Showing posts with label Success. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Success. Show all posts

WORK & REST





Give your best at work. Do more than what is required. Make people (customers or stakeholders) happy.

But right after that, draw a line and set your boundaries. Get some rest, invest your time with your family, or make time for your health. Don't let "anxious toil" drive your everyday life. 

Yes, there will always be more work to do tomorrow. But God also gives rest to his loved ones and faithfully provides even when you are asleep. 

Let go of your guilt – take your rest. Tomorrow, you'll get a new day to give your best. 


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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.




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How To Do The Impossible




Many confuse doing the "impossible" with doing it "instantly."

To do the impossible, start with the workable. Win small fights because that will eventually lead you to bigger fights. Celebrate, take what you learn, and then set another goal – a bit bigger than the previous one. Repeat.

In the long run, you'll realize that it's not just about the goal. It's about believing. It's about persevering. It's about the character building.

Great work (careers, businesses or advocacies) takes time to build. And that's fine. The impossible work becomes possible one day at a time.

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…" Zechariah 4:10

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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"Ano bang trend ngayon?"


"Ano bang trend ngayon?"

Many aspiring entrepreneurs start with this question. But they fail to see that a trend may lead in two different directions – the upward trend and the down trend.

Copying a business concept because it's "uso" is one of the riskiest thing you can do. Don't assume that if it worked for them, that it will work for you too.


Look at what the market really needs, take inventory of your competencies, and then ask yourself if this is something you'd be willing to work hard on. 

Take that into consideration and then develop a product, a service or a concept that people (your customers) won't find elsewhere. 


YENG REMULLA is the author of the best-selling books Productive Pinoy & Start Something. An entrepreneur for 15 years, a real estate investor and the founder partner of START LEARNING.




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WORK VS. PRISON





Here's something I read online. I thought I'd be good to share it before we start the work week. 

IN PRISON... you spend the majority of your time in an 8X10 cell.
AT WORK... you spend the majority of your time in a 6X8 cubicle.

IN PRISON... you get three meals a day.
AT WORK... you only get a break for one meal and you have to pay for it.

IN PRISON... you get time off for good behavior.
AT WORK... you get more work for good behavior.

IN PRISON... the guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you.
AT WORK... you must carry around a security card and open all the doors for yourself.

IN PRISON... you can watch TV and play games.
AT WORK... you get fired for watching TV and playing games.

IN PRISON... you get your own toilet.
AT WORK... you have to share with someone who pees on the seat.

IN PRISON...they allow your family and friends to visit.
AT WORK...you can't even speak to your family.

IN PRISON... all expenses are paid by the taxpayers with no work required
AT WORK... you get to pay all the expenses to go to work and then they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners.

IN PRISON... you spend most of your life inside bars wanting to get out.
AT WORK... you spend most of your time wanting to get out or go inside bars.

IN PRISON... you must deal with sadistic wardens.
AT WORK... they are called managers.

So why is it, again, that we work?

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

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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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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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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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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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LIFE ISN'T A NUMBERS GAME





Life is not about...

...the number of 'stuff' you own. 
...the number of job offers you receive.
...the number of people you meet.
...the number of friends you keep.
…the number of countries you've been to. 

In your eulogy, people won't remember the numbers. 

But what they won't forget is how you made them feel, how you've touched their lives, and the kind of legacy you're about to leave behind. 

Don't just live for 'more'. Live more. 


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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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WHAT I'VE LEARNED OFFSTAGE FROM FRANCIS KONG, ALEX LACSON & LOIS YASAY






A few days ago, I spoke at the "iCHANGE: Winning Disciplines for Change" event in Bacolod featuring Francis Kong with Alex Lacson, Lois Yasay and Me

It's inspiring to hear Francis, Alex and Lois speak on stage, but to be in the same room or to share a meal with them is another learning experience I'd remember.


THREE LESSONS I'VE LEARNED OFFSTAGE

Francis Kong is the most sought-after speaker in the country. He has authored 10 books. He has a newspaper column and a radio show. He has received numerous awards. He has been invited to speak in the US, in Europe and all over Asia. On top of that, he is also a business owner. 

And yet, Francis would open the door for us, would take the back seat in the car, (even though we insisted that he take the front seat) order the same food, or even laugh and tolerate our (not-so-funny) jokes. Francis doesn't expect any kind of special treatment.

Me and Francis Kong



It's his 232nd time to speak this year. Over Inasal, I asked him "Do you still get intimidated as a public speaker?" He replied with "Oh, yes" and told me stories. You have no idea how comforting it feels to hear that. 

My Takeaway:  No matter how successful you are – remain humble and be of service to others. The purpose of "Success" is not entitlement or personal gratification, but it's to serve more people.


Us eating at Nena's – Manukan Country


















* * *


Just like Francis, Atty. Alex Lacson is also down-to-earth. (a bit surprising for a lawyer) He is the author of the best-selling book "12 Little Things You Can Do For Your Country." 

Atty. Alex sees the good in the Filipino. Listening to him has increased my appreciation for our country. 


Lei Patalinghog of One Awesome Company, Alex Lacson & Me

What most people don't know –– the income from his books is used to fund the schooling of 38 scholars. 

On stage or off-stage, Alex would say the same thing, even when nobody else is listening – there's something you can do for your country – even a small change can make a big difference.

My Takeaway: Instead of complaining, do something... even if it's a small thing. 


* * *


Lois Yasay is the co-founder of the award-winning travel blog "We are Sole Sisters.She's into traveling, surfing, and speaking. And while working, she's able to do all three. [see here]


Lois Yasay danced the "Americano" with 3,000 people 

We were already on the plane going to Bacolod when we first met Lois. My wife and I immediately felt comfortable with her. Somehow, she has a way of asking the right questions. (She's like Oprah stationed on a plane)

By disembarkation, she already knew the story behind my book, how I became a speaker, or even my wife's future travel plans.

While we were in Bacolod, Lois randomly met Jose Mari Chan, and somehow was able to chat with him (interview) about his passion as well. (See here)

Six months, six cities, three countries. Lois was passionate enough to quit her day job to travel the world – something people won't even dare do.  

Now I understand why Lois travels a lot. Lois is curious. She's a passionate learner. And I believe that makes her not only an effective speaker, but also an interesting one. 

My Takeaway: 
Learn from the people you meet, the place you are in, or the experiences that you go through. Live Curious. 



iCHANGE Speakers and Organizers

Alex Lacson, Francis Kong, Lois Yasay, David & Emily Go Villanueva (awesome organizers!)  Mimi Chua & Me. 


Me speaking to at least 2,500 people. "Start Something!"
















Special Thanks to Lei & Russel Patalinghog of One Awesome Company (They are really awesome)


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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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WALANG IMPOSIBLE! | QUEST | OPM IS ALIVE






I met Jose Villanueva III a.k.a "Quest" about almost a decade ago. We used to belong in the same music group in Church. We were both young then.

Even before, Quest was already passionate in what he does – making positive music. And even back then, I've seen 'Jose' encourage both young and old thru his music in a big way.

Today, his song "Sige lang" is the official fight song/anthem of Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Basketball Team who recently won the 2012 Williams Jones Cup.

"Sige lang" is also #1 in the MYXph.com charts.

His success is an inspiration for all of us. As the lyrics of the song goes, "Kasangga natin si Bathala. Walang imposible!"



Sige lang, laban pa at bumoto for Quest's "SIGE LANG" which is #1 on the MYX Daily Top Ten!

Just type: Sige Lang - Quest on the MYXph.com Voting Box!

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ROADBLOCKS





There are hundreds of reasons why your project or venture won't work once you start. Many things can (and will) probably go wrong. Rarely will it go according to plan.

But that's not the real problem...

The real problem is 'expecting' it to work the first time you try. 

People tend to quit the first roadblock they see. If you're facing one right now, don't quit. It simply means that you need an alternate route. Even a simple 'trial and error' can help you find a better way.  

As you progress, expect detours.

Remain faithful. You'll get there.


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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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EVERY NEW DAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY






For some people, it's a day to start all over. For others, it's a day to continue building. For a few, it's a day to seize a challenge. 

So, what day is it for you today?

Every new day is an opportunity to start, to build or to conquer.

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SERVICE LESSON I LEARNED FROM KRISPY KREME



I ordered two blended drinks from the counter. One for me and one for my son. We sat down and started doing our work. (I was working on something and my son was doing his school work)

We waited for our drinks and noticed that it was taking a bit longer than the usual. So, I stood up and politely asked the crew if the orders were ready. They told me they'll make sure to deliver it to my table as soon as it's ready.

After a few minutes, the drinks came along with two donuts.

Me: "I didn't order donuts."

Crew: "I'm sorry sir, your drink came in longer than the usual, the blender malfunctioned a bit. The donuts are for you. Thank you, sir, for waiting."

Me: "Ohhh… Thanks!"

I wasn't complaining. I wasn't even disappointed in any way. And yet, they gave me something to make up for this 'slight delay'. A simple "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting" would've been enough, but they chose to 'delight' me instead.

The typical service business would say, "Ok lang yan, di naman sila nag complain, sabihin mo pasensya na" but Krispy Kreme built generosity into their culture.  

The Takeaway for Businesses – Service excellence should be dictated by YOU (the service provider) and not just by your customers. You don't need to wait for a complaint to do something nice for the customer. 


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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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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.


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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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7 STEPS TO A SIMPLE BUSINESS PLAN





"What business should I put up?" 
That's usually the question. 


Richard Branson, serial entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Group (400 companies worldwide) says "Business opportunities are like buses, there's always another one coming."


That's true. But for starters, you don't need to be like Mr. Branson. Yes, there are many opportunities around you, but not all will be good or suitable for you. To be effective, you'll need to filter or figure out which one to pursue.


1. Find a need or a problem around you. (customers) Look around you. There are problems waiting to be solved.

And someone out there is responsible for that problem. He is looking for answers. (There are many others like him)

That could be you providing a service, a product or a solution to that group of people. 


2. Provide a Solution. (your service or product) 
What exactly can you do for them that could make their lives or work easier?

Old products or services were designed to solve old problems. The "old way" will go outdated. Sooner or later, it won't work for anyone anymore. 

Come up with a new way, a new approach, or a new business model. To be relevant, design your products or services to solve the problems of today and tomorrow. Don't merely ask your customers what they want, but anticipate and figure out what will work better for them. 

As Steve Jobs would say, "A lot of times, people don't know what they want until you show it to them."


3. What makes your Solution different? (marketing & branding)
In three sentences, what makes your service or product uniquely valuable? Why will they pick you and not the provider next door? How will you differentiate your offer?

Hint: Going cheaper than the competitor isn't always better. There's a possibility for you to end up just competing with price – In the end, nobody wins.

Providing "better customer service" is already every company's promise. Customers are already expecting you to give that to them whether you promise or not.

What can you possibly do to stand out?


4. Do the Math. (finance)
I know. You don't like math! However, you still need to know your numbers. 

Can you deliver your promise at the price they are wiling to pay for? Will you still make money? 

How much money do you need to run your business for the first six months?

How much "salary" do you need to pay yourself to make this venture work?

Is there a way that you can utilize new technologies to make your start-up cost-efficient?

There are more money-related questions to answer...


5. Is the business in line with what you do well? (competence)

Competence is the ability to do something successfully and efficiently. Will the quality of your work speak for itself?


6. Pray. (faith)
This isn't counter-productive. It's the most productive thing to do! Pray and ask God "Is this your will for me? Should I go into this business?" 

If the answer is no, then don't. It is only when you find peace that you should proceed. 


7. Do your homework. (diligence) 
Be the first to wake up and the last to go to sleep. Research! 

Did you know that Mark Zuckerberg started Facebook without a real business plan? The only time they figured out how to make money (monetization) was after getting millions of users. (as of 2012, Mark's personal wealth was estimated to be more that $19.1 billion) 

Dream Big. Start small. Above all, start today. Then update your business plan along the way.




Learn how to Start-up! YENG REMULLA will be one of the speakers at the "JUMPSTART YOUR SUCCESS" Workshop at the FORT BGC this Saturday, November 30. For details or to register, visit http://tinyurl.com/jumpstartevent

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THE SECRET TO SUCCESS






Walk into a bookstore aisle, you'll see hundreds of books with a title that reads something like "The Secret to Success."

It comes in different forms, sizes, colors – written by different authors from diverse industries. Every book attempts to unfold 'the secret' to building wealth. From attracting good 'vibes' to 'no money down' deals, you won't know which book to pick up first. You'll end up more confused.

There are many techniques, know-how or life skills one can learn. There are many stories that can inspire, motivate or move us toward our dreams.

But the question remains, "What is success to us?"

No doubt, more money in the bank, isn't. You've seen rich men die broke and empty. Even power, fame and fortune is a boring story you don't want to watch in the cinema nowadays.

Instead, most of us picture success as 'the good life.' Yes, the families you see in the insurance brochures, corned beef TV commercials and housing billboards. To some, it's about owning their own time and being able to do their own thing.

We've gone a step smarter. Now, we are not just after the money, but we are looking for freedom, healthy relationships, security, significance and meaning.

All of which we have the tendency to try to attain on our own.

No matter how smart, sincere or persevering we are, the day when "nothing seems to be working" comes. We try harder, but that seems to make things worst.

Don't quit.

Yes, a life of abundance is waiting for you, but you need to look in the right direction. You may need to take a u-turn. Go back to where you're supposed to be.

You may have forgotten that you were never alone. He has always been with you. He has witnessed your challenges. He felt your heartaches. He understands your situation.

There's no secret to success. It's been there for you to know all along. Stop looking in the wrong places.

"He who pursues righteousness (close & right relationship with God) and love, finds life, prosperity, and honor."  – Proverbs 21:21

Take a fresh look. Renew your pursuit.

Love God. Love your neighbors. Move within His favor.

Pursue Him.

Life, prosperity and honor will follow.



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