A Closer Look at Diligence with Focus

​Dictionary defines diligence as a careful or persistent work or effort while focus is defined as a point of concentration. This value therefor consists of two behavioral components that were put together as one. These are being diligent and staying focused. These varies in feature yet complementary by nature. One emphasizes methodology or manner of doing while the other highlights attentiveness to a certain goal or vision. When they become a constant practice, a lifestyle, or work ethics, it generates productivity characterized by excellence. It promotes not only quantitative but also qualitative type of work which is beneficial to all forms of endeavor. It induces profitability and marketability of work outputs. It is not only hitting the target but also giving the best service to the public. Along with the increase of production is customer or clientele satisfaction.

The observance of this value is a bit challenging during this pandemic. There are programs and projects that were listed at the annual plan by different government agencies or business entities that may not be implemented due to realignment of budget, business reverses, and other adverse effects of the existing crisis. Though these gigantic limitations are inevitable, everyone is still encouraged to remain diligent with focus by whatever means possible. The “Build, Build, Build” program of the present administration is one of the examples. There are already completions of the small-ticket projects in the past and the contractors or engineers are endeavoring to still accomplish the big-ticket projects that were put in place.

In view of the meaning of diligence with focus, it must be an established principle that any work began are meant to be accomplished. It is very unprofessional to see a work being started one after the other without finishing anything. Such sporadic way of doing things is opposed to the aim of ensuring high standard in public service and ease of doing business. It indicates double-mindedness or mental instability which destroys confidence or reliability towards the employee or worker concerned. It also perpetrates the negative idea of being “jack of all trades yet master of none” due to inconsistency and lack of expertise as a result of haphazard task.

One of the common teachings that we often hear from the trainings of the Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values is to be part of the finishing generation and not the finished generation. It connotes the attempt to fulfil a destiny and not to withdraw along the journey or from the line of battle. However, this sublime persuasion should also be applicable to the attitude of finishing any sort of endeavor rather leaving things undone. Learning this virtue should inspire us to reflect and assess our past and present undertakings. Did we do well in the execution of our functions? Are there tasks that need careful attention or has to be completed thoroughly? What is our usual response or reaction when we are faced with difficulties in the process? Do we find ways to solve the problem rather than simply abandoning our duties? Answering these questions will help us rate ourselves on how far have we gone in applying the value of diligence with focus. (NAS, CRFV)