"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.

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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.

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THINGS NOT TO FORGET WHEN TRAVELING

We've been traveling a lot lately. Three days ago, we just came home from Baguio. Tomorrow, we'll be on a flight to Cebu for a short vacation. I guess it's that time of the year again.

Over the years, I've kept a list of things to purchase, prepare, or bring every time we travel. The last thing that you want is to forget something (and incur add expenses) while on your trip. 

Here's a list of what you may need for your summer get away.

PLANNING 
☐ Buy your tickets in advance. (Plane, ferry or bus) I know how hard you've worked (stalked) to get that 'piso fare' seat sale.

☐ Plan the itinerary. Maximize the fun. Leave room for adjustments though, don't stress people out by being too rigid or too strict. Plan, but remain flexible!

☐ When traveling without the kids – Fix their schedule at home. Make sure they'll have fun things to do as well. Perhaps, you can invite their cousins or friends to sleep over?

☐ Traveling with a child on a plane? Here's a trick. Surprise him with a toy he's been wanting to buy. Don’t show it until you are on the plane. This should keep 'em busy.

Reminder: Make sure it's a single piece. You don't want toy parts falling off. Or else you'll spend your time on the airplane picking up toys on the floor.

☐ Buy a “hand carry” bag. The more pockets, the better. This should make it easy for you to compartmentalize your stuff. Empty your pockets and put it all in there. (for faster security checks)

☐ For long flights – Bring a book, an ebook, or put a movie in your iPad, iPod or gadget. Catch up with The Walking Dead episodes or finally read what the 'Hunger Games' craze is all about.

☐ Arrange/prepare your transportation. Make sure you have somebody to pick you up from the airport. Unless you are planning to take a cab. (also for your return trip)

☐ Road trip – Load the luggage the night before your departure. Relax, and worry no more.

☐ Prepare the car – Make sure your car is ready. Your car might be dying to get a tune up. Check the oil. Fill-up the fuel. Pump the tires.

☐ Check the spare tire. Make sure your tools are complete. (It's time for your neighbor to return the screw driver he borrowed last summer!)



DEPARTURE DAY 
☐ Leave some emergency money at home.

☐ Leave the contact numbers of people to call just in case of an emergency. Stick it to the ref!

☐ Traveling on a budget? Eat at home or bring some snacks instead of buying food in the airport. A decent meal in the airport will cost you at least P200 or $4 per person.

☐ Contact info/business cards of people you will need to meet on your trip. (business / leisure trips)

☐ Wear something comfortable. Avoid anything that will give you a hard time when passing the metal detectors!

☐ Easy slip-on shoes – for faster security checks.


INSIDE YOUR HAND CARRY / BAG 
☐ Camera – Photos may be important to you, but don't overdo it to the point that your children thinks you're a paparazzi.

☐ Rechargeable Batteries, Memory Disks, Film, Tapes – (Jurassic era)

☐ Your mobile phone and iPod

☐ Shades, Cap, Headband, etc.

☐ Print out of your plane e-ticket if you bought it online.

☐ Passports, 2 valid IDs and other important documents you may need.

☐ Your wallet / credit card (stash some cash away somewhere else just in case you lose your wallet)

☐ Loose change for small purchases and for tipping.

☐ If you are flying long hours, bring a book or an ebook that you can read.

☐ Chocolates?

☐ Medicines (Bioflu, Benadryl, Tempra) [know the bottle size allowed on the plane]


INSIDE YOUR LUGGAGE
☐ Chargers - Phone, iPod, iPad, Camera and Laptop.

☐ USB Storage, cables, adapters, etc.

☐ Clothes, accessories, shoes & slippers

☐ Extra bag for dirty clothes

☐ Traveling with Children – Bring some toys. Leave the bulky ones.

☐ For swimming – goggles, snorkeling gear, sunblock lotion/spray, swimwear, beach toys, beach bag, etc.


How do you keep your travel free of headaches? Share your ideas to us. Feel free to print this page in case you want to use it as a checklist!

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3 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WORK

1. Contribute.

You are part of a team (company) not just to perform certain duties, but to contribute to its success. You'll know you are in the best placement when you add value, not only to the company, but to others as well. 

The work that you do [should] matter. 

2. Learn new things.
The classroom may teach you a thing or two, but real learning happens on-the-job – in real life experiences. 

Your willingness to learn (and poke around) now will determine what you will be able to do later in your career or in your life. Yes, you may not like your job today, but learning from it may still be useful.

3. Build life-long relationships.

Companies may fold, jobs may be outsourced, even our own interest may change. One thing that won't go away is our need to 'relate' with others. 

You don't have to go to work just for the sake of work. Relationships do matter. It is what makes us human.

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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.

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BE AN EXTRAORDINARY PINOY

Pinoys are masters when it comes to blending in or pakikibagay.

We can easily conform and go with the flow. We are careful not to make a scene. To be called as 'one of the guys' will always be counted as a compliment. If needed, we will even exert an extra effort not to be seen as 'different'.

We try not to stand out because we are afraid to be misunderstood.

You will notice this in simple conversations. When someone compliments a person, “ang galing mo naman,” the initial response would be, “hindi naman... nahirapan nga ako eh." Instead of just saying “Thank you”, we try to be modest.

Or maybe you've had this conversation with your friend...

Friend: "Huy, ang ganda naman ng shirt mo." 

You: "Divi lang yan."

Friend: "Ows?"

You: "Oo no, inutang ko lang nga yan eh!"

She didn't ask where you bought it! But somehow, you answered this way because you don't want her to think it's expensive or that you've spent for yourself.

It's the same with our work. We don't want the people around us to think that we are too good or too competitive. We'd rather wait for a go signal than take initiative because we don't want to be labeled as 'bibo'. So, we stick to the predictable. We avoid being a stand out. We conform and do only what's expected or required.

There's nothing wrong with being extraordinary.

The difference between the ordinary and extraordinary is the word 'extra'. It's through these 'extras' that you're able to contribute – uniquely. It's how you make an impact in the lives of others. It's what you bring to the table. It's what others can't offer, and only you can. It's how you differentiate yourself, in a good way.

Let your unique style add color to the big picture.

It's OK to be an extraordinary Pinoy. It's OK to stand out.


Photo Credits

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ADVICE FOR JOBSEEKERS

If you're wondering...

"Bakit kaya wala pa ring tumatawag? Fleasing fersonality naman ako! Namumuti na buhok ko kakahintay for a job interview!"

Here are some things that you may want to consider:

(1) How many résumés did you send?
Jobseekers tend to send résumés to one or two companies and expect something to happen immediately. That's a common mistake.

First, most companies put out hiring announcements months before they need to hire. While you're desperate, waiting for a call, there's a chance that the company (you sent your résumé to) is just taking it easy. They're not in a rush to hire.

Second, if you need a job soon, why not apply to at least 15 companies? Imagine, if two of those companies decide to hire you after the interview, you still get the privilege of choosing one. (Ikaw pa ngayon ang mayabang! You can say, "I turned down their offer." Mas' ok di ba?)

By not sending more of your résumé, you've imposed a limit on yourself. But if you'll submit more, you'll have more options.

(2) Apply for a job that fits you. (work you are good at)
Putting in your résumé "any job available" is not a wise idea. The company you want to work for knows what kind of talent they're looking for.  So should you.

(3) The résumé shouldn't be all about you.
It's about the job you're applying for. Show the employer how you fit into the job position. If given the chance to work for the company, how will you contribute?

(4) Is your résumé presentable?
People will always judge a book by its cover. So will employers judge you by the kind of résumé you submit. After a quick look, they'll decide if you're worth giving the 'air time' for an interview.

• Check for correct grammar and spelling – attention to detail is important. 

• Use quality paper – To stand out from a stack of résumé, print it on premium paper. Don't pinch a penny in exchange for not getting a monthly income.

• Attach a photo that's taken by a professional photographer. Don't crop your head shot from one of your barkada's photo.

• Keep your design clean and elegant. Avoid adding unnecessary elements that will add clutter. (No floral design or glitters please)

• Instead of just listing your previous job title, emphasize the contribution you made from your last employment.

• Remember, the purpose of a résumé is not to get you a job, but to make yourself interesting so that you can get an interview.

(5) Consider working for a small business owner.
Unlike a big corporation, small business owners conduct the interview themselves. They are more inclined to chat longer and they tend to decide based on gut feel.

If you're trustworthy enough, they might even promote you as 'kanang kamay'.

(6) Get more experience.
Work for free. Did I just hear someone say, "What?... Free?"

Yes, free.

The best way to convince an employer to hire you is to show them what you can do. Sometimes just referring to the résumé won't do you justice. But if they can see how well you work with others, they'll be more than willing to hire you as soon as a job position is available.

Even if they don't, you can still add the work experience into your credentials.

(7) Find a mentor.
Who do you want to emulate? Maybe an uncle who runs a business? Or a family friend who is also an executive in a reputable company?

Ask him to be your mentor. Let him bring you around and teach you. Ask him how he started. Listen to his advice. If he sees you eager enough, he might help you get started.

(8) Get rid of the 'entitlement' attitude.
I've met jobseekers who thinks that the government or private companies owe them a job. (I'm sure you don't think this way!) They don't owe us anything.

It's our duty to look for a job.  We are responsible for our own future.

Now, the pointers above are just some tips on how to get a job-interview.  The interview itself is another matter.

Apply what you've learned here. And then go learn some more.

_

Attend a FREE Productive Pinoy Talk this October 27 2012. 
4pm-7pm. Big Shift Events Hall Makati Avenue.

To register for free, click HERE.

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"STEADY KA LANG"

  

 

  

We live in an accelerated world. Everything is moving fast.

Today, even the pizza gets to your home faster than the police. To get an answer, it only takes a second for Google to answer. With a few clicks, you can plan your travel anywhere around the world, no need to fall-in line to consult a travel agency.

What we used to do for hours or days, we do it now almost instantly.

That's why we are not used to waiting anymore. To the point that we think waiting is hard, even if it's just sitting it through.

It's also the reason why sometimes, when we don't get what we want instantly, we move-on. We move on, not to better alternatives, but to wrong choices. 

Waiting is good for us. Many times it's God's way of strengthening us. It's His way of preparing us for greater work. 

Pretty much like a how a butterfly waits before it can fly. A small caterpillar comes out from an egg. (first instar) His one and only job – to eat continuously.

Even if he is in a hurry, the caterpillar needs to crawl, slowly.  He knows he'll be a butterfly someday, yet no amount of positive thinking can make him fly. Not yet.

Because his skin can't grow with him, he then grows a new skin underneath, and then he lets go of his old skin. (molting) Like a boring routine, he repeats this molting over and over again – five times.

He matures slowly. Stage by stage. Little by little. Can you imagine him being impatient?

For the last time, he molts again, but this time differently. The new skin underneath forms the outer shell of the chrysalis. (Pupa - Similar to a Cocoon)

At this time, his mission is clear –  to wait.

He can't go anywhere. He can't move forward. But nonetheless, even if no activity is seen on the outside, transformation is happening inside. His body transforms. His wings are fully formed. 

After 10 to 14 days of waiting, the butterfly is ready to see the world, differently.

It may sound ironic, but sometimes, the 'best move' for us is to WAIT. You may feel that nothing is happening, but there is a great possibility that transformation is happening inside you.

No matter what happens, never, ever, make the wrong choice – only because you can't wait.

The next time a friend tells you, "Steady ka lang", consider his advice. It might be good for you.

Photo Credits

  

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Magaling ang Pinoy makisama.

  
Survey says that the number one success factor of distinguished Entrepreneurs are credited to their ability to get along with people.

That's an advantage for us Pinoys in the world of business. We are known to be easy to get along with. “Pakikisama” is a positive trait we are known for.

Maybe it's also one of the many reasons our OFWs succeed in foreign countries. Majority of Pinoys are easy to get along with, easy to please and easy to talk to.

We can use this pakikisama trait to productive use. Not for others to take advantage of us, but for us to be able to sincerely help others succeed.

If you're good at getting along with people, you will attract people who'll be more than willing to help you succeed as well.

Productive Tips:

• Eradicate crab-mentality. Let’s celebrate when one of ours succeeds.

• Let’s not think of ourselves highly than others, but consider others better

• Let’s participate and support projects that will build a better community

 
  

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BE MEMORABLE

   

I took the photo below when we had our vacation in Bangkok last December. We stayed there for 5 nights. 

One of our main agenda was to enjoy it's local food. We ate in familiar places like the Siam Center, MBK, Center World and the Suan lum Night Market. Whether in a food court or in a nice restaurant, I would make it a point to order Pad Thai.

One night, after going on a bargain shopping in the 'Baiyoke' Pratunam area, we passed by an alley with a couple of street food vendors. It was a lane filled with irresistible delicacies.

From afar, I noticed a corner with a lot of people standing around something. It was like a commotion.  Now, because I came from the country of uziseros, I stopped and looked what's the buzz all about. Who knows? Maybe it's Jackie Chan.

It was this Pad Thai vendor.

I stopped for a few minutes to watch him cook. One by one, he placed the ingredients gracefully, like an action movie scene in slow motion. He worked flawlessly. He made cooking like an artwork.

He gave me no choice, but to order. Besides, no one stopped me. (Obviously, my wife was too busy..... shopping)

For only 40 Baht (70% less of what I paid in the restaurant), that was the best Pad Thai I've tasted in Bangkok. 

As of writing, I've forgotten what's the food like in MBK or Siam, but I definitely won't forget this guy who made this awesome Pad Thai.

When it comes to your work, are you memorable?

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The Lack of Capital (Lesson from Thomas Edison)

"To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk." 

- Thomas Edison

It's the way we think that determines the way we act. 

Again and again, we've heard from successful individuals the words "Think big". But  because we have too little to start with, we tend to ignore the advice.

'Thinking big' doesn't require you to start big today. There is nothing wrong with starting small. (Bootstrapping)  In fact, it's one of the wisest advice I've ever received. (in which I used to ignore before) 


You don't have to bet everything that you have today.

Find out what you have that's usable. Mix it with your imagination.

Whether it's a business idea, a project or a personal aspiration, you can still build something remarkable.

Be patient. Experiment and poke around. Sooner or later, you'll figure things out.

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Do what you love. Love what you do.

Sometimes work can be very tiring. The routine of work can get really mechanical. (tiring and boring)

If you are facing this dilemma, you have two options:

1. Do what you love.

- or -

2. Love what you do.

Either way, you will have to enjoy or love what you do in order to achieve success. Sticking it out for the money is fine — temporarily. But later on you will have to decide for the long-term.

So I guess the temporal thing is to “learn to love what you do” now but in the near future, the ultimate goal Is to “do what you love”.

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My Favorite Zig Ziglar Quote

People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily. 

- Zig Ziglar

Dreaming is easy. 

Reaching your goals or dreams will take a lot of hard work, persistence and sacrifice. The hardest part is to be able to sustain your efforts towards your BHAG. (Big-Hairy-Audacious- Goals)

As the leader, you will have to be the one to speak hope everyday. Make sure the rewards are awesome to keep you going. If not, why bother to pursue? Find ways to motivate yourself (and your team) daily.

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BEFORE STARTING A BUSINESS ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS!

Before you start a business, the first question shouldn't be how to make money. Yes, it's a good question, but it shouldn't be the first one.

Instead ask the following:

"How can I help the people (in my community) solve their problems?"
 
"What can be done in a better and efficient way?"

"Will I enjoy doing this?" [assuming you will be involved in the business operations]


 Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcobellucci/3534516458/


Answering these questions will lead you to a workable business venture. 
The third question is an important one. Because if it's not enjoyable for you, it won't be a sustainable one.

Start-up businesses fail when it's based on wishful thinking rather than actual need or demand for the service or products offered. Don't fall in love easily with "ideas–that–no–one–thought of yet". Instead, understand this simple concept ...

"I make money by helping people" ...

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CHANGE YOUR LIFE THIS 2010 WITH TWO SIMPLE QUESTIONS

Two questions that can change your life from Daniel Pink on Vimeo.


Why don't you share with us "what's your sentence?" ... Don't hesitate to leave your ideas here and post a comment =D

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WHEN TO QUIT?

No! I don't like quitting. I admire people who are persistent.


Even if you've heard the line, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER QUIT, there are just things in life that we should turn away from. 

Here are 50 things you should quit in your lifetime. (Relationships, Health, Finance, Job, Business, Investing)


ON THE JOB

QUIT...
(1) a job that takes too much attention or doesn't leave time for your family

(2) work that forces you to compromise... morally

(3) careers or activities you are not good at

(4) work that won’t fulfill your financial responsibilities no matter how good you do

(5) a dead end job – quit eventually. The promotion is probably outside.

(6) a project that does not end

(7) from a company without any direction

(8) your boss if you won't learn anything from him

(9) doing something you don’t enjoy (or something that won’t bring any reward in the end)

(10) sleeping on the job. Do your best and show them what you got.


RELATIONSHIPS

QUIT...
(11) a relationship that is not meant to be

(12) a relationship that puts you in a compromise

(13) a relationship that drains you (consistently)

(14) telling people what to do if you are not practicing it yourself

(15) fishing for compliment – encourage someone instead

(16) the team if you're the reason they won't win (hopefully this will bring you to your area of expertise or proper placement)


LIFE

QUIT...
(17) a vice or any activity that negatively affects your heath

(18) activities that will not take you to the fulfillment of your goals

(19) activities that will just distract you or keep you out of focus

(20) running away from problems – find a solution

(21) predicting the future... nobody knows...

(22) being a victim. Be a victor.

(23) waiting – and start anticipating

(24) complaining – do something about it instead

(25) thinking that the grass is greener on the other side –water your garden!

(26) the status quo – stretch.

(27) thinking that it is hard – life is good but it's not a picnic

(28) day dreaming – do something

(29) pretending to be somebody you're not – you’ll be glad to meet your real self

(30) diets that will only give temporary results – change your lifestyle

(31) your gym membership – you don’t go to the gym anyway

(32) laughing at your own jokes – put some sense in your humor

(33) being an expert in a subject you are not

(34) pretending to be strong when you're weak or that you're fine when you're not

(35) focusing on your weaknesses – instead capitalize on your God-given talents

(36) singing even if you can sing well in the bathroom – hire a vocal coach!


BUSINESS, MONEY & INVESTING

QUIT...
(37) giving away freebies that your customers doesn’t appreciate

(38) services that does not add value to customers

(40) making excuses for lousy products and offerings – improve!

(41) running away from hard customers – serve them or drop them

(42) a marketing campaign that does not build loyal customers

(43) serving unprofitable markets – find a profitable niche

(44) lowering your price and start competing on value and quality

(45) teaching somebody who is not teachable

(46) overspending – start saving and investing

(47) get rich quick thinking – get rich slowly but surely

(48) investments that does not allow you to sleep well at night

(49) a business that brings money out of your pocket instead of putting in

(50) working for money. Find a way to make money work for you instead.

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HOW NOT TO HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON

My cousin had problems waking up early in the morning. He is always late for work. 

Every time his alarm rings, his arms would automatically reach for the snooze button. It's a reflex most of us are familiar with.

Habits are things that are formed by repetition. For many years, his arms and hands were programmed to stretch out and press that snooze button. (even if he is still half asleep or half awake)

Whenever you press snooze, you'll instantly get another 10 minutes of sleep. The question – how many times can you press the snooze button? Once, twice or thrice?

But what if you hit the wrong button? You hit “stop” instead! You can always tell your boss that it was traffic or an accident slowed you down. (or you can just tell him that you accidentally pressed the snooze button)

I gave my cousin a few tips that I thought would only work for me.

1.) Set an annoying alarm tone. Not the cute sounding tones.

2.) Place your alarm at least five steps away from you. Make sure it's not within your reach. You'll be forced to get up.

3.) Never go back to bed!

After several days, he thanked me and said it worked for him. He is always early for work. But I’m not sure though how long that lasted!

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