As the current year comes to a close, we inevitably embark on a new one, always telling ourselves that this year will be better! Here are a few pointers on how to make this a reality. Rid yourself of all the negativity from the past and make space for good things. Have a plan on how to achieve your goals. Make amends for all your past sins. Finally, learn to be thankful and live an honest life.
When you're full of negativity, it's difficult to make room for the good and beautiful things in life. Getting rid of all the bad elements isn't just about your thoughts and feelings, but also has much to do with the people surrounding you with their bad thoughts and evil personalities. Not only do you need to think positive thoughts, but you should also avoid people who will drown you with their negativity. These people may appear pleasant and nice, but you should be able to look for signs of their true intentions and feelings towards you – that they do not wish you well.
We all have our goals and objectives, and good things in life don't come overnight unless you're a thief or criminal who is not ashamed or afraid to steal things from other people. Just remember one thing: if you slide down this path, Karma is a bitch! For example, in aspiring to rise in your career, you need to work hard, get the job done right, learn the right things, and probably need a mentor who can guide you. Much like wanting your own home, very few people can immediately get their dream house. Some start with a small condominium unit or just buy a lot first in a nice subdivision, then save more money to build the house. However, all these things mean saving up and controlling your spending to get what you want in the future.
As you get older, thoughts of your mortality are unavoidable. It is time to correct whatever mistakes you have committed in the past. If you failed to spend time with your parents, spouse, and children, maybe you should do that now while they are still around and, more importantly, while you are still able to do so. If you have unpaid debts, perhaps it is only fair that you start paying back what you owe. When your time is up, you want to be remembered in a good way and not as someone who kept on taking and never gave back. I guess if you don't understand this, you are reading the wrong column.
Learning to be thankful is common for good-natured people. People who are not thankful for anything may think they have nothing to be thankful for. Is that really the case? To me, just being alive is enough to be thankful for. As long as you are alive, you can still change and become an honest person, do something productive, and possibly make someone happy. Fill your life with hope and be a shining light instead of spiraling down into darkness.
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to you all!
The views and comments expressed by the author are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper or FINEX.
Dr. George S. Chua is the 2016 FINEX President and served as FPI President from 2010 to 2020. He is an active entrepreneur, a regular member of the National Press Club, a Professorial Lecturer 2 at UP Diliman and BGC, and Vice Chairman of the Market Governance Board of the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. He also enjoys playing golf.
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