The following are list of things that were probably not taught to many of us in our younger years. Things that maybe we regret not knowing from the start, yet we will appreciate once we start practicing them now. This listing is based on the experiences of successful businessmen & experienced financial coaches themselves.
1) Rich people believe failures are essential part of growth and success. It is not a few times when we have been conditioned not to make mistakes -- whether at home, school or work. Most of us grew up "afraid to fail" because we're used to have it accompanied by a punishment. The worst is people in our past used these failures and mistakes against us, that made us go for the safer sail. Notice therefore that 90% of Filipinos would go for job security (afraid to take risks) rather than aim for perfection in business . Because we're afraid of the unknown and the unfamiliar, we'd rather not talk about money and instead go on with our mediocre life expecting everyday to be the same at the office. Yet, when you think of the most successful and the wealthiest people on earth, none of them talked about a perfect journey while in the process of getting rich. The successful people have also their share of downfalls & failures before and yet they made it to the top. The secret therefore is to strengthen your tolerance to failure, and to get yourself educated to lower the risk especially in doing business and investing.
2) Rich people are not the smartest, they just have better money management habits. The wealthiest of men practice proper handling of finances and allocating their income into different purposes (e.g. 50% of income goes to Necessities, 10% goes to Charity or Give Account). The discipline to stick to the habit is already within their being since they have been practising it for years. They are also skilled in differentiating Assets from Liabilities, and in handling their Financial Statements. They know for instance that Assets are properties that put money INTO their pockets while Liabilities are things that take money OUT of their pockets. The wealthy are skilled in updating their financial statements, means they're taking account of every peso & every centavo. For ordinary Filipinos to have access on how to start writing a financial statement, the rich recommend getting a mentor who can teach you the basics of personal & business finance. You'll discover that it really is just simple math, you don't need to be a wizard in order to become financially successful.
3) Rich people value the spirit & culture of sharing. In a world where most people think scarcity, the rich believe that resources are abundant and that the world is overflowing with opportunities. While the poor practice the infamous "crab mentality" habit (pulling down whoever's on top), the rich like the idea of seeing everyone succeed in business & life. You may have witnessed this among the circles of Chinese businessmen where they push each other to become richer because by then, their own businesses improve as well (i.e. they get more potential investors, people have more purchasing power, the economy gets stronger). The wealthy recommend an average person to practice sharing everyday -- share information, ideas, opportunities and resources to others so that once wealth is in his hands, he is ready to grow it. If one wants to be successful and truly wealthy, it is crucial that he gives up attachment to money and material wealth. The most valuable factor in your journey to becoming financially free is the mindset. It's not about how much you have now, but how ready you are for future wealth. Share what you have -- be a generous giver and an excellent receiver as well. Feel like you are already wealthy by having the "abundance mentality". The world is full of blessings & opportunities if you just look around & seek for them.
4) Rich people use the art and science of leverage in business. Leverage means using OPR or "Other People's Resouces" (i.e. time, money, talent, skills) to speed up one's growth in business and in life. It is indeed never new to the wealthy to define an authentic business as that with atleast 500 people working for the owner or with the owner as partners. It's just natural (a universal rule), nobody gets successful in life by doing it alone. That's why 90% of small business owners fail in the first 5 years due to mismanagement as backed up by DTI. Small businesses,specifically traditional ones, find it hard to expand with just a few workers because their income reaches a certain limit. The owner of a small business usually runs out of money or energy after a few years of operation. It lacks a system, and the power of leverage. Yet, take a look at what Mark Zuckerberg did with Facebook. As the youngest billionaire quoted by Forbes magazine, he reaches out to billions of Facebook users worldwide and leverage on them & and his system to earn $150 million annually from his advertisers. It means he can leave the business operation to his workers & the system while earning (a great example of "people & system working for him, and NOT him working for the business"). There are thousands and thousands of business ideas being created every hour at different places in the world. Yet, they are not being executed because of lack of knowledge on systems and the use of leverage.
5) Rich people think long-term. While the poor spend for their present lifestyle, the rich think long-term by buying Assets (e.g. real estate properties, businesses) that could generate passive income (income without work) and eventually give them time to enjoy their wealth. The reason most employees remain broke is that they buy liabilities (e.g. a car, a house under years of mortgage) that take money out of their pocket. While the poor and middle class spend for now, the richest of people believe that the secret to long-term wealth is to "delay gratification" . Thus, they add more to their passive income generators (e.g. buy more properties, invest more on paper assets & businesses) so that in the future they could enjoy their wealth. They know for a fact that Financial Freedom means having not only the money but BOTH the money & the time. Lots of people nowadays may find excessive cash is not really that hard to earn, but how many of us can really enjoy these cash? How many can take vacations for the whole year & come back to find their income still flowing or even getting stronger? Not a lot I could guess. Like what my mentors would always say "better work your ass off for the first 5 years & enjoy wealth for the rest of your life THAN work easy all your life without ever having a chance to enjoy what you've worked for." Yet as crazy as it may sound, statistics show that most Filipinos would rather stick to job security than start a business full time. There must be something wrong somewhere with the way we were raised and the values that were instilled in most of us.
6) Rich people prioritize financial education. One of the biggest myths in business believed by many is that a huge capital (let's say, 20 million pesos) should be available before you can do business to enjoy the success of business tycoons like Mr. Henry Sy. Of course capital plays a role in business, but it shouldn't be the first priority. If you talk to any of the wealthy people living today, they will tell you the same thing -- focus on your financial education first. Get yourself educated in matters of business. There are thousands of books written about leadership, success and getting rich (e.g. "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" by T. Harv Eker & "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki are highly recommended) . These authors gave us a chance to access the minds of the wealthy & what made them successful. There are also seminars & workshops being held by financial gurus & financial education advocates. Their aim is to make it available for ordinary people the secrets & the values practised by the wealthy. Take advantage of these opportunities. David Bach, an American author once said "financial education needs to become a part of our national curriculum and scoring systems so that it's not just the rich kids that learn about money... it's all of us."
7) Rich people find mentors that they could model and learn from. This is perhaps the most important of all the 7 secrets mentioned above. Because without a mentor, somebody won't know where & how to start. If you do not have a "rich dad" to model, the rich recommend that you search for virtual mentors (i.e famous authors & inspirational speakers)or find a group from which you could learn BOTH the mindset and the skill set to be able to make it successful in business. Remember to look for mentors who have the experience and a good track record that prove their success. One of the great things about having mentors & coaches is that you can leverage on their past failures & experiences. Means, you do not have to undergo the same trials & downfalls because what your mentors present to you is already the proven road. Friends, family members & colleagues who aren't experienced in business don't count. Why listen to these people while deciding for something when they haven't even proven to be financially free themselves? This is insane, yet most Filipinos are guilty of this. Environment, no doubt, plays the most influence in a person's decision. If you want to get ahead of the business game & in life, surround yourself with people who can build you up & people you can model. True enough, if you want to learn yoga, you find a yoga coach. And if you want to learn business, you find a business coach. It's pure simple logic. To learn more about financial education,and to meet other Filipinos of the same wealthy-mindset. ..
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Protect Your Heart at Every Age
By Woman's Day Staff
Follow these easy health tips specific to every stage of aging
You're never too young—or too old—to start lowering yourheart disease risk. Of course, exercising, eating healthyand reducing stress are key throughout life, but due to physiological changes that happen as we age, certain risk factors do become more of a threat.
In Your 20s
Stub Out a Social Smoking Habit
Smoking is enemy number one when it comes to heart disease, and even just a few cigarettes can do damage: New research from McGill University in Montreal found that smoking just one cigarette a day stiffens your arteries by a whopping 25 percent. Plus, smoking erases the hormonal advantage you have from estrogen, which can leave you vulnerable to a heart attack before menopause, explains Dr. Bonow.
Don't Ignore the Birth Control Factor
Remember that hormonal contraceptives slightly increase the risk of blood clots, so if you've ever had one, make sure to discuss it with your doctor before going on birth control. And if you're currently a smoker, don't take oral contraceptives, because the combo can be especially dangerous, says Sharonne N. Hayes, MD, director of the Women's Heart Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Watch Your Alcohol Intake
Moderate amounts of alcohol can have a beneficial effect on your heart. (By "moderate," we mean one drink a day or about 5 ounces—but many restaurants serve far more than that.) Overdoing it can raise triglycerides, increase blood pressure and lead to weight gain, thanks to all those empty calories.
In Your 30s
Get a Grip on Stress
When you're juggling career and family, it's crucial to find stress management techniques that work. "Untamed stress has a direct negative impact on heart health," says Dr. Stevens. "The constant bombardment of adrenaline raises blood pressure and destabilizes plaque in your arteries, making it likely to cause a clot or heart attack."
Lose the Baby Weight
No, you don't have to fit into your skinny jeans by the time the baby's 6 months old, but do aim to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight within one to two years. "Carrying around extra pounds can lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors," Dr. Bonow says. Also remember that it's easier to lose weight in your 30s than in your 40s, when your metabolism slows down.
Stay Social
It's important to stay connected to friends and family for the sake of your mood and heart. Research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that high levels of loneliness increase a woman's risk of heart disease by 76 percent. On the flip side, having strong social support can help lower your blood pressure and improve other cardiovascular functions. Set aside time once or twice a week to call friends, or make a monthly dinner date.
In Your 40s
Make Sleep a Priority
Thanks to peri-menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can interfere with a good night's sleep. But not getting at least seven hours of shut-eye regularly can lead to increased blood pressure, low-grade inflammation and higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, all of which are harmful for your blood vessels and heart, explains Jennifer H. Mieres, MD, a cardiologist at New York University School of Medicine and coauthor of Heart Smart for Black Women and Latinas. Lack of sleep has also been linked to weight gain. So establish good habits: Turn in (and wake up) at the same time every day—even on weekends—and do your best to relax before going to bed, whether it's watching a favorite funny TV show or reading.
Reassess Your Risk Factors
You may discover that your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels have changed in this decade, even if you aren't doing anything differently, says Dr. Hayes. In fact, 22 percent of 40-something women have high blood pressure and 50 percent have high cholesterol (a jump from 38 percent of women in their 30s), according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Also, be sure to get your thyroid checked around 45;hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), which becomes more common as women get older, can negatively affect your cholesterol levels as well as your heart.
Step Up Strength Training
You start to lose muscle mass more rapidly in your 40s, which causes your metabolism to slow down since muscle burns more calories than fat. Unfortunately, this makes it harder to stave off those extra pounds. To help maintain muscle and keep your metabolism going, aim for two 15-minute sessions weekly of lifting weights, using a resistance band or doing other toning exercises.
Carve out Personal Time
"Between the demands of work and family, it becomes even more challenging to find time for yourself in your 40s," says Dr. Mieres. But it's crucial to do so—not only to help ease stress but also to guard againstdepression, which commonly crops up in this decade and can raise your risk of heart disease. "Find at least 10 minutes of ‘me' time every day to do something—even if it's just chatting on the phone with a friend—that helps you destress and regroup," says Dr. Mieres.
In Your 50s
Move More
Around menopause, you tend to gain extra weight around your belly, which can lead to insulin resistance, inflammation and heart strain. Cardiovascular fitness also starts to decline, particularly if you're not that physically active to begin with. "Unfortunately, at this point, women have to burn more calories to stay at the same weight," Dr. Stevens says. Start taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever you can, walk faster around the mall, or jog to the mailbox to send letters instead of sticking your hand out the car window as you drive by. Small changes really do add up.
Have an ECG
Silent heart abnormalities become more common in your 50s, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart's electrical activity can pick them up, says Dr. Goldberg. Also ask your doctor if you should have a stress test; this is especially important if you're just starting to exercise.
Add Fiber
Besides being good for your cholesterol and blood sugar, pumping up your fiber intake (think whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice and flaxseeds, as well as beans, fruits and veggies) can help prevent constipation, which becomes more of a problem as you get older and your digestive system starts to slow down.
In Your 60s
Get Even More Vigilant About Screenings
After you go through menopause and get older, your blood pressure and cholesterol tend to go up, and blood vessels get stiffer. "Have your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol measured yearly," advises Dr. Goldberg.
Consider Medication
If you have hypertension or high cholesterol, the way you've been managing it before may not be enough. "As you get older, you may need more aggressive therapy," Dr. Bonow says. "High blood pressure that was controlled with one medication may now require three to control it." Talk to your doctor about whether you need to add to or adjust your medications to control your risk factors.
Be Alert to Symptoms
Now is when the first noticeable symptoms of heart disease may appear, so it's important to know what's normal for your body and be on the lookout for worrisome signs like chest discomfort, shortness of breath or changes in exercise tolerance—meaning you suddenly feel winded going up a flight of stairs or feel unusually tired for no apparent reason, says Dr. Mieres. If these appear, see your doctor pronto!
Follow these easy health tips specific to every stage of aging
You're never too young—or too old—to start lowering yourheart disease risk. Of course, exercising, eating healthyand reducing stress are key throughout life, but due to physiological changes that happen as we age, certain risk factors do become more of a threat.
In Your 20s
Stub Out a Social Smoking Habit
Smoking is enemy number one when it comes to heart disease, and even just a few cigarettes can do damage: New research from McGill University in Montreal found that smoking just one cigarette a day stiffens your arteries by a whopping 25 percent. Plus, smoking erases the hormonal advantage you have from estrogen, which can leave you vulnerable to a heart attack before menopause, explains Dr. Bonow.
Don't Ignore the Birth Control Factor
Remember that hormonal contraceptives slightly increase the risk of blood clots, so if you've ever had one, make sure to discuss it with your doctor before going on birth control. And if you're currently a smoker, don't take oral contraceptives, because the combo can be especially dangerous, says Sharonne N. Hayes, MD, director of the Women's Heart Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Watch Your Alcohol Intake
Moderate amounts of alcohol can have a beneficial effect on your heart. (By "moderate," we mean one drink a day or about 5 ounces—but many restaurants serve far more than that.) Overdoing it can raise triglycerides, increase blood pressure and lead to weight gain, thanks to all those empty calories.
In Your 30s
Get a Grip on Stress
When you're juggling career and family, it's crucial to find stress management techniques that work. "Untamed stress has a direct negative impact on heart health," says Dr. Stevens. "The constant bombardment of adrenaline raises blood pressure and destabilizes plaque in your arteries, making it likely to cause a clot or heart attack."
Lose the Baby Weight
No, you don't have to fit into your skinny jeans by the time the baby's 6 months old, but do aim to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight within one to two years. "Carrying around extra pounds can lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors," Dr. Bonow says. Also remember that it's easier to lose weight in your 30s than in your 40s, when your metabolism slows down.
Stay Social
It's important to stay connected to friends and family for the sake of your mood and heart. Research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that high levels of loneliness increase a woman's risk of heart disease by 76 percent. On the flip side, having strong social support can help lower your blood pressure and improve other cardiovascular functions. Set aside time once or twice a week to call friends, or make a monthly dinner date.
In Your 40s
Make Sleep a Priority
Thanks to peri-menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can interfere with a good night's sleep. But not getting at least seven hours of shut-eye regularly can lead to increased blood pressure, low-grade inflammation and higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, all of which are harmful for your blood vessels and heart, explains Jennifer H. Mieres, MD, a cardiologist at New York University School of Medicine and coauthor of Heart Smart for Black Women and Latinas. Lack of sleep has also been linked to weight gain. So establish good habits: Turn in (and wake up) at the same time every day—even on weekends—and do your best to relax before going to bed, whether it's watching a favorite funny TV show or reading.
Reassess Your Risk Factors
You may discover that your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels have changed in this decade, even if you aren't doing anything differently, says Dr. Hayes. In fact, 22 percent of 40-something women have high blood pressure and 50 percent have high cholesterol (a jump from 38 percent of women in their 30s), according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Also, be sure to get your thyroid checked around 45;hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), which becomes more common as women get older, can negatively affect your cholesterol levels as well as your heart.
Step Up Strength Training
You start to lose muscle mass more rapidly in your 40s, which causes your metabolism to slow down since muscle burns more calories than fat. Unfortunately, this makes it harder to stave off those extra pounds. To help maintain muscle and keep your metabolism going, aim for two 15-minute sessions weekly of lifting weights, using a resistance band or doing other toning exercises.
Carve out Personal Time
"Between the demands of work and family, it becomes even more challenging to find time for yourself in your 40s," says Dr. Mieres. But it's crucial to do so—not only to help ease stress but also to guard againstdepression, which commonly crops up in this decade and can raise your risk of heart disease. "Find at least 10 minutes of ‘me' time every day to do something—even if it's just chatting on the phone with a friend—that helps you destress and regroup," says Dr. Mieres.
In Your 50s
Move More
Around menopause, you tend to gain extra weight around your belly, which can lead to insulin resistance, inflammation and heart strain. Cardiovascular fitness also starts to decline, particularly if you're not that physically active to begin with. "Unfortunately, at this point, women have to burn more calories to stay at the same weight," Dr. Stevens says. Start taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever you can, walk faster around the mall, or jog to the mailbox to send letters instead of sticking your hand out the car window as you drive by. Small changes really do add up.
Have an ECG
Silent heart abnormalities become more common in your 50s, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart's electrical activity can pick them up, says Dr. Goldberg. Also ask your doctor if you should have a stress test; this is especially important if you're just starting to exercise.
Add Fiber
Besides being good for your cholesterol and blood sugar, pumping up your fiber intake (think whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice and flaxseeds, as well as beans, fruits and veggies) can help prevent constipation, which becomes more of a problem as you get older and your digestive system starts to slow down.
In Your 60s
Get Even More Vigilant About Screenings
After you go through menopause and get older, your blood pressure and cholesterol tend to go up, and blood vessels get stiffer. "Have your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol measured yearly," advises Dr. Goldberg.
Consider Medication
If you have hypertension or high cholesterol, the way you've been managing it before may not be enough. "As you get older, you may need more aggressive therapy," Dr. Bonow says. "High blood pressure that was controlled with one medication may now require three to control it." Talk to your doctor about whether you need to add to or adjust your medications to control your risk factors.
Be Alert to Symptoms
Now is when the first noticeable symptoms of heart disease may appear, so it's important to know what's normal for your body and be on the lookout for worrisome signs like chest discomfort, shortness of breath or changes in exercise tolerance—meaning you suddenly feel winded going up a flight of stairs or feel unusually tired for no apparent reason, says Dr. Mieres. If these appear, see your doctor pronto!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Bohol Food Trip
Amarela Resort: Panglao Island
Tel No. +63-38-502-9497
Email : reservations@amarelaresort.com, www.amarelaresort.com
Aup-Aup: Inday Campos
Tel No. +63-38-504-9467; +63-928-399-9376
Maribojoc Town, Bohol, towards the wharf past the big church
Bohol Bee Farm Resort and Restaurant
Vicky Wallace, DAO, Dauis Panglao Island
Tel No. =63-38-502-2288 +63-917-304-1491
Email: vickywallace@boholbeefarm.com
Cafe Olegario
Poblacion Ubos, Loay Bohol 6303
Tel. +63-917-304-0293
Email cafe_olegario@yahoo.com
Casa Genaro Bed and Breakfast
Sitio Ubos, Causeway, Tagbilaran
Tel. +63-38-501-8910 +63-917-895-1157
Cafe Lawis Dauis Pilgrim Heritage Center, Poblacion Dauis
Tel. +63-905-231-1268 +63-38-502-3016
Email. armae28@yahoo.com
Lic-Lic's Sugba Tula Kilaw
Tel. +63-910-301-2193 across Manga Market, Tagbilaran Bohol
Lisa Suarez for heritage and culinary tour
Tel +63-920-950-3799
Email melissa_suarez95@yahoo.com
Sampaguita Broas and Sikwate, Baclayon
Tel. +63-38-540-9281
Soledad Suites
Lou Square, J.C. Borja cor M. Parras Sts. Tagbilaran
Tel. +63-38-411-3074
Email _soledad@mozcom.com or visit www.soledad-suites.com
Tel No. +63-38-502-9497
Email : reservations@amarelaresort.com, www.amarelaresort.com
Aup-Aup: Inday Campos
Tel No. +63-38-504-9467; +63-928-399-9376
Maribojoc Town, Bohol, towards the wharf past the big church
Bohol Bee Farm Resort and Restaurant
Vicky Wallace, DAO, Dauis Panglao Island
Tel No. =63-38-502-2288 +63-917-304-1491
Email: vickywallace@boholbeefarm.com
Cafe Olegario
Poblacion Ubos, Loay Bohol 6303
Tel. +63-917-304-0293
Email cafe_olegario@yahoo.com
Casa Genaro Bed and Breakfast
Sitio Ubos, Causeway, Tagbilaran
Tel. +63-38-501-8910 +63-917-895-1157
Cafe Lawis Dauis Pilgrim Heritage Center, Poblacion Dauis
Tel. +63-905-231-1268 +63-38-502-3016
Email. armae28@yahoo.com
Lic-Lic's Sugba Tula Kilaw
Tel. +63-910-301-2193 across Manga Market, Tagbilaran Bohol
Lisa Suarez for heritage and culinary tour
Tel +63-920-950-3799
Email melissa_suarez95@yahoo.com
Sampaguita Broas and Sikwate, Baclayon
Tel. +63-38-540-9281
Soledad Suites
Lou Square, J.C. Borja cor M. Parras Sts. Tagbilaran
Tel. +63-38-411-3074
Email _soledad@mozcom.com or visit www.soledad-suites.com
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Ten Commandments for Responsible Voting fr. PPCRV
Thou shalt vote according to the dictate of your conscience.
Thou shalt respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates.
Thou shalt seek to know the moral dignity, capabilities and other personal qualities of the candidate you will vote for.
Thou shalt strive to understand the issues, platform and programs of candidates and parties seeking your vote.
Thou shalt not sell your vote.
Thou shalt not vote for candidates using guns, goons, and gold.
Thou shalt not vote for candidates with records of graft and corruption, and human rights violation.
Thou shalt not vote for candidates just because of utang na loob, personal appearance, popularity or pakikisama.
Thou shalt not vote for candidates living an immoral life.
Thou shalt not put the welfare of the country above all else in choosing the candidate you will vote for.
Thou shalt respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates.
Thou shalt seek to know the moral dignity, capabilities and other personal qualities of the candidate you will vote for.
Thou shalt strive to understand the issues, platform and programs of candidates and parties seeking your vote.
Thou shalt not sell your vote.
Thou shalt not vote for candidates using guns, goons, and gold.
Thou shalt not vote for candidates with records of graft and corruption, and human rights violation.
Thou shalt not vote for candidates just because of utang na loob, personal appearance, popularity or pakikisama.
Thou shalt not vote for candidates living an immoral life.
Thou shalt not put the welfare of the country above all else in choosing the candidate you will vote for.
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