Your Best Shot

What if there is no room for mistakes? What if we can't afford to lose a ballgame? Ask ourselves. Are we doing our best all the time? Do we fall into mediocre trap more often than not?

Observe people who we tag as perfectionists. Well, they still exist at this generation. They are not easily satisfied. They follow lines on the paper, cut it straight, shapes should be precise, no dirt, not too loud...the "almost perfect" is not acceptable. Having one of them around you will challenge you to sweat a lot and give your best shot.

We must thank them. If not for them, we'll stay complacent. Everything will be mediocre, less of value and less significant. Who's gonna like the 85% good anyway? We can't just buy a car that's 12% less of quality. I mean, here's a sales person selling you a mobile phone that is "almost perfect", "almost done" or "didn't pass the quality control but it's ok to use"?

So simple but we often neglect this virtue. Excellence is not just being perfect. It's giving your best, finding solutions to problems, increasing the value of work and doing extra mile. The quality must be commendable, if not the best. It may be too difficult but setting a higher standard on ourselves speaks how we manage our work, time, relationships and contribution to the society we belong.

Beat the Red Light

I'm not referring to drivers out there. Unless, you might want to see the police officer or traffic enforcer sign up your name in that piece of paper for violation.

Something's gonna to stop you from reaching your goals. It could be frustration, disappointment or simply your neighbor. Just don't think by quitting you'll end up successful. When you see a red light, step on the accelerator. Even if you commit thousand failures, it doesn't matter. As you become successful, you'll forget the wounds caused by the struggles.

On the day of my graduation, I almost forgot being sleepless during examinations. I couldn't even remember the questions I answered, the grades I got, the meals I missed, the frictions I had with classmates, the time I spent in travel...I just know that day, I am done with schooling and I'm gonna work.

Think of the pregnant woman, the basketball MVP, the American Idol and Manny Pacquiao. In any battle, quitting is not an option. There should be no other way but to win. Keep that enthusiasm alive.

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.