PRODUCTIVE PINOY

3 LESSONS I'VE LEARNED FROM 13 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

Three days ago, my wife and I celebrated our 13th year anniversary. It has been an adventure.

Here are some of the things I've learned so far :

1. Two heads are better than one.

My success as an entrepreneur, author and as a father was massively influenced by my wife. She told me I can do it – even when I doubted. She spoke the truth and argued when that was what I really needed. She held my hand, even after those days when I clearly made a bad decision.

Together, we are so much better.

2. It's an adventure.

Life, as most of us experience it, is filled with ups and downs. Those 'ups' were great, but the 'downs' played a big role – forcing us to communicate well and work on the same side.

At the end of the challenges are twists that worked out for our own good. Whenever we look back, all we can do is to thank God for his favor in our lives.

3. It gets better.

My marriage is a treasure. Over time, I see how it appreciates (not depreciate) in value. The longer I am in it, the more I realize how blessed I am.

I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead of us. No doubt, it's going to be awesome.

Realization: Marriages are meant to thrive, not just survive.

GOING BACK TO WHERE YOU STARTED?

A wrong turn may have brought you to a dead end – a cul-de-sac. Instead of going near, you are now even farther to your destination.

You can respond in two ways. You can accept the repercussions of your decision, or you can deny, stall or decide to go with indecision.

Sometimes, there's no other way but to go back. It's the only move to find your way again.

Time wasted? Perhaps yes. Was it worth the risk? Only you can answer that.

You may have gone through a tough challenge, but there's a reason for everything.

It's alright. You can go back to where you started.

Now you're wiser to start again.

WHAT I LEARNED FROM JON SANTOS ... MASTERY THEN SPONTANEITY

Entrepreneurship, Management, Mastery, Success Ideas

Jon Santos rocked the fundraising I attended last night in The Peninsula. It was so fun to see him perform in person.

He impersonated three known people in the country and came in as Sen. Defensive Santiago, Pres. Erap Espada and Aling Dionisio.

He was breathing each character. No doubt, he researched thoroughly. He knew his material and found humor in every story. Yet, even with a script, he was able to interact with the crowd in a fun and spontaneous manner.

Whether in business or music, spontaneity goes well with mastery. It's easy to go with the flow, when you excel in what you do.

The take away for us artists, professionals and entrepreneurs – First, master your craft. Then spontaneity will follow.

Photo Credit

GETTING THE RIGHT WORK

Career, Entrepreneurship, Filipino Culture, Finance, Productive Pinoy, Sweet Spot

After years of studying, it's tempting to go PMA. (Pahinga-Muna-Anak)

Before taking that long awaited break you've been dreaming of, allow me to offer some "unconventional" advice that you may want to consider.

1. When choosing a career or putting up a business – find the "Sweet Spot."

Note: You won't know which work will be 'enjoyable' for you until you give it a try. I thought entrepreneurship wasn't for me. (I loved music. I played for a band. I thought I just wanted to become a rockstar.) But when my first store opened its door for business, the entrepreneur in me was awakened.

2. To succeed, it's not just about what you know anymore.

You did well in school? Good for you! That may help.

Just keep in mind that the world is constantly changing. And so does how businesses are built or how jobs are designed.

Now that information is readily available online, it's not just about what you know anymore. What will set you apart is how you use or translate these information into 'something of value'.

3. Think long-term.

You may have short-term needs, but it's best to decide by weighing the long-term effect.

Sooner or later, you'll meet a boss that you won't like. Is it a cue for you to quit your job? The situation may vary, but it's better to stick with an uptight boss whom you can learn from, than a boss who acts like a peer and just wants to "hang out."

Your choices today will affect your future.

4. Instead of racing to get ahead, be a person of value.

Nobody can succeed on their own anymore. We live in an 'era of collaboration'. Those who work well with others are now the most sought after. (even more valuable than superstars)

Whenever a valuable player joins a game, people instantly see the difference. Everybody on that team wins.

A person of value is a game changer. Be that kind of player.

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

IN THE BUSINESS OF BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE...

Corporate, Customer Service, Entrepreneurship, Firm, Leadership, Management, Manila, Marketing, Philippines, Productive Pinoy, Success Ideas, Training

Putting up a business is exciting. One of the keys to success is to find something you can do that help others in a big way.

Entrepreneurship is rarely about what you can get as an entrepreneur. The rewards pour in when you see others benefit from what you give or deliver.

After 15 years in business, several talks and consulting work around the country, it is my privilege to partner with Ryan Peralta and Bob Barcebal.

Ryan is the founder of Drumstart, the only certified drum circle facilitator/trainer in the country, and currently the drummer of Rivermaya. While Bob is a dynamic sales coach, facilitator of the 'Pinoy Sales Champ' workshop, and maybe the only person left on earth who think 'sales' is fun!

Together, we form SPARK CONSULTANCY. A training/learning firm geared to improve productivity, inspire creativity and help you increase sales.

*Official Website coming soon. For now, you may get in touch with my (self-proclaimed) good looking business partner…

Bob Barcebal

Email: sparktrainingph@gmail.com

Mobile: 0926–7242109

Landline: 9046371

"LOLO MUSIC"

You don't want your children to look at you as too old. Emo, Rock or whatever genre, listen to the songs they listen to. Watch their TV shows. Attempt to understand how Twitter works...

Why try to be a cool dad?

Why not?