Unlocking Success: Lessons from Investor's Business Daily

Navigating the vast expanse of the internet, I found myself contemplating what to write for my blog. Focused on sharing positive insights about doing business in my beloved country, I stumbled upon a post by Apeng dicitis on http://forum.gov.ph/. This member from New York City shared "Investor's Business Daily"s 10 secrets to success," a timeless guide.

1) HOW YOU THINK IS EVERYTHING: Always be positive. Think success, not failure. Beware of a negative environment.

2) DECIDE UPON YOUR TRUE DREAMS AND GOALS: Write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them.

3) TAKE ACTION: Goals are nothing without action. Don't be afraid to get started. Just do it.

4) NEVER STOP LEARNING: Go back to school or read books. Get training and acquire skills.

5) BE PERSISTENT AND WORK HARD: Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Never give up.

6) LEARN TO ANALYZE DETAILS: Get all the facts, all the input. Learn from your mistakes.

7) FOCUS YOUR TIME AND MONEY: Don't let other people or things distract you.

8) DON'T BE AFRAID TO INNOVATE; BE DIFFERENT: Following the herd is a sure way to mediocrity.

9) DEAL AND COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: No person is an island. Learn to understand and motivate others.

10) BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Otherwise, Nos. 1-9 above won't matter.

Investor's Business Daily's 10 secrets to success align with biblical principles, offering wisdom rooted in timeless truths.

1. How You Think Is Everything:

   • Biblical Insight: Proverbs 23:7a (KJV) - "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he."
   • Example: Joseph maintained a positive mindset in slavery and prison, leading to his eventual rise to power in Egypt.

2. Decide Upon Your True Dreams and Goals:

   • Biblical Insight: Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) - "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
   • Example: David set a goal to build a temple for God, and Solomon fulfilled it (1 Chronicles 22:7-10).

3. Take Action:

   • Biblical Insight: James 2:17 (ESV) - "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
   • Example: Nehemiah took action in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem despite challenges (Nehemiah 2:17-18).

4. Never Stop Learning:

   • Biblical Insight: Proverbs 18:15 (NIV) - "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out."
   • Example: Daniel and his friends excelled in learning in Babylon (Daniel 1:17-20).

5. Be Persistent and Work Hard:

   • Biblical Insight: Galatians 6:9 (NIV) - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
   • Example: Paul's persistence in spreading the gospel despite hardships (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

6. Learn to Analyze Details:

   • Biblical Insight: Proverbs 15:14 (NIV) - "The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly."
   • Example: Jesus emphasized the importance of counting the cost before building (Luke 14:28-30).

7. Focus Your Time and Money:

   • Biblical Insight: Matthew 6:21 (ESV) - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
   • Example: Mary focused on Jesus while Martha was distracted (Luke 10:38-42).

8. Don't Be Afraid to Innovate; Be Different:

   • Biblical Insight: Romans 12:2 (NIV) - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
   • Example: Paul's innovative approach in presenting the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

9. Deal and Communicate with People Effectively:

   • Biblical Insight: Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) - "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
   • Example: Paul's effective communication in various cultural contexts (Acts 17:22-34).

10. Be Honest and Dependable; Take Responsibility:

    • Biblical Insight: Proverbs 12:22 (NIV) - "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy."
    • Example: Zacchaeus taking responsibility for his actions and making amends (Luke 19:8-9).

Reflecting on these principles, I was reminded of a friend in suburban Tondo, Manila, embodying the Filipino spirit. Despite facing negativity, Filipinos from all walks of life maintain positivity and harbor dreams. They persistently work hard, though sometimes lack the opportunity for detailed analysis. Their strength lies in learning from mistakes, innovating, and effective communication.

The Filipino spirit is marked by a determination to survive and innovate. However, the challenge lies in providing more opportunities for learning and skill development, especially for those with fewer resources. Despite their innate honesty, the poor understand that solely relying on virtue may not suffice; they shoulder the responsibility of providing for their families.

In reflecting on these secrets to success, the words "My job is to take care of the possible, and trust GOD with the impossible" resonate. While the poor have embodied these principles for generations, uplifting their standard of living requires addressing systemic barriers to opportunities. Proverbs 16:3 echoes the sentiment: "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Empowering the less privileged involves creating an environment where their persistence and hard work can truly lead to success.

Proverbs 4:23 - "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."