The year 2015 is a meaningful, unforgettable and worthwhile journey because I had the opportunity to interact and work with great people. I allowed people and situations took their own natural course without losing the essence of their purpose. I deliberately forego unnecessary and negative elements and vibes which were potential hindrances towards my destination. I did not rush the process. I have enhanced my skills, and developed a new mindset that resulted to fresh perspective in everything I do. There are basic questions as my guide posts in life:
- What is my vision and mission? How will I achieve them?
- Who will be the right individuals that will be engaged during my journey?
- Where shall I start and end? Why will I make things happen?
- How shall I measure the effectiveness and success of our actions?
All change begins in the mind along with the leading of the heart. I am very grateful for the dynamic volunteerism, commitment and engagement of several individuals at the national level all the way to the chapters and committees plus the benevolence of our member-companies, and partnership with PMAP leaders and professional staff which significantly resulted in the achievement of objectives and standards of our plan and programs. The fusion of our ideas and collaboration propelled us to DEFY LIMITS. As an HR community, we have traversed the waves of change and transformation by being more responsive in fulfilling our roles in the field of human resources management that stirred us to PERFORM BEYOND THE ORDINARY! Let me share some lessons I had in 2015:
- Know which direction to go: Have ‘SMART’ objectives.
Commitment, agility, passion, and tenacity are indispensable traits that prepared me and the team for the journey. We aimed not to sprint but explored solutions and gained new insights in the achievement of our team goals and objectives. It is not the distance that counts most but how we used our stance which covered the targeted distance.
Certain situations did not happen as intended but something far better or best was around the corner. Surprisingly, things turned out great other than the way I wanted to happen. I lifted up everything to God after I started the ball rolling. Subsequently, He took it from there by astounding me with superior solutions and options.
- Move forward: Maintain a stubborn positive attitude.
We stayed focus on our vision and mission, and did decisions for the common good. We encountered unknown origin or ‘grey items’. I simply reverted to questions such as, “Why will we do it? What is stated in the PMAP Constitution and By-laws, and Policies?” “What is the mandate given to us by our members?” Some distractions and obstacles tempted us to be out of focus from our goals and charter. We reflected, assessed, strategized and engaged the right people. We maintained a positive outlook. We were determined to start all over so everything was in their right places.
I advocated inclusivity and not exclusivity by reaching out to individuals and other associations through sharing of expertise, learning and great practices. Everyone created their respective purpose as they served. I moved forward ably supported by a high performing team.
- Be purposive: Participate in what life has to offer.
True value happens not as we defined our pathway towards our desired destination. We showed up on the road. We realized what we did altogether were part of the solutions. We appreciated more the unique abilities, strengths, talents, and kindness and sincerity of everyone because of our engagement.
We either complemented or completed one another, but we did not compete against each other. These have fitted well on what we committed and performed competently where we are good at.
We have valued real friendship over position. Everyone expressed their ideas, opinions and feelings without compromising integrity, trust, respect and professionalism. Each one shared equally same freedom, rights, privileges and flexibility. These fine-tuned our decisions and actions with fervour through a discernment process.
- Be Watchful, Be Happy, Be Thankful: Smile!
We recovered from limitations as a distinct moment of nourishing our character and caring for our well-being in terms of spirituality, health, intellectual, emotions and social life. We safeguarded our assignments and tasks through definition of the criteria and standards, and installed appropriate control check points. We were vigilant so there was no room for complacency and pessimism.
Happiness is a decision, not an experience. I can choose to be happy without what I thought I needed in order to be happy. I will be happy! I am adventurous in discovering my potentials, developing my talents and sharing these to others in the spirit of love. I have to be attentive on what is happening within and outside of me so I can unlearn, learn and relearn.
I am very thankful that He has granted us with bountiful graces and opportunities. God has allowed us to be united so we mix and match our strengths and passion without losing our own identity. Each person is gifted with talents and skills. Our unity is felt and measured on how we have loved and take good care each one, our family, and others in the companies and communities where we belong. We protect human dignity, safeguard people’s rights and provide decent work and first-rate environment.
- Be still: God knows perfectly when the right time is.
“Why things take so long?” This always reminds me when Jesus called St. Peter and St. Andrew: “As He was walking by the Lake of Galilee He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast into the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, ‘Come after me and I will make you fishers of people.’ And at once they left their nets and followed Him.” (Mathew 4:18-22)
Our Lord commissioned them and other apostles out on a journey. They didn’t immediately become the courageous and strong-willed evangelists. They waited for the Holy Spirit. It was through the journey that St. Peter developed into a great disciple Jesus called him to be. “And I say to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Mathew 16:18)
Trusting God and having the right people provided stability in our relationship and work processes anchored on principles and values which lead to positive results. Wait for the right time – not mine but “Thy will be done.”
The destination is in the mind, but the journey to achieve the goals matters most – exploring new ways, embracing a “never say no attitude”, meeting new people and accepting the ups and downs of life make the destination more exciting. Our respective journey either fortifies or weakens our character. The strength of character is enriched by the lessons learned. Character is developing properly as long as we do not compromise principles and values.
Victory comes from willingness and enthusiasm to shift outside of one’s comfort zone where a new episode will unfold. Be prepared. Be fit. Run the race well. To quit is not an option. Strive not to be a winner but to become a champion!
Be more appreciative on the surroundings. Be creative and innovative to add zest within and outside of work and personal life. Be patient, resilient and resourceful. Always remember, love the journey more than the destination!
God’s love, peace and bountiful graces be with you and your loved ones always. Deo gratias!