very easy to know your future, look at those ahead of you who are doing what you are doing. It you like their life, keep doing what you are doing, if not, then do something else.

I am so thankful that I made a wonderful choice of being in business. I hope that you are also excited about the choices you made in your life.

Buenas dias.

In Planning The Year

If you want to really make 2013 your year, plan it ahead and do whatever it takes.

In Minding Your Business

What is stopping from doing something that can actually change your life?

Of First World Philippines

For years the talk of creating First World Philippines were received with raising eyebrows, excitement or disbelief. As for me, I am excited about it.

I may not be a pure Filipino, but I am a Filipino through and through. I was born and raised in this country and wherever life may lead me, this is the place that I'll forever call my home.

photo courtesy of: www.mytripolog.com

I have so much belief in this country that I know the possibility of creating First World Philippines is not a far cry. I was with a couple of my friends and business partners and I am so happy to share with them this passion. I guess it really is important to be with people who believe in the same way as you do. 

One reason why I chose to be an entrepreneur is because I like being part of the solution. I want to be able to contribute more to this country by assisting more people have better lives. I agree in the fact that it is better to teach people how to fish that give them fish. It is very easy to help people, but it is much more challenging to change their lives.

If we all believe that the Philippines can be a first world country, then it will be. 

Buenas dias!

Of Choice and Decisions

Things just don't happen for a reason, things happen because we allow it to happen. Choice is a very powerful thing.

I realized this just today. Yes, there are instances that are beyond our control but how we handle the situation and how we react these moments define who we are and what happens to our life. Nobody is to blame, not the government, not our parents, not even the environment.

Everyday of our life, we are faced by many decisions, questions and choices that we either say yes to, or no to, or those that we push to the side because they are not important or that they are, but we are just too afraid to face them now.

Choose to live the best life possible. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Forgive yourself and be excited for the future. Love yourself and believe that your deserve to be great. You hold the key to your own happiness.

Buenas dias!

Of The World's End

The Mayan Calendar states that today, the winter Solstice, is the end of the world. I'm not really following that calendar, but if ever today is indeed the end of the world, would you still so what you planned to do for the day?
If not, wouldn't today be a good start to actually do what you really want to do?
You choose, today can either be the best last day of your life or hopefully, today can be the start of the best life that you will ever have. Either way, enjoy your day!

Photo courtesy of: http://www.123rf.com

Buenas dias!

Of Dreams and Goals

Why do people love to dream but hate making goals?

We would probably all agree, everyone has dreams. Whether it be having a long weekend vacation, or having a sprawling house or giving your parents the retirement that they deserve. Everyone has dreams. The question is, why isn't evryone doing something about it? Why isn't everyone setting goals so that they can actually start making their dreams a reality?

Dreams create a "fantasy" or a future that we all know exist in some distant future. Goals remove that 'distant future' and make it concrete by putting a definite or exact date as to where you would want the dream realized. Surprisingly, people are scared of making the distant future concrete. They are scared to fail. They are scared of being frustrated that the fear of pain is bigger than the gain of the sought after dream.

As my mentor was making me realize this, I remember the picture of a donkey pulling a carriage following a hanging carrot that he might never really have. Sadly, we are all contented that we can see the carrot without us knowing when will we ever get it.

I don't like to be the donkey. I like having control on my life. Yes, in some instances, goals are not met. I failed a couple of times. I made a lot of mistakes. And yes, it hurts. It hurts so bad that it is understandable to rest for a while. But all this time, I understand, I knew, that I would rather give it my all, I would rather try my best to get my dreams that live my life wishing, hoping, dreaming of a life that I might not be able to live.

Dreams are meant to be real and lived. Quitting is never part of the picture. Because honestly, I'd be more frustrated to have not done anything for me to succeed. I'd rather die trying out something, not live without ever doing something worthwhile.

Buenas dias!

In Living The Dream

My mentor was right when he told us in the training that the only thing that separates the successful and the not so successful was not hard work or intelligence, but belief. Belief that it is possible for them to live their dreams and have everything that they ever want in life.

I always have big dreams. Since I was young, I already knew what I wanted. I wanted to have big houses to invite family and friends over because I love spending time with the people I love. I want a number of cars because I love long trips and traveling with my family and friends. I want passive income because I know that the more money I make, the more chance I can help my family, my friends and people in need. I love the thought that I can always give to my church, or support a foundation that I love or provide the best for my family.

I remember my mentor telling us that success is not about the money, it is about the quality of life that you can give the people that matters most to you. I agree with him. 

Success for me is having to tell my parents that they can retire, without worries and with all the support that they can get from me. They can travel or live somewhere or experience life and I can provide them that. Success is having the capacity to tell my future children that they can study in wherever school they want because we can afford it. If they want to learn the piano, or learn how to swim or learn ballet, I can look them in the eye and say, yes when do you want to start? Success is having the money to make sure that my family is healthy. That if someone got sick, I don't have to worry about hospital bills or medical bills. My mentor is right, cancer is not lethal if you have the money. Cancer can be cured if you are rich enough to provide the best medicines and to give enough time to look after them. Success is having the time to choose what you will do with your time. Whether that's fishing with your kids on a Tuesday, or golfing with your friends in the middle of the day or just being on a trip with your family for a month. Success is being spiritually connected with your faith not just in prayers but in action. 

I am thankful that Nu Skin has given me the opportunity to be successful without having to sacrifice anything. I can choose the quality of my life because I believe that it is possible for me. Most people just dream their dreams, I am living mine.

Your dreams are possible, too. Just believe. Buenas dias!

Of Thanksgiving and Celebration

2012 has been an amazing year. There are so much to be thankful about - the growth, the learning, the realization, the success, the new business partners, new friends and the person that I have become. I think it should be an everyday habit to be thankful for every blessing that comes our way.

To celebrate the year end, my community - Lead Global had a Thanksgiving Party. It was a night of gratefulness, vision casting, games, laughter, appreciation, talents, tears of joy and fun. It is amazing when you are with your friends that you respect and admire. 

To set our 2013, the event was Turkey inspired with all of us attending in our Turkey-ish costumes. It was to set our minds for our next goal in the coming year. It was an exciting night indeed. 

I believe the highlight of the evening was the "thanksgiving goodies". We were asked to bring goodies - aka chocolates, candies and sweets to share and offer to everyone in the party that we are thankful for. I laughed and cried during that time because I felt the warmth of everyone and I appreciate all that they did for my success this 2012.

Personally, I would like to thank my mentors Pax and Gina Paculaba, my coaches Raphael Mercado and Patricia Robles, my buddy Kris Ramirez, my wonderful team Velocity, the core team, my new found friends and my amazing community. My 2012 has been the best because of you guys.

May your life be filled with amazing people to support you in your dreams. Buenas dias!

In Feeding Your Future

Present Reality -> Possibility -> Belief -> Conviction -> Future Reality

In actuality, everything is possible and reality is just relative. The reality I see may not be the same as the reality some people see. If we all see a different reality, then how can we say that one is wrong and the other, correct?

We see the world as we are not as it is.

When a 5' tall girl was asked if a 5'4" person is tall, she would say yes. But to a 6', that person would be short.

When a person is asked if 20k a month is small, answers would also differ. To someone who is supporting a family and sending their kids to school, that would be small. To someone who is single, that would already be okay.

Reality is dependent on our mindset. How we perceive things manifests in how our life turns out.

What is your reality? Is it a reality of struggle? Of being stuck? Or is your reality filled with possibility and a bright future.

We must allow possibility in our lives. It is the only way that we can get off from our present reality and move towards the future that we want to have.

Feed your future. Whatever happened to us in the past had to happen so that we can become the kind of person that we are now. Accept the past and embrace the future. Feed it with all the great things that you want to happen.

The vision has been cast. BD by December 2013. I am so excited! I hope you are too. Buenas dias!

Of Belief and Possibility

I am an engineer by profession. Back in gradeschool, I've always dreamed of becoming a journalist because I love to both read and write. But then, when I was in my final years in highschool, I considered having a career that would give me the success that I want as fast as I can. I thought the key was to get a degree that would give me a title on my name. I considered three courses: law, medicine or engineering. Both law and medicine were too long for me, I was not willing to wait that much. Engineering was the fastest, just 5 years. I finished it in four and a half with leadership and academic awards on my diploma. Took my board and got my license on the first take. I was so ready to be successful.
A few years after, I still could not find the success that I was looking for. I was in the verge of panic. I decided to leave the country to look for opportunities.
I met a lot of people, mostly Filipinos who have been working in that country for 5, 8, 10 years. Guess what? They were still working, haven't saved much and is still not successful. I was asking myself, what was happening? Didn't they tell me to just study hard, get good grades and find a safe, secure job? I realized, that advice was way outdated.
I didn't just look and tried other jobs, I was also open to putting up a business. There was a point where I was working at three jobs at the same time. I did a couple of businesses, but without the proper training and very little capital, I was like a headless chicken.
Three years ago, an opportunity came to my life. It was an answered prayer. It showed me a possibility that I can have. It renewed the flame of my dreams that were slowly losing its spark. I have always been a big dreamer. I think everyone of us have big dreams. Sadly though, reality seems to snatch them away from us that we tend to forget them as we try to juggle a lot of things in our life.
Why am I telling you all this? Because today, I learned a lot about possibilities.
My mentor is also an engineer. Before he went to business, he never thought that his life right now, was possible. These days, he travels the world with his family anytime he wants. With what he is earning, he can buy any luxury car at whim, in cash. And he has all the free time to spend with his beautiful wife and amazing son.
I met an undergraduate farmer, who does not know much English, not knowing anyone who is in business but succeeding still. Now, he is known all over the world and inspiring other people of the possibility that he was able to make into reality.
I met a caregiver, who used to work in the states for more than years. She lost her parents and sister in a span of three months but she was not able to come home. She had to work and chose instead to just send her family the money they need. Now, she is back with her family and happily enjoying their company, while earning more.
People tell me that it's impossible to earn a seven digit income. People tell me that opportunities are scarce. People tell me that having big dreams is difficult. I ask them why?
I worked for more than 8 years and it got me nowhere near my goals. I was actually happy but I realized that I could be happier. I met people who were working 20, 30 years and are still struggling. And then I wonder, why are people still believing that they can get to where they want to go with what they are currently doing?
They ask me back, why am I willing to risk it? Why do I have the courage to do something different? Why am I insanely confident that I can be successful?
Because I have seen how possible it is. I am not there yet, but the journey is so worth it. I am happy with everything that I am getting. I am thankful each and everyday for the opportunity of having Nu Skin in my life.

my look: white long sleeved blouse, black sleeveless top, black slacks

May you also be blessed with a possibility like mine. Buenas dias.

Of Partnership and Accountability

I am blessed to have an accountability buddy. In business and in everything that you choose to do in life, being accountable with what you are doing changes how you do things.

my accountability buddy in business and my friend for life, Kris Ramirez

I remember reading somewhere before that to succeed in life, you need three kinds of people:
One, a person who has been to where you want to go. He is your mentor. The one who will teach you and guide you so that you will have whatever you need to get to wherever you want to be. He will show you what you need to go through.
Second, a person who wants to go where you have been. He is your mentee. Life is a cycle. Whatever we get, we also need to share. This person is someone whom you will teach so that he may be successful as well. You will show him what he needs to go through.
Third, a person who will walk with you in your journey to experience the same things that you are gong through. He is your accountability buddy. A person who does not necessarily need to have the same dreams as you, but someone who is as dedicated and committed to succeed like you.

my relaxed get up: green walking shorts, black polo shirt by bench

I am lucky I have all three in my life.
My you also find these three people in your life. Buenas dias!

Of Reality and Happiness

Choose your reality. There are always two sides of everything. Choose to see the side that moves you closer to the future that you want.

Today is our Fast Start Training. It's always great to start a new month with reminders of my dreams, aligning of my goals and jump-starting my business. I love learning. I am always amazed that there is always something new to learn. More so, I am so excited.

It is the first day of December, Merry Christmas everyone! It is also another beginning and another chance to make things happen. November has been great but I know that this month is going to be bigger. I am going to end the year 2012, strong and in momentum.

Focus on your future and decide according to the future that you want.

One of my favorite slide from the training - habits for success!

I am happy with what I am getting. I am happy with the people in my organization and I am happy with everything that I have right now. There is more to come and I am full of energy and excitement.

How about you?

Buenas dias!

Of Cores and Beliefs

I love animated films. It brings out the child in each one of us. I believe we all need to be like a child every once in a while, full of wonder and unwavering belief and filled with dreams.

Rise of the Guardians is a movie about finding your core, believing in yourself and finding the courage to face your fears. 

Rise of the Guardians - a must see!

It is easy to get lost in life if you do not know your core. It is what dictates your whole being. It is who you are despite and in spite of everything else. It is your center. Santa's core was wonder. Jack Frost's was fun. I thought to myself, what was mine? In silence, I learned, my core was inspiration. To inspire people and move them to live a lifetime of joy, excellence, abundance and purpose.

We all have a purpose in life. I read from somewhere that there are two important days in our lives: the first was when we were born and the second was when we finally learned the reason why we were born. Sadly though, in life, not everyone gets to fulfill their purpose. Jack Frost's purpose is to become a guardian but he had a hard time believing it. We are all destined to be great. We are alive because of a reason. Our goal is to find that reason and once we find out what it is, we believe.

Fear is a natural thing. I always tell people, if you've never been afraid, you are not human. But fear is a very tricky thing, it gets stronger the more you run away from it. The key is to accept that you are afraid but choosing to face it anyway. Courage is not the absence of fear but the realization that something is much more important than fear. Just like what Jamie said to Pitch in the movie: "I believe in you but I am not afraid of you."

It's amazing how a cartoon teaches us more about life than any other movies. Find time to watch the movie. It's incredible! 

Buenas dias!

Of Blessings and Gratitude

Everyday is reason enough to be grateful. Life is truly amazing. If you cannot see the wonder and greatness of the world around you each and every minute of your life, then you are not opening your eyes.

I like celebrating Thanksgiving Day. And it is not just because of the turkey or the family dinner, but rather, I like the thought that we are reminded to give thanks. Because in honesty, we all have a lot of reasons to be thankful for. If we really look at our lives, despite the challenges and the problems and the heartaches, we are all still blessed.

I look at my life and I am amzed how God never ceases to bless me. Yes, I have been through a lot of things this year. I lost my dear grandmother, business was a bit slow, some things got out of hand and well, it was never a walk in the park. I made a lot of mistakes, was frustrated a lot of times and failed more times than I could ever hope for. But through it all, I came out strong and I am still fighting. We become who we need to be because of what happens to us.

A wise person once told me, it is not in what happens to us that determines our future, it is in how we react to what happens to us that dictates where we are going. I agree. We need to go through everything in our life because we need to grow and develop to be the kind of person we wanted to be.

I have an amazing life and my dreams are within reach. I am not there yet but I will be very soon. With that, I can never be thankful enough.

Here is to our wonderful life. Buenas dias!