Desperation creeps in once in a while on just about every person in the world.  Last night, I approached one of the successful Filipinos I’ve met.  He’s only 20 years old and his name is Paolo Nolasco.  I had the chance of asking him for some advise and I’m glad I did.

Asking him what his driving force for success was, he answered, “Desperado na ako.  Yung iba inspirado, ako desperado na.” (I was already desperate.  Others were inspired but I was desperate.).

Inspiration is a good thing but this kid (12 years younger than I am) was not just inspired.  He had nowhere to go and he had no idea what to do.  He was 17 years old when he came across an opportunity with a great potential.  Seeing his future in it, he dove in and focused on it.  He did whatever it takes to succeed.  He threw away his pride and started selling to everyone within his circle.  His desperation was his driving force – he had to get out of that ditch called poverty.  He was really mad at his situation that he’ll do whatever it takes to get out of it.

The opportunity came with a cost – 11,588 pesos to be exact – but that didn’t bother him.  If that’s what it would take to get out of poverty, then he’ll find a way to raise that minimal business investment.  His desperation brought him inspiration and in a year’s time achieved a level of success unlike any other Filipino teenagers in the country.  Here’s a short video of him speaking more than a year ago – I found it on Youtube and he was only 19 when it was taken.

(Note: It’s in Tagalog, my apologies to the non-Tagalog speakers for now…)

Want to achieve the same success as he did? I can point you to the right direction. Post a comment below expressing your interest and I’ll email you back as soon as I can.

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