A Costly Experience

I’ve sold my printing business about four years ago. Even though owning a business has been inwardly and outwardly rewarding, I have been enjoying the freedom of not having alarm clocks, employees, and meeting customer demands. In the past, I was easily taken by people who offer investment schemes meant to deliver immediate returns. Some of my hard earned funds were entrusted to new acquaintances, investors in water, restaurant, start-up businesses—you name it. The result? Fast track not to financial freedom but financial disaster.

Some of my business partners have either disappeared, never heard from, or were charged with fraudulent activities. Some kept promising to return my investments and to this day I am still hoping. “I made a few investment mistakes” probably is an understatement. I must admit that most of them did not pan out. Luckily, few small investments are still alive.

Does this sound familiar to you? Or am I the only one who easily entrusted my money? It was a very expensive life experience fee for financial education.

Contemplating on what I must do now to increase my financial literacy and make money work hard for me, I came across Kim Kiyosaki’s book Rich Woman: A Book on Investing for Women: Because I Hate Being Told What to Do!. It is time to take charge of my own financial literacy.

I encourage you to also take a look on how you invest your own money and check your own financial literacy. I am now committed to follow the path of investing into something that will create passive income for me so I can continue with my passion of traveling and contributing to the world through speaking and writing.

Kim Kiyosaki is a confident investor and like her husband, is a financial educator. She is passionate about empowering women to take action and responsibility for their financial future and ultimately, financial freedom. While she understands that money in itself is not the most important thing in life, money directly affects everything in life – health, education and quality of life. Kim believes that money buys one of two things: slavery or freedom. Slavery to your job, debt and, in many cases slavery to your relationships. Money has also has the potential to buy your freedom – freedom to live your life in alignment with your choices and decisions.

“Today more than ever, we as women can no longer depend on someone else, be it our husband or partner, our parents, our boss, or government, to take care of us financially. What was true for our mothers and grandmothers is not applicable to us today. In my opinion, women must learn to invest to ensure a secure life for themselves and their children. It is no longer just an option. The rules have changed and it’s time to take control of our financial future,” she said.

Here’s a video clip of Kim Kiyosaki as she talks about her first ever investment:

Why women need to become actively involved in investing?

• No glass ceiling. This corporate myth states that due to gender, women experience limited movement up the corporate ladder. Investing however is gender neutral.
• No limits on income. Investing money makes for unlimited returns, unlike the salary you earn as an employee. “Studies show that women, with the same education and experience as their male counterparts, earn about 74 cents for every dollar their male peers earn,” said Kim Kiyosaki.
• Avoiding dependency. Regarding the highlighted statistics, is this how you see your future?
• Increased self-esteem. With each and every accomplishment, confidence increases. This increased level of confidence leads to increased levels of self-esteem. Higher self-esteem leads to further opportunities, which leads to freedom.
• Control your time. Often women find the time elusive between work, child care, making meals, cleaning. The list is endless. As an investor, you are in control of your time. You can invest full or part time, work from home or an office.
• Statistics. Do you want to be dependent on another person or employer and have this person make your financial decisions?

(Based from the Fast Track Group review about Rich Woman.)

“The first step is to determine where you want to go.”

And in everything else in life, investing requires the creation of a plan and then implementation of a course of action. As Kim states, “The first step is to determine where you want to go.” The following questions are necessary in creating your specific plan:

1. Determine will my primary investing vehicle be?
2. Within that investment category, what type of product will I focus on?
3. What is my time frame for goal accomplishment?

The first step toward financial freedom is education. Become financially literate. Read books, attend financial education opportunities and investment seminars and conferences, network with other investors, join an investment club, play Rich Dad Cashflow 101 board game (with CD’s) and ask questions!

Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and actively engage in your financial education. Education and action will change your life! This is what I am embarking myself this year 2012.

Start your financial literacy now and take charge of your financial future!

With approximately 5000 attendees, the enormous San Jose Convention Center is jam packed. To help facilitate the three-day event, I volunteered for Day 1 and 2, and will be attending at the last day. Once in a while, I love to serve instead of just sitting among the crowd. It’s both a learning experience and a form of paying things forward.

With the theme “Decide Today to Triumph” the NAC aims to equip participants with practical strategies on how they can focus their mind to achieving realistic goals such as setting up their businesses, raising capital, making investments work, succeeding in their work and life, and formulas on how to be financially free. The top three speakers were drawn from a survey on which business mentors participants would like to learn from.

Donald Trump

A Forbes-listed multi-billionaire, successful entrepreneur, and a popular TV personality, Donald Trump is known for his mega real estate businesses, hotel and leisure resorts, running the Miss Universe pageant, and for hosting the successful show “The Apprentice.” This American business magnate also authored almost 15 books with topics focused on business management and his personal success strategies. This is my first time seeing him, and I do hope that I can get a picture or short interview despite his tough security.

Anthony “Tony” Robbins

I had an opportunity of meeting Tony in Vancouver, Canada. This charismatic man who stands at 6 feet and 7 inches exudes so much power on the stage audiences are glued! A best-selling author, in-demand motivational speaker, and a frequent guest at popular TV shows and mega-events, Tony is now hosting his own show Breakthrough with Tony Robbins in the Oprah Winfrey Network.

His best-selling books include Unlimited Power, Awaken the Giant Within and Unleash the Power Within among others.

Robert Kiyosaki and wife Kim Kiyosaki

One of my goals this year is to increase my financial literacy so I can continue to do what I love to do and not worry so much about money. The first thing I did was to resume Rich Dad Poor Dad coaching program. Having sold my business couple of years ago, I have more time now and so does my husband Ted who has recently retired from his job. Fortunately, Ted expressed his intention to participate in the program and came 100% on board. In the first audio tape, Robert shared that it was in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada where he and his wife Kim Kiyosaki wrote their long term goal for Rich Dad Poor Dad, a time when they were also going through financial difficulties.

Today, Robert and Kim teaches the world about Rich Dad – a new way of thinking money and achieving personal financial freedom. The husband-and-wife tandem also created and patented CASHFLOW, a popular board game that teaches financial concepts on investing, saving money, and making money work for you.

Apart from Donald, Tony and Robert, my mentor T.Harv Eker who is the author of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind will also be speaking at the event along 10 other top gurus and mentors.

I will post more updates about this event and share my learnings as well. Until then, I hope all of us will be inspired to achieve the small and big dreams we set for ourselves today!

Do tweet about the event too using #nacsj2012 and find my tweets via twitter.com/jhet_vanruyven

Here’s Robin’s latest message on “How to Become Entrepreneur in
 these Volatile and Uncertain Times” which I personally transcribed to share with you.

HOW TO BECOME A REMARKABLE ENTREPRENEUR IN THESE VOLATILE TIMES

1. To have what only 5% of the population have, you must be willing to do 
what only 5% of the population does. That’s taking risk, that’s
 dreaming big, that’s growing following leaders around you, adding more 
value for your customers than they have any right to expect. Just
 remember the idea that to have what only 5% have, 
you must break free of the crowd and do only 5% of what they are willing to do.

2. Please remember that education is inoculation against disruption.
To double your net worth, triple your rate of learning. Remember the 
power of ideas, and the power of an inspiration of an idea. But
 invest in your learning, and training and professional and personal
 development.

3. It’s important to remember either you disrupt or you will join the disrupted. 
I know it is uncomfortable when you leave the safe harbor of knowing that you won’t know the blue ocean. But that is where the action 
lies. If you don’t do that, you will end up like Kodak, Blockbusters
 and all these companies that fell in love with their success, they 
fell in love with the way of doing things, they thought that the only
 way that they did things will get them successful in the future and 
they got knocked out of the game.

4. Final thing to remember is that if you are not leading, then you are 
following. Just because the world is living in certain conditions
 that doesn’t mean you should follow the same conditions. Think
 differently, be different, perform differently. 

To your success!

Thank you Mish, my daughter.

Thank you Robin for being such an inspiration and an effective mentor.

For more information on Robin Sharma and his teachings, visit http:www.robinsharma.com

His e-mail contained a video called “The Extra Degree” which lifted up my spirits in an instant. In just 3 minutes, it will inspire anyone to make that extra effort which spells the difference between excellent and average, between ordinary and extraordinary. The video was also very timely because I’m in the middle of important decision making and need inspiration on what else I could do. If you are ever in the same situation, this inspirational video is for you. And to honor my mentor Alex in helping him make a difference, please pass it on.

If you liked this video, copy this link and share it with your newsletter or blog for your subscribers: http://www.flickspire.com/m/MOL/212–

Imagine how many lives we can touch with this positive message? Maybe someone or a thousand people out there just need this video to believe themselves more and attain success.

Thanks for watching and I know you’ll share this wonderful positive video because it inspired you too!

I was having fun riding the gondolas on top of Canada’s Whistler mountain when I had a minor accident. While getting off the chairlift, I slipped and hit my tailbone. Because I already paid for the whole-day rides and wanted to practice snowboarding, I shrugged off the pain. A few minutes later, I told myself that I need to give my body a break. It was when I returned to the hotel that I learned of the shocking news of Whitney Houston’s death.

Sadness filled my spirit. Flashes of memories and familiar songs flooded my mind. My heart felt the loss of a best friend I never knew. It was because Whitney was the voice I hear all throughout my journey from teenager to adult. In fact, her song “The Greatest Love of All” is my all time favorite—a song I even used while speaking in conferences in Asia and North America.

Whitney’s vocal power, awards earned, and record sales remain unsurpassed to this date. She influenced a lot of great artists and many celebrities claimed that no one comes close to her vocal range and talent. This is why when she died beyond her years as a result of substance abuse, the world felt the tragic loss of an amazing, unique talent.

While sorrow sweeps the heart of many, it is the great musical legacy of Whitney that more people across the globe will remember.

My mentor, renowned author and speaker Dr.Wayne Dyer uses her song, “The Greatest Love of All” on his seminars. A month ago, he asked us to listen to this song while during his “Mastering the Art of Manifestation” seminar on a cruise in South Pacific. He told us to really listen and pay attention to every word. Aware of Whitney’s substance abuse addiction, he even commented, “let’s send love to Whitney. She could use it herself these days.”

Listening again to the song, tears well up. The lyrics just apply to almost any challenges we have in life.

For our children and people we can influence.

I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be

On being our own person.

Everybody’s searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone to fulfill my needs
A lonely place to be
So I learned to depend on me

On failure and success.

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadow
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can’t take away my dignity

On value and love for self.

Because the greatest love of all is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all inside of me
The greatest love of all is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all

My message to Whitney

Whitney I know you found love at the last moment of your life here on earth. You are a gentle spirit and you only wanted the best. Thank you for the gift of your voice.

Yes, you will always be loved Whitney. You left a wonderful legacy, and you reminded many to love, have respect of, and value themselves.

And I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of.
And I wish to you, joy and happiness.
But above all this, I wish you love.
And I… will always love you.

Whitney “You are home, you are safe, and you are loved, now and always.”

I love to hear thoughts you have on Whitney, her life or her songs. Share yours and help continue to touch lives of many.

Gratitude at its highest level. Just when I thought the past year was amazing, adding years to my life just gets better and better.

When I appreciate the past and the present, I get excited to move towards my future. Which is why I took the time to recollect the highlights of my 2011—precious experiences that I will carry with me on my best year yet.

Love is family.

• Last year, my mother turned 76. And so I went home to my beloved Philippines to celebrate her birthday, enjoy time with my eldest daughter, and spend New Year’s day in Matabungkay beach where I used to sell mangoes as a child.
• As a birthday tour for myself, my husband and I went to Philippine historical sites such as Corregidor Island, Roxas Boulevard, American Cemetery, Luneta Park, and hiked Sagada Mountain Province.
• Back in Canada, our home was filled with our lovely children again – Catherine, Mish and my “foster” Korean son Tom who are all grown up and are now in their 20s. We had picnic on the beach, lovely walks, prepared dinner together just like before, and we all shared our joys and heart’s dreams and desires. We bonded and a few days later went back on our chosen paths again. Though empty nested, love filled my heart.

World travel is a memory investment.

• I visited Seoul, Korea for the fifth time to connect with Tom’s family. Tom lived with us in Canada for 6 years while studying. He is serving in the Korean army until this spring. I miss my “adopted” son!
• And then for the second time, I went to Colombia and experienced the South American culture even with my little Spanish. The highlight of this trip was attending the Ayahuasca Ceremony which is led by a local “shaman” or native priest. He made us drink an exotic potion from the medicinal plant ayahuasca, believed to be a sacred plant that promotes soul and physical healing.
• Oh Europe! Who would have thought that this girl who used to sell mangoes for pennies will travel Europe’s best destinations? For four weeks, I explored the rich European culture hopping from Switzerland, Germany, France, Amsterdam, and England and had an amazing time on a small budget. Thanks to “Couchsurfing” I was introduced to a network of kind and friendly individual hosts who opened their homes for fellow CouchSurfing (CS) members. Imagine experiencing and exchanging rich cultures simply by hosting other CS members in your home. Before I left Europe, I reconnected with a school mate from the Philippines whom I haven’t seen for 27 years! Jojo now has a lovely family of her own, lives in Geneva and a home in Annecy, France where we stayed for few days. We had the greatest time remembering our college years cherishing how far we have come from those days that we were cleaning and scrubbing floors and toilets in La Concordia College.
• Hot and Sunny Arizona! We finished the year with a warm climate when we went for an 8-day getaway in Arizona, USA with our friends Neil and Rosie. Although Ted was sick with flu, we managed to do the most out of it. As soon as he felt better, we hiked up the mountainous and scenic desserts of Mesa and the Apache trail.

No one is old to learn a new sport.

• Who says winter is boring? I spent two weeks in the winter paradise of Whistler Blackcomb, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, where I learned to snowboard. Snowboarding is not like skiing, it is much harder for newbies like me but thrilling, and it was worth the pain!
• I also ziplined on top of Europe’s snowcovered Jungfraugh mountain and Canada’s Whistler mountain.

Home is the heart that welcomes visitors.

• My good friend from the Philippines, Jenny and her five-year old daughter Nicole stayed with us for a week. We had the greatest time—played along the beach, hiked, had breakfast al fresco, walked early mornings, and we discussed our plans for my second book. A Grouse Grind Mountain hike even on a rainy day was our symbolic hike towards the realization of my second book which is dedicated for children around the world. That you have to stay tuned on.
• I also hosted a young lady, Penny from Thailand, and three young nursing students from Denmark. All of them made me feel much much younger. We went hiking, ziplining, running, kayaking, canoeing. Healthy eaters, these ladies made use of my entire kitchen making salad, fresh bread, muffins and sumptuous dinners. Ladies thanks for the fun and lessons learned.

Happiness is in the simplest things.

• Canada is nature at its best. In my neighborhood, we had an abundant harvest of blackberry, blueberry and apples. How happy it is to hand pick these myself. I even climbed an apple tree like a monkey.
• My every day is filled with self-nurturing activities, walking along the beach, visiting parks and walking and hiking trails, pilates, zumba, yoga, guitar classes, cooking. I am leaving an ideal life, a life that is so far from those day in the Philippines where I had to sweat selling mangoes and walk miles just to earn pennies. Among many things my impoverished childhood days taught me “self reliance”.

Every time I round up my year, thankfulness just overflows. I am grateful for my family, friends and wonderful people whom I connected this past year, you know who you are — YOU all are my greatest teachers and what makes this life worth living at it’s best. I also thank all the mentors who continue to inspire me with their work; my book fans for the many emails on how the Tale of Juliet inspired them. Thank you for reminding me of my purpose here on earth.

After two years of being cancer-free, I feel stronger, healthier, centered, grounded, spiritually connected. Each day I wake up, my heart is filled with gratitude. Though the stock market stumbles down, the economy goes haywire, savings decrease than go up, and investments do not yield enough returns, I am counting all my blessings, happy and at peace for being true to myself and doing what matters the most to me.

Starting the new year begins by thanking the past year.

Happiness, peace and joy are all inside jobs. Deep inside in each and every one of us is this inner knowing and guiding light. By being grateful, we all have the keys and tools to living an abundant life, confident that things are all in Divine order and Divinely orchestrated, our own visions fuels us to fulfill our dreams.

If I am thankful for the past year, I am expectant that the next will be even greater! Keep in mind that “living each present moment at it’s best” is the key to happiness here on earth.

Oh what a year that was to remember!!! May 2012 see the best ever in you!

- Sean O’ Casey

I would always look at it from afar. I’ll be standing some seven meters away from my well-off classmate’s house just to see its magnificence, the colorful decorations, the dreamy lights and what makes it all complete—the shining star that crowns it. Yes, I drooled over Christmas trees when I was a child—because back then, my family of 12 only lived in a small hut, with no electricity, TV, and where the floor where we sleep is made of bamboo slats.

Star of Bethlehem (Photo courtesy of www.scenicreflections.com)

My father was very good at encouraging us to feel contented despite the lack. When I asked, “Tatay (father) why can’t we have a Christmas tree with a nice golden star on top of it?”, he will always tell me, “Look at the stars above, isn’t that more than one golden star?” And yes, I will always find comfort just by looking at the window, where the pitch dark color of the country side is lit by the thousands of stars scattered like diamonds.

To believers, the Christmas star, also known as the Star of Bethlehem, revealed the path for the wisest of men to the humblest of shepherds to find the Savior Jesus. It is said that it was a sign that the Israelites have long sought, and its appearance raised their hopes.

Like my father who inspired me to always look at the bright side and the Christmas Star which led the way for the wise men—someone, somewhere we will encounter persons or events that will shine on us. When we are at our darkest hour, when we are seeking for answers to our problems, God will send angels not in their glorious form but through events, the people around us, or even strangers!

In my life, I encountered so many Christmas Stars—the priest who was instrumental for my college scholarship, employers who gave me career breaks, my staff who helped me with my business, my family and friends who supported me, my mentors who inspired me to write a best-selling book and fans who sent me emails filled with gratitude and inspiration they got from reading my book The Tale of Juliet.

What will be life without these people who took the time to care?

And how much better will life be if all will extend a helping hand to someone in need?

There are so many stars around us, inside of us—perhaps all we need is to be one, to shine brightly, and to give light to others. Never mind the lack, the missed opportunities, the past, our limitations, or even our biggest disappointments, we all know that stars shine radiantly when it is dark. We may never know how and where that one encouragement, advice, or material help will go, but we know it has the power of fire to ignite the lives of others.

I hope this message touch the light inside of your heart, and make the flames grow bigger. Imagine if all will be a Christmas Star, how bright will our world be?

You are a star! Shine on!

A fair and wise lady whom I now consider as one my mentors, Kris King is the CEO of Wings Seminar. Through her practical teachings, participants like me, were able to fully understand how to become 100% accountable of the choices we make and its consequences.

This short video was taken after my family completed the course in Eugene, Oregon. You can also find this on Kris King’s website http://www.krisking.org. Filled with nuggets of wisdom, who knows your life might get an extra boost in just six minutes! I hope you enjoy and learn from it!

And let me borrow Ghandi’s words “Be the change you want to see.”Open your heart, be grateful and let the magic and bliss of your life start all over. Enjoy your own journey!

For your reading pleasure, here’s the Interview Transcript of the Video:

Jhet: Hello everyone, I am right here in Oregon, with Kris King, one of my mentors.
That’s Kris King. And I am attending her Personal Development Seminar, Lifeworks. And I am going to tell you about who is Kris King and what she does for the world.

Kris King’s Mission

Kris: Our mission is to inspire and support positive change, creating an abundant, respectful and loving world community. And we do that one heart at a time, one mind at a time, in a way that I believe is respectful, inspirational, practical and profound.

Most of us in our culture and lots of cultures now, I believe, are out of balance because they were so driven by what we do. And we don’t think about who we are as we are doing those things because our doing is rewarded financially, with respect
and things like that.

The cornerstones of a balanced life are about creating a person who has broad range, with accountability, integrity, compassion, making conscious choices, based on love and respect.

When all those aspects are present and we know how to access them all, we create balance, I think.

Jhet: Oh I love to do that. You mention also that structure determines our behavior.

Love and How Structure Determines Behavior

Kris: The structure of our belief systems determines our behavior too. You ask first about love and may people are seeking love rather than wanting to learn how to create love.

In all my years of doing this work, I truly know what searching for love was like – it was hurtful and sad, and I felt kind of victimized when I didn’t have the love that I wanted, and what was wrong with them

Coming into this work, I realize that Love is an inside out job. Believe it or not, I only do what I love – from shopping for groceries, to how I drive my car, to what books I read, the clothing I buy, that my choices are based in love.

More important that even is my state of being – so starting with myself, taking care of myself, being the kid inside that I am. On that kind of state of wholeness it is so easy to give love away to other people and not be worried about what’s coming back.

Jhet: Wow. What about the baggage, what are some of the mind traps? When you
are talking to me, I could feel that you are touching my heart. And I know that I have a lot of baggage from my childhood. What are the mind traps and how can we move forward?

Getting Rid of  Mind Traps

Kris: Mind traps are where we get caught to a certain type of thinking that lead to negative behaviors. You know, I truly believe that we can create the world we want to live in. People do what they know until they know better.

And so coming here, is where – you know I don’t – this is not about learning to think the way I think and going out and  be a replica of Kris King – last thing that I want.

This is the place where you come and find out that you have choices. And choices that you make are really, really important to the quality of your life. So we learn about major things like accountability, integrity, being in service, and being fully engaged in your life instead of checked out.

Jhet: Yeah. One of your quote is “I can’t stop it out there until I stop it in me.”

Kris: It’s true. So many, so often, people want to fix the circumstances of  their life and say, “well if he will treat me better, if my boss will treat me better, if my kids will treat me better, then everything will be fine. Well it wouldn’t be fine, we’ll find something else to react to. “

The important thing is for me to discover what am I doing that I react to this other people.  And when I do that, it’s not going to bother me at all.

Kris’ Book “My Heart Has Wings”

Jhet: So it starts from within. Can you share about your book. I’m in love with that book.

Kris: Oh good. My Heart Has Wings 52 Reflections on Living, Learning and Loving is a work of love.

Jhet: It is indeed, it’s by my bedside.

Kris: Oh thank you. I created it so there’s all different aspects of a person learning – there’s beautiful photography, and there’s poetry or quote that lead in to the article. They are not that long, they’re three or four pages. And a series of questions to reflect back on and take your own learning our of it.

And I did it, I finally completed it when I found out that my mom was dying with metastasized breast cancer. She had always wanted to write a book and she hadn’t. As soon as it became a gift for my mom, my ego was totally out of the picture. All my worries of it being perfect were gone.

How to Live an Extraordinary Life?

Kris: Choose to live accountably which means you take responsibility for your life. That’s huge and it’s a step that many people never take. So stepping in and taking ownership that “hey my life is the way it is because of my choices, not my husband, my wife, mom or dad!” Just stop blaming other people and step in your own shoes.”
Biggest step you’ll ever make.

Jhet: Accountability.

Kris: Be grateful for every single day of your life. Live it with all your heart. And be open to the mystery and magic around you.

Jhet: Oh thank you so much Kris. It’s an honor and privilege to have met you and attended your seminars. And you’ll be seeing me more. I love you. Thank you so much.

Kris: Thank you.

A Lasting Legacy

Way beyond iPod, iPhone, Macbook, and iPad, Steve Jobs‘ greatest contribution to humanity was to bring digital technology to every home.  Back when the world thought that computers should only be limited to enterprises and businesses, Steve Jobs thought differently.

As a child given up for adoption, perhaps Steve Jobs already settled himself with the fact that he was different from others. He always made sure he didn’t fit the box, but grows outside of it. He dropped out of college to follow his dream of building “products that will change the world.” At age 21, along with his friend Steve Wozniak, he founded Apple Computer which sold the first personal computer.

Decades of hardwork and million dollars later, “Think Different” is the tagline of his company, Apple Inc., today’s biggest technology product manufacturer by revenue and profit.

Looking at my MacBook Pro, I am given a picture of how Steve Jobs went against the flow. Just by the aesthetics, the MacBook Pro is a total standout from the usual computers of our time. While we used heavy and bulky black units full of buttons and details, Steve Jobs went for the simple and sleek white colored computers with minimal details.

1. Simple and Superb Strategies - One of the success formula that put his name in history. He built easy-to-use machines with minimalist look while employing powerful technology.
2. Driven and Disciplined – He focused on achieving his end-goal and poured his 101%, all the time. It is said that as a hands-on CEO, Steve Jobs reviews and approves all product models himself, even up to the smallest detail.
3. Relentless Visionary – He had a vision of creating things that will change the world. Even when he was fired out of his company in 1985, he did not quit on his vision.
4. Futurist – Steve Jobs never dwelled on his past accomplishments and encouraged his employees to do the same. Treating previous successes as a trap, he cultivated a culture of creating the next great product or technology.
5. He valued his time. In a commencement speech in Stanford University in 2005, Steve Jobs gave one of his most memorable advice. He said, “Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

The man who thought and made things different lived a good 56 years. Though the world felt a great loss, we also know that we still have the greatest gain – the legacy of technological excellence, creativity, and vision pursuit that this amazing genius has left behind. Great job, Steve Jobs!

P.S. This entry was done using his creation, the MacBook Pro. Each Mac User, I believe is inspired by Steve Jobs to do something different and leave a legacy to the world.

What Nick Vujicic previously thought was a curse is now a potent blessing to people from all over the world. He was born without arms and legs, grew up being teased and bullied for his disability, and wallowed in despair on the things he cannot do.

With the help of his supportive parents, Nick came to accept his limitations and decided to dream big rather than sulk within the boundaries of his physique. At grade 7, he was elected captain of his school. He then went on to finish a double bachelor degree on accounting and financial planning before finally deciding to do what he love most, to share his story and inspire people from all walks of life.

Now at only age 28, Nick Vujicic moved from his home country Australia to the United States as head of an international non-profit organization and also owner of his motivational speaking company Attitude is Altitude which is based in California.

“You can look at the things that you don’t have, but you forget at the things you do have. It’s a lie to think that you are not good enough. The key to a good life is to be thankful for who you are, to dream big, and to never give up,” Nick often shares on his inspirational talks.

Nick‘s story remind me a lot of the same struggles I had growing up. Born to poor but hardworking parents with 12 children, I spent my after-school afternoons selling mangoes, fish and rice cakes. In college, I was the only poor girl in a class of middle income and wealthy students. I survived on hand-me down clothes, worn-out shoes, and financial aid from sponsors while working as a part-time cleaner.

Despite all these, I remained thankful for the scholarship and made good use of it. My dream was to travel the world, have a loving and happy family, own a beautiful house, and never be in lack again. 30 years after, thanks to persistence and angels along my way, my life is way better than I ever imagined.

The choices we make, our perspective on things, our attitude towards the events and circumstances on our life determine whether we will live one that is good, great, or worst.

We can choose to either be thankful or gripe about our looks, appreciate or resent our current situation, make use or complain about our abilities or be inspired or get envious of what others have successfully accomplished. At the end of the day, the choices we make determines our level of success, our happiness, the life that we live.

Attitude does determine our altitude in life.

What do you choose today?