Daily Archives: November 25, 2007

Testimonial: Dealing with the Past, Moving Forward

James V. Day

Hi. I am James Day. A Mechanical Engineer and businessman by profession. Allow me to share my wonderful experience and encounter with Ed Pilapil Jr.

I met Ed Pilapil Jr. in 2005. I knew him before for his effective motivational speaking but not yet as a personal coach. That time I was at the lowest point of my career and personal life. While I am a person of multi talent and much passion for excellence, I had a series of successes and failures. It was frustrating.

Imagine all the effort you put in to establish yourself only to lose everything in an instant. What a waste of time and resource. Now, I realize that I could have simply avoided all these had I sought the council of a wise man like Ed Pilapil Jr.

Like an athlete, I have blind spots. I have bad habits and personal issues that needs correction. I was stubborn though to believe that everything was alright. It was a sure formula for failure. What was my problem? A lot.

I picked up a lot of wrong values and habits from my childhood. Moreover, I realized that I had a lot of hurts and hang ups, unfinished businesses so to say. Who doesn’t? We all have one way or the other. These problems led me to make wrong decision and choices in life. It also adversely affected any relationship that I may establish in my personal life and career.

After two years, I have recovered quickly from my failures and Ed Pilapil Jr. was the key. How did he do it? He listened, he gave feedback, and he referred me to people who could help me. After much consultation and regular coaching, I was able to deal with my past, undergo healing, break my bad habits, and gain new perspective in life.

The first year was the hardest as I had to unlearn many things, break away from my routine and learn new ways of doing things. Surely, Ed Pilapil Jr. was patient, understanding and inspiring. What did it take for me to reform? All I needed was an open mind, a willing heart and a teachable attitude. Today, I am happy to tell you that I have reestablished my business, reconciled with friends and partners, and rebuilt relationships with my siblings. What have I learned from all this?

Firstly, it is of utmost importance to truly know yourself, your strength and weaknesses. This is the first step to progress. But, the process can be made easier and with minimal loss if you have a coach to point this out to you. Secondly, understand the people around you and sincerely care for them.

It is only after you have established peace and harmony with the people around you that you will be able to maximize productivity and promote success for everybody. Coaching is contagious. Now, after many sessions with Ed, I too have learned the skill to coach other people as well. Influencing people in business, family and community has becomes much easier.

With the help of God, now I am ready to accomplish even greater things. To my coach and my friend, Ed, thank you for everything that you have taught me.

James V. Day
Engr. & Businessman

Chasing the Wind: When You Lose Meaning in Life

I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 1:14

Ever get fed up? There are seasons in life that we feel this way, especially when expectations fail us. Even the most patient among men may give in to disappointment.

Remember Moses? The meekest of men in his time lose his temper. Instead of speaking to the rock as the Lord commanded, he hit it with his staff. He finally vented his emotions. He grew tired of the murmuring of the Israelites. Maybe he expected more from them.

Ever felt exasperated? Forgive me for the silly question. Let me rephrase it. Have you been exasperated continuously? Maybe by the economy? By public service? By relationships? By your co-workers? Maybe not. Maybe often.

It may happen to us and to many others. What can we say? Life can be full of disappointments. Sometimes because we feel limited in changing the situation or perhaps we have tried to improve the situation but nothing.

Ever felt tired of life? Do you feel like chasing after the wind? Chasing nothing. Is it worth it? Trying to fix that relationship. Is it worth it? Building that business. Is it worth it? Hoping for the best.

Solomon, the wisest of kings in his time, did feel weary of all that he saw and observed in life. It seemed that he lost meaning. And I believe he did for a while. But I also believe that he regained meaning when he finally came back to the source of meaning – God Himself.

One thing for sure. You cannot stay in these states for a long time. It will sap away your energy and zest in life. Anyone can rise above these feelings of weariness. If you do it alone, I believe you’ll end up there again and again and again.

If you look to God and learn to revere and love Him, you can rise above them. A whole new perspective and energy will come in. A deeper life begins.

By Ed Pilapil Jr. ©

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®,
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1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)