Diligence with Focus, a Filipino Attribute

by: Nathaniel A. Saquiban

Due to the adverse effects of the pandemic and the effects of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, it appears to some that we have entered into a VUCA World. VUCA is an acronym to describe or to reflect on the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity of general conditions and situations based from the leadership theories of Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus. In other way of saying, VUCA world is a chaotic world. Such kind of environment directly or indirectly affects human activities. It alters the usual way of living of people. Incidentally, it constrains the pursuit for excellence in various fields of endeavor. Even the strong may become weak and even the diligent may be slackened due to these hostile incidents.

One of the ways to survive the existing phenomena is to practice the value of diligence with focus. As the famous proverb states, “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich”. It is having a hardworking spirit, persistency, and industriousness without being dissuaded by all forms of difficulty. It is the ability to pursue desired goals in life at any cost. It is being totally consumed by the vision for success amidst of deterrent circumstances. It is aiming a glorious destiny even contrary situations kept bombarding. This aggressive attitude is easier said than done. Only the extraordinary can make it.

We, Filipinos, naturally possess this fighting spirit. We are known for our resiliency and diligence. We are oftentimes struck by natural disasters and calamities but we always rise-up from the occasion. We usually do not accept our misfortune. We do something out of our desperate state. This is the reason why many of us have gone abroad looking for better opportunities and higher earnings. We sacrifice our affections with our family members in order to earn a living. We do everything that needs to be done to alleviate our financial and social status. While there may be few who are sluggish, it is not our general character trait. We normally fight for survival and do not settle for less.

During the peak of the pandemic, admittedly, we were immobilized. Our productivity was limited and our purchasing power was reduced. Businesses and other means of livelihood were closed. However, a lot of us still managed to find ways and shift to other gainful undertakings. Diligence coupled with creativity is the key.

Other than being diligent, we also need to stay focus. We have a vision to realize by year 2040. According to National Economic Development Authority, “Vision 2040” are the set of goals identified by the public, for themselves, their children, their community, and the country. They came from the sovereign Filipino people and not from single individual, thus, they should be respected, honored, and fulfilled. The implementing body should not be sidetracked by the changing administration and minor political clashes. Each leaders may have priority programs and projects but those established by the masses should not be altered. Neither should the subordinates be unduly influenced by political figures.  
​
We should therefore keep holding on to our dreams and aspirations for a better future. It is in our hands and we can do something. We should not be affected by the negative turn of events. Our passion should remain alive. Most importantly, we should stay diligent and focused.