Living Your Second Wind

Last Saturday, we concluded our "Jumpstart Your Success" Workshop @ The FORT BGC.

After the learning session, I had the privilege to meet Cathy. She asked me to sign her copy of my book and was thanking us, the speakers, for the inspiring event.

She said that she wrote something down that she would like to read to me.

"You have awakened my soul… 

My passions... 

Adrenalin rush is pumping...
I want to live more and I don't want to lose my second wind…
To act…
To implement…
To be in the now…"

And then she smiled and told me, "I'm 7 years old." (which I didn't understand immediately)

Until she told me that she is a cancer survivor. She stayed for a while and shared to us her story.

I left the venue that night touched and more inspired by her.

Thank you Ms. Cathy for showing us how to be courageous and for reminding us to live fully.

Speaker Ardy Abello, Ms. Cathy Altonaga, Ptr,. Ariel Marquez, and Productive Pinoy Author Yeng Remulla (me) 

Read More...

37 Lessons I've Learned So Far

Original: Nov 28, 2013
Updated: Nov 28, 2015

Turned 37 yesterday.

Here are 37 lessons I've learned so far:

1. Spend time with your family as much as you can. They are irreplaceable and your time is limited.

2. When you honor your father and your mother, things will go well with you.

3. Do something for someone. Generosity is more about giving of yourself.

4. God's way is way way better than your way. You already know that, but don't try to show otherwise.

5. Be best friends with your wife. She deserves your best self.

6. Every morning, tell your wife how pretty she is. Everybody happy!

7. Obey first, you can ask God later. 

8. A selfie-a-day will keep your friends away.

9. People can change … by the grace of God.

10. Your kids will follow what you do, not just what you say.

11. It takes the same effort to inspire people and to lecture people. You might as well inspire them.

12. Teach your kids to choose their friends well. Don't just impart knowledge, but also discernment.

13. The husband or the father is the spiritual leader of the family. Yes, you are.

14. Value friendships. Be the kind of friend who sticks closer than a brother.

15. Sometimes the smartest person in the room isn't the loudest one, but the quiet one. Listen more, speak less. 

16. Develop one talent, skill or ability at a time. And then when you are great at it, you can learn another one. 

17. Just be you. You don't need to be "the next ____________" of the industry.

18. Be "easy to work with." But to be able to do that, it will take a lot of effort on your part.

19. Surround yourself with people who will help you overcome your self doubts. People who aren't afraid to say "this could work."

20. There's a big connection between what you learn and what you earn. To earn more, learn how to do the challenging or the stuff other people aren't willing to figure out.

21. Set aside a part of your income – even before you get it.

22. If you are going to be working everyday for the rest of your life, you might as well choose the people you work with. 

23. The best idea doesn't always win. People don't just buy ideas. First, they will buy into the people behind the idea. 

24. Fail early. It's better to close a business while you are 25 than to lose everything when you are 60.

25. Don't be driven by hype. Always do the math.

26. Don't borrow money (you can't pay) to put up a business you haven't tested.

27. Start small, get better. It's the series of progress the you accumulate over time that leads to breakthroughs.

28. Everybody wants more time and money, but not everyone knows what to do with it when they get it.

29. Always be on time. If not, be early.

30. Plan and then Do. Most people get stuck with planning.

31. We can wait out of fear or out of faith. If we wait, even when we know it's time to act, then maybe we are just afraid to fail. But if we wait, convinced and trust that God will be the first to move, then our wait will not be vain.

32. You are where you are for a reason. Don't try to go on your own, let the Lord direct your steps.

33. The target is always moving. Don't ever think you've "nailed" it.

34. Preach what you practice.

35. Try to say "I'm sorry, I was wrong" more often. You'll skip the parts you might just regret.

36. Don't ever believe that you're not in any position to help. It may be little, but there's always something that you can do.

37. Honor the LORD in everything that you do. Your success is not your own doing, but a result of His favor.

–

YENG REMULLA is the author of the books, Productive Pinoy & Start Something. Read the book reviews HERE.

Read More...

Ang Reklamador

Giving out criticism isn't a good way to spend your time, nor should it be your way of life.

If you need to criticize, make sure it's to build up, to improve or to give new courage to someone. (or else you're just complaining or ranting)

And for you to be able to do that, you need to be a respectable model of what you're talking about. Yes, everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but many times the wisest thing to do is to keep it to yourself, and learn from the situation. (unless you're asked)

It's easy to point out a mistake. We are all good at that, but I would suggest, focus on the solution. Better yet, do something.

Besides, that's what you're there for.

Read More...

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

Read More...

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 11:2) Be willing to listen. Consider the point of view of others. Put other people first and be of service to them. 

Read More...

RICH DAD, BANKRUPTCY, AND A FEW LESSONS LEARNED

Rich Dad Poor Dad best-selling author Robert Kiyosaki filed for Bankruptcy for one of his companies after losing a lawsuit. (By the way, he owns more than ten companies)

And as someone (me) in the real estate business, I thought I'd share my thoughts about this. 

I used to be a Kiyosaki fan in the late 90s. I've read a lot of his books. The ideas presented in his book was 'fresh and revolutionary' at that time. 

"Financial Literacy" quickly became a buzz word those days. Every "business opportunity" presentation can't go without the "cash-flow quadrant" powerpoint!

I kept buying the Rich Dad books. (along with other business books) Until one day, while reading, I realized that he was just saying the same thing over and over again in all of his books. So I took what I could apply in my business and moved on. (people tend to idolize him)

Some of the ideas worked for me. Some didn't. 

As an entrepreneur and a real estate investor, here are a few personal lessons I'd like to share. 

Disclaimer: These are my personal realizations – it may or may not work for you.

1. Invest in the "right property" or real estate. 

Not all properties are good investments. You need to do your homework. 

I own a small real estate company that operates 33 rental units today. Owning these assets has worked for me. I guess collecting money from 'rent' has been a good idea – even before Robert Kiyosaki was born. 

2. Avoid Irresponsible Borrowing. 

You can use fire to cook, to heat or to light. But too much fire can also burn down the house. Irresponsible borrowing is playing with fire. 

Borrowing money for an unproven business is a bad idea. Should you borrow money for your business, make sure it's to expand what's already working for you. Don't speculate if you can't afford it! – a painful lesson I needed to learn first hand. 

The best way to start is to start small. Then find a way to scale up. 

Patience and consistency will take you a lot further. 

3. Like Mr. Kiyosaki, I'm also an author. The royalties/income from book sales here may not be as much, but it's opening new doors for me. So, I guess that's a good idea. 

A well-written book is also something that you can leave behind to your children. 

4. Rich dad says, "your house isn't an asset, but a liability." Well, you have to live somewhere. He can call it whatever he wants, but for me, i'll call it "my home." 

I guess what he simply meant was: Be wise when purchasing a home. Do you really need a big house with a big mortgage? Or would you put your money in a "luxurious car" when you can buy a more practical one and invest the rest somewhere more profitable?

The bible offers the best advice "Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." – Proverbs 24:27

5. A "good name" is still more valuable than riches. 

This is not the first time Mr. Robert Kiyosaki was sued. 

The sad part is that he has been sued by someone close to him (Sharon Lechter) and by someone who has helped him in a big way. (The Learning Annex)

The Takeaway: Be diligent. Be financially literate. Be successful. But don't neglect the most important – your reputation and your character. 

The best gift you can give to your children is 'a good reputation' that they can carry with them. 

The best gift you can give to yourself is knowing in your heart that you tried your best to do what's right – even when no one else was looking, counting or expecting.

* * *

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

Read More...

CAN YOU 'ATTRACT' MONEY?

I don't think you can attract "money." 

You can only attract PEOPLE who'd like to work with you, do business with you, or buy from you because ...

1. You're good at what you do. 

2. You're easy or fun to work with. 

3. You're brand is interesting.

Now, if you want to become (financially) rich, follow the above three and practice good financial management along with it.

Don't ever think that you can 'magnetize' money. Money is earned by delivering something of value – or is a gift out of someone else's generosity. 

Many times, getting "rich" has nothing to do with money, but a lot to do about servanthood, discipline and good stewardship.

* * *

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

Read More...

"IT CAN'T BE DONE."

"It can't be done" can be received in two ways. You can accept it as it is – or you can take it as a challenge and make it into the most motivating statement you've ever heard. 

When you reach for the skies, the impossible can become possible.

* * *

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

Read More...

8 LESSONS I'VE LEARNED AS AN ENTREPRENEUR

I was invited by the UP Alliance of Economics and Management Students to give a talk on the subject of 'Entrepreneurship'. Among the speakers were Ms. Janina Saspa (a young entrepreneur) and bestselling author, Mr. Chinkee Tan.

We had an awesome time interacting with the students. That's why I thought I'd share the key points of what I talked about to you.


Here are the 8 Lessons That I've Learned as an Entrepreneur:

1. Entrepreneurship is fun. 
I didn't dream to become an entrepreneur. I grew up thinking it was something only serious people do.

I was surprised to find out later on that it's really fun to be an entrepreneur. It has changed the way I view "work."

It's fun to help your customers. It's fun to provide jobs. It's fun to be able to use your creativity. It's fun to watch your competitors panic when you've come up with something different.


2. You're never too young to start a business. 
I was only 18 when I started my first business. It was a tiny video shop (Remember VHS tapes?) in one corner. I've learned a lot by running that small business. It has played a big part on how I became an entrepreneur.


3. It's not just business, it's personal. 
Did you know that Yahoo offered Mark Zuckerburg to buy Facebook for $1 Billion last 2008? Why didn't he sell?

Here's my guess... For Mark Zuckerburg, it's not just business, it's personal.

Putting up a business requires some (if not, a lot of) money. Not only that, it also takes a lot of time and effort to build a business. (you'll come up with creative ideas you wouldn't have thought of if it wasn't your business)

When you consider all of these, "Business isn't just business." It's personal.


4. Dream Big.
As an entrepreneur, you will realize that the 'opportunities' are limitless. The possibilities are endless.

But you shouldn't grab every opportunity that goes your way. Here's how to find out what to pursue – 7 Steps to a Simple Business Plan.


5. Start Small.
The danger with "dreaming big" is the assumption that you need to "start big" as well. This is why only a few people become entrepreneurs. Throughout history, you will find out that many successful entrepreneurs started small.

Did you know that Steve Jobs started Apple in his own garage? While Michael Dell (15th richest man in America) started assembling and selling computers in his college dorm room?

6. It's not just about you or your product, it's about your customers. Change is happening fast. There are products or services that will become outdated. (Like my VHS tapes rental) Businesses will come and go.

At the end of the day, it's not just about you or your product, it's about your customers. You only have a business as long as you have customers who are willing to pay you.

An entrepreneur should always be in tune with what people 'will' want or need.


7. Think differently.
The best time to do "marketing" is not after launching your product, it's before creating it. You can't compete just by reacting to what your competitors are doing. Instead of just competing with price or with more features, find a way to be interesting.


8. Entrepreneurs can contribute to positive change. 
By creating jobs, by supporting community projects or causes, or by other means, as an entrepreneur, I'm given the chance to give back to my community.

Entrepreneurship is not just about making money, it's also about making a contribution.

–

I'll be giving a talk on Entrepreneurship or "Starting a Business" this August 3, Saturday in Ortigas. If you want to put up or grow your business, this will be an interesting learning session for you.

By the way, the first 30 to register will get a free START SOMETHING Book! 

To register, go to: www.startlearningph.com or email startlearningph@gmail.com

Read More...

3 WAYS TO BE POSITIVELY UNFORGETTABLE

1. Do something epic.

Whether the result is an epic fail or an epic win, those who are willing to take risks are the ones that will realize their full "potential." They become unforgettable by maximizing their talents or abilities to benefit others. 

Put out your best work. Go for an epic win. 

2. Make other people feel good about themselves.

An insecure leader will make the people around him... insecure.

An unforgettable leader will do the opposite, he makes himself relatable. Through his work, he makes the people around him feel good about themselves. 

3. Inspire laughter.

Laughter is the same in any language. Regardless of where you're from, laughter connects people. Unforgettable leaders know that people should laugh more often than needed. Progress almost always happens when it's interesting and fun!

Thank you Dolphy, the King of Comedy, (a.k.a Mang Kevin Cosme) for modeling the above three. 

* * *

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

Read More...

WHY FAILING CAN BE A GOOD REMINDER

After one success after another, failing the next one can be a good reminder.


1. You're not Superman. 
You're probably multi-talented. But hey, we all have our limits. The sooner you find out where your boundary lines lie, the earlier you can focus on the work where you can excel or contribute well.


2. There's still so much to learn. 
The problem with success is that it tricks you into thinking that you already know everything. "Been there, done that. Now, I can also do that" is an expressway to failure. Guard your heart, remain humble.


3. Success or Failure isn't final. 
A failed attempt is just what it is, a failed attempt. You can leave it behind as long as you don't quit. Don't get stuck, move on or try again.

Now, when you succeed again...remember #1 and #2.

* * *

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

Read More...

ON BEING A FATHER

A quote says, "There are three stages of a man's life:  He believes in Santa Claus, he doesn't believe in Santa Claus, he is Santa Claus." 

We find this funny! And yes, admittedly, as Fathers, sometimes we feel that we are Santa Clause! 

While providing for our family is a big role, there are also other roles we ought to play. As a dad, I am…

…a PLAYMATE to my 6-year old son. Every night, Jaden would ask me, "Dad, can you play Tekken-6 with me?" I'd intentionally let him win the game from time to time. (Don't tell him!)

…a TEACHER/ENCOURAGER to my 9-year old son. Russel loves to sing. And every time I hear him, I'd say, "Wow Russ, you really sing well!"

…a COACH/ADVISER to my 13-year old son. Trey is now a teenager. I can't and shouldn't treat him the same way I treat his brothers. Over the years, I've seen him grow wiser. He is now capable of making decisions on his own. My role now as a father is to guide/coach him to make the right choices.

1. The first step is "to make a connection." They'll be eager to listen to you when they know that you're in tune with them. 

2. Teach them the important lessons in life. Before you do this, don't forget #1. 

As a father, the most important lesson for my children is this, "The only way to enjoy your life is to fear the Lord." (see Deut. 6:2) And the best way for me to teach this is to model it myself.

* * *

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

Read More...

TWO THINGS MANNY PACQUIAO WON

Photo Credit: Yahoo  / Marsh Starks – Reuters

In his fight with Tim Bradley, Manny Pacquiao may have deserved that belt, but he gained more.

After watching how Manny accepted the judges' decision with grace and self-control, he has earned our respect and admiration.

1. RESPECT

Manny says, "Let's give credit to Bradley. He did well tonight, I respect him, and that's the decision. I respect the officials. … It's part of the game, I give thanks to the Lord."

Manny knew he should've won and yet, he chose to be a gentleman. He could've been mad at the judges or could have blamed someone else. Instead, he gave Bradley his "time to shine" (it didn't last long though) For that, Manny, you've earned our respect. 

2. ADMIRATION

As a Christian, it's easy to question God and say, "Why God?!?" Yet, you see a man who is humble before the Lord. Even after a questionable defeat he says, "I give thanks to the Lord." 

It's easy to thank God when you're winning. But to thank the Lord at all times? (in this case, losing) That's always easier said than done! 

And yet, he did.  

I believe that his renewed faith gave him security. He knows that he is not just a title holder – there's more into his identity.

I'm excited to see what's next in the life of this champion.

* * *

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

Read More...

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.

Read More...

Practice something daily.

Habits are formed when we do something repeatedly.

Early last year, I tried to go to the gym for 21 days – straight. It worked.

For more than six months, I formed the discipline to go to the gym everyday. (My wife called it a miracle.)

Here's the thing...

When I decided to do it three times a week instead... guess what happened?

You bet.

There's something about 'daily practice' that makes it sustainable.

[Photo Credit]

* * *

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

Read More...

BE A GOOD FINISHER

[Photo Credit : jayneandd]

Progress is good.

Looking back to see what you've accomplished so far can be a useful motivation.

However, that isn't true for everyone. For some, it's become a permission to slack off – "Anyways, we're halfway there" the mind justifies.

You're allowed to feel good about your ‘progress’, but let's hold off the victory party until you are 100% done!

Finishers don’t let their small victories get in the way. Their mission is clear. They know what they came for – to finish what they started.

* * *

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

Read More...