#MINDANAO John Tria Independence Day always stirs sentiments on what we and the country can and must be. It also forces us to declare our freedom from certain negative mindsets that shackle our potential to be greater. This reflection is made even more relevant when we realize that the fast changing world with its uncertainties and disruptions is both exciting and intimidating. We cannot remain stuck in counterproductive, negative thinking that narrows our judgment. We need our minds to be open and free to examine options to tackle the challenges of the future. Personally, June 12 reminds me to keep my mind free from excessive pains of the past, from being too emotional and the unfair biases that these breed, from self limiting mindsets that tell me that I cannot achieve the dreams I dream. That said, we should declare independence from any sense of continuous dread and crippling fear, from the need to excessively please those who think less of us, who believe, ever insiduously, that you and I are beneath them. For many of us in the business sector, there are a few mindsets we have to declare our independence from. The first is the fear of competition. Every time we hear the word “competitor,” many feel a chill in the gut. A deep fear overcomes some of us and we try to see how we can cancel the competition. But competitors are not enemies to hate. They are adversaries that inspire us to be better. This will mean meeting the quality standards, and even price expectations of a larger market, which may be lower than what you are used to. Acknowledging this reality is one of the cornerstones of competitivness. Competition is a fact of our business life. Can we demand that buyers pay us a price we want while they have better and cheaper choices? I do not think so. I am sure you as a reader will choose the best quality option at a price you can afford. Thus, we must be willing to study our customers and find what delights them. The one that can respond to this delight and do so with the least cost wins. Another mindset we need to free ourselves of is the fear of technology. It is an enabler of efficiency that exposes us to new ways of doing things, new suppliers, new buyers. How we harness it is up to us. Failing to use it is also our call. Competition and technology should not be feared. Understanding competition and embracing technology builds a strong entreprenurial and competitive mindset. This means being more productive and competitive than others. It also requires that we set long term goals instead of merely claiming short term gain. In real terms, these help us build our enterprises to grow even after we are gone, so that those who follow after us will continue building and growing. Congratulations are in order Congratulations are in order for Agnes Dakudao Locsin, dancer and choreographer for being our National Artist for Dance. This makes many of her students and former students truly proud. This is a testament to her body of work and unique contribution to Philippine Arts, bringing Mindanao’s culture to many. facebook.com/johntriapage