8 WAYS TO START A PRODUCTIVE YEAR





1. Pause, look back and be thankful. 
For some of us, 2012 has been a great year, while for others it has been a challenge. One thing is common though, there's always something that we can be thankful for. 

That may be a good thought, but to see its real value, get a piece of paper and list down what you're thankful for. You'll be surprised how much there is to thank God for.  


2. Get over the holidays!
I'm sure you had a great feast or celebration, but you can't keep on eating (and spending) the same way. Get over it and move on. Begin to shift your focus to the brighter days ahead. 


3. Set your action plan for the first quarter.
Why first quarter? Why not for the whole year? It's because there's a big possibility that your plans for the rest of the year may still change.

Last January 2012, I had something else in mind for our business. But something (an unexpected breakthrough) happened last April that has changed our priorities and direction. Sticking to the old plan didn't make sense anymore. 

Plan for the doable, but always leave room in case you need to change course. 


4. Think (and work) long-term. 
Your goals won't get done overnight. While working on it, you will experience laziness, resistance or set backs. Acknowledge these challenges before you start. Then "commit to finish" whatever it is that you want to achieve.

Don't quit too early. Give yourself enough time to succeed.


5. Say NO to old activities that waste your time. 
Instead of watching TV or Facebooking for three hours, (ouch) cut it to an hour. Make use of the two hours that you've shaved doing that "something" you want to do. Stop putting it off!

You can write the book that has been in your mind for the longest time. 

You can pursue your art and learn how to showcase it. 

You can jumpstart the business that you've been thinking about.


6. If you want to change something, change where you spend your time. 

You won't lose weight if you're always in front of the TV. 

You won't be able to save money if you're always in the mall.

You won't be able to start a business if you're always with negatrons. (negative people)

A big part of changing your habits is changing where you spend your time. 


7. Update your "Operating System"
What worked for you yesterday, may not work tomorrow. In fact, whatever didn't work last year may be caused by the same reason.

Just like your iPhone, you'll need to update your 'operating system' regularly. Though you may not see it, we're driven by the systems that we've designed for ourselves. It's the reason why the first thing that you do when you wake up in the morning is brush your teeth. 

A simple change in your 'systems' can help influence your behavior. 

By leaving your credit card at home, you're not able to swipe it easily. You avoid debt, without even struggling for self-control. 

Or maybe you've been wanting to read your bible at night but haven't been able to. You go home 'too tired' at night or (insert excuse here). What to do? You can wake up earlier than usual. Read it in the morning instead. In this way, you'll get wisdom that you can use for the day.

By changing your systems, you're able to do the things that you want to do, and avoid the things that you shouldn't do. 


8. Nurture your relationships. 
At the end of the day, it's your relationships that matter. The best reason to get better at what you do is to be able to make a difference in your community or the people you care about. But don't let your 'busyness' affect your time with them.

Plan for a one to one time with your kid.

Schedule a regular date with your wife or husband.

Host occasional dinners in your home with good friends.

If you want to be successful, wealthy or influential. (in a good way) You don't need to look far. The best place to start is in your own roof or circle. 

Have a Productive New Year!

To start the year right, get a copy of The PRODUCTIVE PINOY book at any National Bookstore, Powerbooks or Fullybooked. See the reviews HERE.

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"I DON'T HAVE A CHOICE"





You may think that you don't have a choice, but you do.

The real question is this, "Are you willing to take a risk?" 

When you play it safe, your options become limited. (or you might even run out of options)

The great men in the bible like David, Moses or Daniel, (or even in history) accomplished big things, not because they weighed the options, but because they took bold steps that weren't even an option in the first place.

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WINNING ISN'T THE ONLY ROUTE TO SUCCESS




From time to time, you'll lose or fail. But that's not a cue to quit. Besides, nobody said it's going to be easy.

Respond right, you become much wiser. If there's a next time, you'll know better. 

Your failures can bring life-changing lessons you won't otherwise realize by winning. 

Winning isn't the only route to success. Losing or failing can even take you further if you will learn from it – and continue.

Question: So when is it time to give up or move on?

Answer: When you're ready to pick a bigger or a better fight. 

Otherwise, don't quit.

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DECODING "LET'S HAVE COFFEE"




You can decode "Let's have coffee" in many ways.

Let's have coffee. Let me help you.

Let's have coffee. Let's do something together.

Let's have coffee. Let me sell something to you.

Let's have coffee. Bye now, hope never to see you.

You'll save a lot of time simply by knowing the difference when someone asks you. 

And the next time you tell someone "Let's have coffee," I guess it's fair to tell them what's on your mind too :)


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GIVE-QUICK-SERVICE






I’m sure you’ve heard of the pyramiding scam that happened in Mindanao and Visayas just recently. 15,000 people lost their money amounting to a total of P12B.

40% return on investment within 7 days?

How can you resist that offer?

Shift your focus from "get-rich-quick" to "give-quick-service.” Not only will you be scam proof, but you will also end up with a reputable business.

Build a business, an asset, or a reputation that offers real value or service to people. It's slow but better than get-rich-quick.

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TO SOLVE A RECURRING PROBLEM





To solve a recurring problem, you need to get to the root cause of the problem. 

Many times we look at the surface and forget to examine what's underneath it. 

You may not have enough money, not because of your income, but as a result of overspending.

You always get complaints from customers, not because of your service people, but because of your company's poorly designed policies.

You're easily bored, not because of your job position, but maybe you're not exploring enough or stretching your potential.

The obvious can be deceiving. When it's recurring, check deeper. 

Find the root cause of the problem. That's the only way you'll be able to solve it – permanently.


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TREAT IT AS SERIOUS BUSINESS





Having fun in what you do doesn't mean you're not doing "serious business."

This is true for writers, artists, musicians, athletes or anyone who 'seems' to have a much easier job. 

As a writer, one of the things that I've learned is that you can't just wait for inspiration. It takes a lot of discipline, planning and hard work to produce quality content and to be heard in this noisy world. 

You may have a job that doesn't sound as glamorous, but in whatever you do, have fun, give your best, and treat it as serious business.


YENG REMULLA is the author of the bestselling books, PRODUCTIVE PINOY & START SOMETHING. Hear him speak at the upcoming "JUMPSTART YOUR SUCCESS" Seminar this November 30 @ The FORT BGC! See details here: www.startlearningph.com


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THE PROBLEM WITH EASY MONEY





Have you heard of the question, "Kikita ba ako dyan kahit wala akong gawin?" You'll hear this from people who wants it easy.

If an investment sounds too good to be true, then maybe, you shouldn't put your money in there.

I'm sure you've heard of the latest pyramid scam that just happened in Mindanao. (P12 billion lost, 15,000 families affected)

The promise of a big and quick return (what the banks or reputable firms can't offer) with no work required on your part is a sure sign of risk or danger.

Your money can only make money for you...

1. When you use it to "create value" for a customer. 

Try to use your money to buy buns, spam, pepper, eggs and cheese. You have a Spam Black Pepper Sandwich that sells around P150 in Starbucks.

Remember, your money won't grow on its own. It needs to do something for a customer. 

2. When you trade it with something more valuable. (buy low, sell higher)

Say you found a good deal. You were able to purchase a car for only P200,000. After two months, you were able to resell it for P250,000. You've just made P25,000 per month for two months. (return: 10% per month)

3. When you use it to buy something that appreciates in value. 

Let's say about two years ago, you purchased a P2 million commercial property in a decent location. You just found out today that SM is about to put a mall across your property.

Effect : Appreciation. Now people find your property more valuable. Your P2M is now worth P3M or more if ever you decide to sell. 

4. When someone reputable (with a proven track record) puts your money to work or use it to grow their "profitable" business. 

Note: Don't invest your money in a company that's trying to save an ailing business!

5. When you buy a property that collects rent every month.
(property: anything that people are willing to pay rent for – real estate, heavy tools or machinery, portalets, tables & chairs, etc)

Don't simply go for easy money. Laziness often leads to shortcuts.  

To grow your money, either put it to work yourself, (faster than usual) or ask a reputable company to do it for you. The latter may take longer, but your money will still grow over time. 

Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. Proverbs 13:11


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SHOULD I PURSUE MY PASSION?





I rarely talk about "passion." Not that I am not passionate.

I am passionate about several things. My passion has led me to achieve major aspirations I never thought I could do. But with the same passion or my immature zealousness, I've also failed miserably in a few things I've done before. (a painful lesson)

What I've learned in life is that 'passion' isn't enough. 

You can't just live on passion. 

You also need wisdom. 

Wisdom is the ability to make the right decision at a given time, context or situation. So, how do you get wisdom?

1. Pray and read the Bible.
The bible says "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…" (Psalm 111:10) To know what to do, pray and ask Someone who knows what's best for you. He holds the bigger picture. 

2. Ask an adviser. 
Asking for advice isn't a sign of weakness. It won't make you look dumb. In fact, with many advisers, you have a better chance of succeeding in any endeavor. Don't be too shy to ask. 

3. Don't wear yourself out chasing "MORE" money. Instead, show restraint and put your time on living out your "purpose." Do this, and most likely, the money or provision will follow. 

Self-centered pursuits or a get-rich-quick aspiration won't do you any good. The key is to be passionate about the right things. 

4. Learn from your mistakes. 
If you fail, get up again, then apply what you've learned. Don't let a failed business, project or a failed attempt stop you. Don't get stuck living in a "state of failure." You won't learn if you won't move on!

5. Win small victories. 
Even small battles can teach you big lessons. Be faithful even with the little. Small victories will lead to bigger opportunities. 

6. Remain humble. 
Pride often leads to a loss of respect. (see Pr 11:2Be willing to listen. Consider the point of view of others. Put other people first and be of service to them. 


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START SOMETHING 10.27.12 HIGHLIGHTS



For the last 15 years, we've heard that the only way to succeed is "to put up your own business" or to go on your own.

But we believe that in today's changing world, there's more than one way to be successful.

"START SOMETHING" is a platform where we invite ordinary people to talk about their extraordinary work and the ideas that compelled them to get started.

Hope you could join us next time!

Better yet, partner with us. Feel free to email productivepinoybk@gmail.com

By the way, the official photos are here.

Many thanks!


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YOU NEED A VALUABLE CRITIC




BG HERNANDEZ @ START SOMETHING EVENT













While at the START SOMETHING event last Saturday, my good friend BG Hernandez (renowned creative director and graphic designer) shared an interesting point.

He said "You need a critic." 

After hearing him say that, I realized that I perceive criticism as purely negative. (I tend to be overly positive)

But BG is right. We need someone trustworthy who will not only say what we want to hear, but also what we NEED to hear. We need someone who will challenge us to improve not only our work, but also ourselves.

Now I'm not saying that you should be hanging out with negatrons. (negative people) But we need people who will speak the truth with care.

I know that my wife is my biggest encourager, but I realized that she can also be my "valuable critic." 

When she points out something that I need to improve, I better listen. (note to self) 

Do you have a critic whom you can trust?


*If you find this post helpful, please like or share it too. Thanks!

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10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THE START SOMETHING EVENT





               To register, simply scroll down or click HERE.



1. You'll learn how to "start that one thing" that you've been putting off. Whether you're planning to write a book, start a business, shift careers or show your art, this event will help you jumpstart the work you're thinking of.

2. For only two hours, you'll get practical insights on how to achieve your major goals in life. (hint: It's not just about "dreaming big!")

3. You'll meet like-minded people. 
People who are passionate about learning. People who are about to do something – interesting. 

3. Yes, learning is serious business, but we also believe that learning should be FUN too. It's going to be fun!

4. There will be some giveaways from our sponsors. It's a surprise, I'm not allowed to tell.

5. It's a FREE event. Yes, there's no catch. It's absolutely free.

6. The venue is in Big Shift Events Hall, A-Venue Mall, Makati Ave –– It's a cool place to go to! Hang-out with your friends after!

The venue for the Start Something event. (Big Shift Events Hall)

















7. You'll get the chance to help out underprivileged children. When you buy a Productive Pinoy book during the event – we'll give a part of the proceeds to the children of Right Start foundation. (optional)



8. You'll hear Mr. BG Hernandez. Here's an article about BG from Esquire Magazine

BG Hernandez, head designer of Studio 5, took the challenge of designing what the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is now calling "The New Generation Currency." 

9. You'll meet Lois Yasay!
Lois quit her day job to travel the world. In only 6 months, she's been in 9 countries– under P100K. 

Today, she's an award winning travel blogger (We Are Sole Sisters) a surfer, and leads a community of Pinoy Passionistas.

Lois Yasay : Award-winning travel blogger. Surfer. Speaker.

10. Because I'm looking forward to meet you! 

Join us! Better yet, bring your friends along with you. It will only take you a minute to register below. 

Register now!


REGISTRATION
October 27, 2012
Venue: Big Shift Events Hall, A-Venue Mall, Makati City
Name:

Company:

Position:

Contact Number:

Email: *

Check any of the following:
 I own a copy of Productive Pinoy  
 I usually read the blog 
 I follow on Facebook 
 I'm representing my company 
 I'm bringing my friends / co-workers 
Number of Seats Needed

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If you know someone who'd benefit from this, hope you could "Tweet, Like, or Share" this post to them. Thank you so much!


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THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE






We all want the truth. The question is, are we going to believe it when we hear it?

There's a tendency for us to believe only what we 'want' to believe because it's convenient for us.

Jesus is the truth.

And by knowing and following him, you will find freedom.  The freedom to resist things you don't want to do anymore.

The freedom to pursue God's perfect plan for your life. 

The freedom to be who you are meant to be.

You don't need to be a wandering stranger anymore! Your Father tells you "You're free to go home where you belong." 

Home is a place where you don't need to 'pretend' to be somebody else – it's the place where you can find rest and truly live.

* * *

Attend a Free PRODUCTIVE PINOY Talk this Oct 27! 

Register and check the details HERE.

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THE WAY TO CONTENTMENT






Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 
– 1 Tim 6:6 

It's hard to be content these days. There are too many choices.

If you're an Apple fan, the new iPhone 5 is about to come out this October. If you like food, I'm sure there's a new restaurant nearby that you're craving to try. If you like traveling, there's always a SEAT SALE available only for a limited time.

There's always more out there. There's always something better coming out.

That's why to be "content alone" is really hard to do these days. 

BUT to have "contentment together with GODLINESS" – then that changes everything. 

Your focus shift from "getting what you want" to asking "LORD, what do you want?"

And when you ask that question … 

(1) That is when you receive wisdom. 
(2) That is when breakthroughs happen. 

The bible says "Godliness with contentment is itself great wealth" not because you are not getting anything, but because you are getting something much, much, much, more valuable –– God's will for your life.


* * *

Get P50 off when you buy a PRODUCTIVE PINOY book online. Free delivery nationwide via LBC. To order, simply click HERE.

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MY 14-YEAR OLD SON IS NOW AN ENTREPRENEUR





When Trey was a lot younger, people would ask him "what do you wanna do when you grow up?" With his cute lisp he'd reply, "I yike my dad's work. I yike to be a businessman." That brought joy to me.

Even when Trey was growing up, it was natural for us to talk about business concepts whenever we're together.

Whether it's the food in a restaurant, the feature of a gadget, or the design/flow of a website – Trey and I would always discuss ways on how we can improve a certain product or service. We'd even come up with better ways it can be presented or sold. 

This was an exercise we'd always do for fun. But I didn't realize he was really taking it seriously. (Even I didn't expect that he'd become an entrepreneur this early.)




FUNDING HIS FIRST VENTURE
Every time that Trey would get his allowance or receive gifts from us or from his grand parents, he'd put away some money in the bank. The amount can be as little as P200 and to as much as P1,000. 

He didn't have a plan where to spend his money. At times, I would even suggest, "why don't you buy a PS3 or an XBox with the money that you've saved?" 

Trey would always say "No, it's ok. I'll just wait." 

A few months ago, he came up with a business idea – to print his own statement shirts. Coming from the Twitter generation, he would name his brand #HASHTAG. 

Trey would regularly bounce off his ideas to his very supportive mom and me. It became a trending topic during dinner. 

Until one day, he finally decided to do it.

He told me that he'll use his own money (his savings of P21,000) to fund his business. And at that moment, I knew he was serious.

So he went on to source the raw materials and visited a manufacturer that can bring his designs to life. 

His first factory visit

















"Design meeting" with supplier/manufacturer

After a week, Trey received the samples and wore the first Hashtag Shirt. That got him really excited about his new business. 

HASHTAG Clothing Co. Founder Trey Remulla with his First Shirt



As of this writing or update, he has about 7 shirt designs and has sold over 500 shirts in 4 months time. He has more than tripled his capital. He makes more than what a minimum wage worker earns. 

100% Cotton. Eco-Friendly. Lead free. Phthalate free. Eco-friendly paints. Machine washable. EXPORT QUALITY.














Logo at the Back

*Latest Design*  100% Cotton. Lead free. Phthalate free. Eco-friendly paints. Machine washable. EXPORT QUALITY.


#HASHTAG Clothing Co. is now officially online. You can check it out HERE. 

#HASHTAG Clothing Co. website 

Facebook Page: #Hashtag Clothing Co.

Ever since Trey started his business, he's been asking me a lot of questions. I can see him learning and enjoying it. I'm really proud of him.

Please visit his Online Store, like his Facebook Page or buy a shirt! 

I hope this will also encourage you that you're never too young (or never too old) to "Start Something."
~

Join me this Friday, May 31, 2013, for the START SOMETHING Book Launch in Powerbooks Greenbelt 4, Makati. 5:30pm–8:00pm. I'll be sharing a few tips on how you can start the work that you've been thinking about. 

If you're free to come, simply fill out this FORMMany thanks!
















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HANGOUT WITH PEOPLE BETTER THAN YOU





"It's better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you'll drift in that direction" says Warren Buffet. 

You won't expect to hear that from the third wealthiest man on the planet. But that is probably one of the reasons why Warren Buffet is so successful.

Being surrounded by people who are better than you won't make you look dumb. It just shows that you know your place and that you're probably smart too. 

And when you're with them, ask good questions and observe how they conduct their business. You'll be surprised on what you'll learn.





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4 REASONS WHY YOU HATE MONDAYS





1. You are in the wrong job

2. You are in the right job (or type of work) with the wrong people.

3. You are in the right job with the right people, but somehow, possess a negative attitude towards work. (Ouch!)

4. You don't have any work to do and it's making you miserable!



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DON'T LET FEAR STOP YOU





Name: Andrea Bocelli, Operatic Tenor
Completely blind by age of 12
Song: The Prayer – Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song
80 Million records sold worldwide
Biggest-selling solo artist in the history of classical music


* * *

In a recent interview, Andrea Bocelli confessed that he has stage fright that last almost an entire performance. 

When he was asked how he deals with it, this is what he said...

"The only way is to go on stage and to hope."

Does fear stop you from putting out your best work? 

Many times the solution is just to "jumpstart" yourself into doing it. Let go of fear and look at the bright side of things. Choose hope.


* * *

Get P50 off when you buy a PRODUCTIVE PINOY book online. Free delivery nationwide via LBC. To order, simply click HERE.

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Get rid of the "Bahala Na" attitude.


Sometimes we adopt a "come what may" attitude because of a bad memory or experience.

You tried to reach for something, but somehow, you ended up disappointed. So you go on with your life telling yourself "Hope for the best, expect the worst." 

But the truth is that – you don't even expect or hope anymore. 

To avoid disappointment, you've skipped planning. You've put off things, even though you're good for it. Without a clue, you've been living aimlessly.

God has a plan for your life. 

There’s a twist in your story you haven’t seen. In advance, He has prepared good things for you to see, to experience and to do.

He wants the best for you. His will for your life is good, pleasing and perfect.

Seek Him and pray resolutely. 

Plan. But this time, plan according to His plan. 


* * *

Get P50 off when you buy a PRODUCTIVE PINOY book online. Free delivery nationwide via LBC. To order, simply click HERE.

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