I HAVE learned that German scientist Albert Einstein could not speak until he was four and did not read until he was seven. Ludwig Van Beethoven was also problematic in music school so much that his teacher once said that as a composer he is hopeless. Years later, he made a name as one of the world's greatest musicians and composers.
The great American inventor Thomas Edison did not do well in school either. His teachers thought he was stupid. Years later in Menlo Park he invented the famous electric bulb and phonograph, and further developed the telegraph system. The famous Walt Disney who owns an all around Walt Disney Entertainment Company was a poor performer in school, and the newspaper editor he once work with fired him because he said Disney didn't have any good ideas. Of course, who couldn't cite the case of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao who rose from being a poor street kid and fought fiercely his way to become a billionaire boxer and congressman? I had a classmate in college who was a loner, downer, low IQ, and always insulted by our teacher for always gave wrong or inappropriate answer when thrown with a question. He was the worst performer in our class. Everybody thought he would be a loser all his life. A decade after I learned he finished with a master degree and doctorate, and that he managed his own successful plumbing service company with three dozens of workers in Ottawa, Canada. I am sure there are thousands others with similar story. All of them are ordinary beings in their groups and during their times. But what made them extra ordinary and exemplary? Repeatedly I scoured for explanations. I studied some important details in their lives and the greater environment they lived in. I didn't find any astonishing and distinct secrets. All I found was their firm resolve, stubbornness, doggedness, firmness and toughness that made them so. Being tenacious and resilient brought them miles and miles away. They win because they think they can. An unknown author penned the following words: If you think you're beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don't. If you like to win but think you can't. It's almost certain that you won't. Life's battles don't always go to the stronger woman or man, But sooner or later, those who win are those can. I don't think some rich people who made fortunes by making others miserable, by trampling upon the rights of others, are fit to be called tenacious and resilient. They are exploiter and oppressor. They love themselves so much that they have to feast on the pain and misery of others. They are fed with pride, hate and greed. These people carry many masks, and they wear the mask that fit who they talk to. They are manipulative and opportunistic. I tend to see more the like of Archie Baribar, El Cid Familiaran, Sonia Verdeflor, Provincial Board Member, Dino Yulo, Congressman Neri Colmenares, Congressman Anthony Golez, former Congressman Monico Puentevella, Vice Mayor Thaddy Sayson, former councilor Lyndon Cana, Bishop Antonio Navarra, Father Felix Pasquin, retired Fiscal Cesar Beloria Sr., as people of good character, who exemplified tenacity and resiliency in their way of leading people, of finding solutions to social problems, and in battling the arrogant powers that be. Only few of them are relatively well-off. But the most important story in their lives is that they have won many battles because they believe in themselves and in God. I also tend to see more the like of Councilor Elmer Sy, an exemplary person of character, whom I had a long chat recently. Some ignores him because he seldom talks and looks like you can't get nothing from him. Others think he is a dull and crazy man. But when one knows Elmer well, it is his character of firmness, long tolerance, out-of-the-box thought process, creativeness, and deliberate action man that brought him success in his private and public life. He said he did not rush to become a successful businessman; he done it one step at a time. Elmer inspired and helped countless entrepreneurs and ordinary folk. He saved countless lives, quietly. He managed organizations and people quite effectively. He always give his all to those who need his help. Like the other successful and fulfilled persons, Elmer will always be a trustworthy and dependable person and if given a chance, a worthy leader. Real tenacious and resilient people are built in good character. They have a clear goal in life and set of values. They are so determined and disciplined to get it at whatever costs but not at the expense of others. They often hang on after others have let go. They will always finish what they have started. They know exactly that life has its ups and downs, victories and defeats, retreats and advances, but they are not easily disheartened. They are not quitters. Inspirational speaker and successful Chinese businessman Francis Kong once said that "Instead of looking at pressure and trials as the reason to quit, get tenacious and see them as the very thing that will make your life the beautiful thing that you desire it to be. See it as your opportunity to learn, to grow, and to be transformed. See these trials as the very things that will enable you to have the life that dream of!" I agree, we can always choose to be a warrior and remain happy. Not the least, tenacious and resilient people are honest and faithful with the people they love and work with. They are ever patient with anyone. In the midst of today's life on the fast lane and fastfood, we need people like them, who can inspire, challenge, motivate and engage the many into taking the initiative to be creative in their ways to develop tenacity and resiliency. People who can give more ideas, challenge the norm, leave comfort zones and not to think out of the box but to get out of the box and do some thinking, and can bring out the best in everyone. By the way, my mother in-law once told my wife that she won't be rich with me. When I learned it instead of carrying a grudge I took it as a challenge. I'm still not rich but I am happy with her and our kids, and those who share life with us; all those small things give me a lot of rich feelings. So I believe. Karl G. Ombion Sun Star Bacolod
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