Chasing Success

We can't achieve success overnight. Several factors are needed to climb greater heights. It took me 14 years to finish my academic studies and I think a lifetime to learn more in life in general. I graduated from college but not from living my life. If there is a process, what should we do while striving to achieve our dreams? Let me share with you my thoughts about this.

Redefine success.
Basketball pointguards set plays to the team. But I tell you, when somebody had an opening, that man should shoot. Sometimes, things happen far from the gameplan. When opportunity comes, grab it. So, why do we need to redefine success? It makes us flexible. We may be thinking little and losing the big opportunities in front of us. Set your standards but don't limit yourself. Think both short and long term goals. Celebrate upon achieving your short goal and strive more for the longer one. Let your determination push you to shoot.

Align all your efforts.
Make a concrete plan. Practice dribbling and shooting if you want to be a basketball star. Act in front of the mirror if you want to be an actor. Tell stories to kids if you want to be a teacher. Study the laws and policies if you want to be a lawyer. Don't try to spend 90% of your time in cooking when your dream is to be a pilot. Master your craft first then make the others your hobbies. Take small steps that will lead you to your future success.

Be inspired- ALWAYS.
This one is might be so ideal. Could be difficult. We'd be shaken. We'd face criticisms. Detractors will arise and we'll lose our focus. On those days, catch inspiration. Read Joel Osteen's books. Watch Facing the Giants. Find a mentor or a life coach who can help you overcome your struggles. Pray and have faith. Play with the kids. Read an interesting article. Search biographies and study the life principles. Remember, you are responsible for the dosage of inspiration you take each day. It's life's vitamins.

The reason your car has a first gear is to remind you that you don't need to drive too fast at first. Befriend momentum. Understand phases. It will never be too late for you to start again, nor to late to get up from your mess. When that trophy falls in your hands, be thankful for the process you've been through that prepared you to become successful.

Street of Happiness

"Happiness is a choice." This is already a cliche. Whether we like it or not, we are responsible for our own happiness. We create good memories. We craft our dreams. We plan for the future. But inevitably, we bump to tragedy wall, failure post and disappointment gates. All of a sudden, we step on the brakes and settle for damaged headlights. We pull off and check the broken bulbs and glasses and some scratches.

Life doesn't stop there. It's up to us to drive till we reach the road of happiness. If we'd know how difficult it would be to get there, we'll never go. Take a boxer for an example. While training, the boxer can't count how many punches he could take from the opponent. He'd never gonna win that fight! He has to count how many punches he could throw, what foot work to use and how many rounds he could endure to beat the other down. That champion belt is the reward of all his sweat and pain. His choice must be at the end of the fight, he must be happy with the victory and fame. Nothing less.

So are we. The ball is in our hands. Happiness is for those who can chase the sun, run after the cheetah and climb Mt. Everest. Get up from that couch. Be happy. Buy a toy. Play video games. Read interesting life stories. Chat with kids. Simple things can make you happy.

See you at the Happy Road. Bring laughs and cheers.

Two Cakes Made History

Last Friday was a very special day for me. I closed the 27th page of my life and flipped the blank 28th page. While I was cleaning our little apartment and removing dusts from our furniture and appliances, I felt afraid to face the new challenges this year will bring.

In this life, every circumstance tests the strong inner being of a person. No one is exempted. Ask both the beggar on the street and the wealthiest man on earth. No one is ever exempted. We face different trials in life but we also enjoy the good things life brings. Even during joyous days, pain is inevitable. Realizing this, I started to look back to what my life was.

I started my career selling inspirational books; having a heart to encourage others while I needed it much myself. Then, I climbed up the ladder of corporate leadership as division head. It was a very promising role and everybody respected me. I felt good in helping other people in their lives so I spent another year in building my team, making sales and training people. Till, I found that I needed to grow in my field and my environment was too small for my personal goals. I resigned with nowhere to go. In 9 months, I found myself in 3 different companies.

I have learned a lot with all those job search. I just didn't make any additional horn to blow in my resume.I learned that opportunities come in different forms. Sometimes, it entails pains, regrets and disappointment. Those people I met during my employment with companies became part of my growth as a person and as a professional. During each time I wonder why it happened to me, I just smile when I get to remember the people I laughed with, cry with, chat with, hang out with, eat with and work with.

I have absolutely no idea where I will go this year. But, what I am excited about is who are the people I am going to meet and work with. And throughout my journey, I know there are people who will stay with me- my lovely wife and my family.

This year is remarkable. I received a round mouth-watery chocolate cake from my affiliate company and a heart-shaped blueberry cheesecake from my wife. Well, it only taught me that when things go wild and unpredictable, I can double my joy.

I have a long list of wishes in the birthday. I already mailed it to the heavens. The scripture says that we should ask of Him what we want so our joy will be complete.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. To become a person of influence for His fame is top of my wish list.