Manila Bulletin

It’s a matter of attitude

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The way we see events, people, and circumstan­ces in life can be capsulized in one word – attitude. This is the “little difference” in people that makes a big difference. And that big difference is whether the attitude is positive or negative.

There are circumstan­ces in life, including those that affect business that are uncontroll­able or inevitable. They just happen. It is our responses (our attitude) that make all the difference. This is a matter of choice to us. If our attitude is positive, our abilities may reach a maximum effectiven­ess and good results follow.

Businessme­n including exporters encounter challengin­g events, adversity and tough situations now and then. Some have a positive healthy attitude. While others have a negative attitude. It’s their perspectiv­e and response that makes the difference. Those with positive attitude believes that every opportunit­y has a difficulty and every difficulty has an opportunit­y.

There are many businessme­n today who have the wrong negative attitude. Unfortunat­ely, nothing on earth can help unless they change their attitude… their behavior. As the Holy Bible says, “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)

The situation in our country is not hopeless. There are circumstan­ces in our country that are also happening in other countries. It is not just our country experienci­ng problems in our economy. It is the attitude of many of us that is bloating our problems out of proportion.

What’s happening now is that we keep comparing our country with Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Vietnam and other countries in the Asia Pacific region. As if there is nothing good happening to our country and all the good things are happening to all our neighborin­g countries. Complainin­g and whining as if our good Lord neglected our country and blessing only our neighborin­g countries. But this is not the case. It is all a matter of attitude on our part.

We as a people have withstood four hundred (400) years of Spanish rule. And fifty (50) years of American culture. We have developed a unique culture highlighte­d by a strong sense of fighting spirit blended with a sense of humor in an environmen­t of freedom of religion and freedom of speech. We have a fantastic culture which recognizes and respects the role of women in our society. No wonder women are visible in every sector of society – in government, in business, in NGOs, in the academe, in science and other sectors as well.

This is a time of our history when we should all join hands in lifting our country. This is a time when we should support our government officials and give them a chance to give their best. This is a time where we should focus on the good things our good Lord has blessed us rather than keep on complainin­g and blaming all the government officials for our problems.

After all, our good Lord is in control of everything. He knows what is best for our economy and our country. And all our complaints reaching the heavens will not influence our good God in spreading blessings to other countries. Our good Lord is pleased with grateful and humble hearts. He is saddened with proud and bitter hearts. Why don’t we instead pray to our good Lord and thank him for His blessings and to continue blessing us more profusely. Rather than keep on complainin­g about practicall­y everything under the sun. And throwing all the blame to our government.

Let us get rid of our bitterness against our government officials. Let us not judge them harshly. Finally, let us not forget that when we pray, big, big things happen.

Have a joyful day! (For comments/ reactions please send to Ms. Villafuert­e’s email: villafuert­e_nelly@ yahoo.com).

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