We hate you! And why?

By Lloyd Luna

Hi Sir. Thank you so much for your last column. I graduated in October and until now I don't get any job yet. Because of your column I got some ideas on how I will restart my job search. However sir maybe you can advise me some more. Specifically, I want to develop my attitude and perception. Thanks!

Dear friend,

Thank you too for your letter. What I'm going to share with you has something to do with one characteristic you need to always have: Develop an attitude of gratitude. My 2007 went better than what I've expected and the turnout of each activity just made me feel that I can do some more to better other people's lives. Let me show you around. And probably this marketing gimmick would help you, too.

Just this week, we started an internet campaign with the subject: We Hate You! And Why? My friend Ardy Roderto on the last time I went to his office told me that it's really a challenge for people to open their emails. Many of them just don't open it. And so I thought about this subject line.

“We hate you!” For getting our services, attending our seminars, listening to our coaching sessions, purchasing our books, patronizing our brand, and most of all for making 2007 our best year so far.

The greeting card continues: Did you know that all these made us cry? Still, we have to thank you for a wonderful year you've spent with us. We promise to give you more in 2008.

Many people fail to realize that gratitude is one key ingredient of a fulfilling life. They just ignore that attitude because they feel sometimes that it's off saying “thank you” or appreciating one's effort or performance no matter what the outcome was. Simply put, “thank you” is just a “just.”

My 2007 went to be a fascinating, worth-celebrating year for me, including my staffs who have been working very smart and hard. We've exceeded our target and expectations from ourselves. In fact, we've achieve most of our goals—I've launched a job book for Filipinos in Powerbooks, I've spoken to more than 30 schools and organizations, I've appeared to four television shows (ABS-CBN's Rated K, ABC 5's E-Connect and Asenso Pinoy, and CBN Asia), closed a number of website projects, finished three more books, and more.

I must admit that without the support of my mentors, family, and friends, these couldn't have been possible. And so let me shortlist some of those I owe a deep gratitude: Joey Concepcion for giving me a break as we work on Gonegosyo.net, Ramon Lopez for coaching me, Les Reyes of Reyes Haircutters for a wonderful time we've shared as we make Believe In Yourself book, Ardy Roberto for understanding my personal turbulence, Victor Tan for believing in my capability, Johnlu Koa of The French Baker for supporting me and encouraging me to do some more, Bob Claudio of Toby's Sports for supporting me at my book launch, Jo Magsaysay of Potato Corner for trusting me to work on their story.

In the media, thank you to The Manila Times, it's been a wonderful year for our paper, Rico Hizon of GoodNewsPilipinas, thank you Sir for the opportunity to bring my good news to the world, Kabayan Star in Hong Kong, Planet Philippines in Toronto, Canada, and OFW-Connect in Brunei.

And how can I forget assistance and help of Johnny Andrade, a very humble publisher of CNToday for printing my job book, my friends at the WCARP for sending me to Seoul, to all the schools, corporations, and organizations who have invited me to talk and motivate their audience.

My inner circle Pocholo Gonzales of CreatiVoices, Ian Barcelona who taught me how to speak in public, and just-in Filipino-Chinese business partner Henry Yap. And to my future Bookshoppe concessionaires too!

I know I've missed so many names but you know very well that deep in my heart, you always a big part! Next year I'm thinking of creating one newspaper so that all of you will have your name on the paper!

So friend, develop an attitude of gratitude. Give thanks to God for whom we owe everything! Say thank you to your parents, family, friends, business associates, classmates, best friends. You don't have to spend at telling them how much they mean to your life. Christmas is not only about celebrating the birth of Christ. It's also about thanking the Father for sending Someone to save us all.

Value your dreams,

BIG