CMK READS : BEING THE BEST YOU CAN EVER BE BY FRANCIS KONG

To  me, Francis J. Kong (FJK) is synonymous to "inspirational". His books are one for the reading. His works are the type that get you excited deep down and it prods you to start now. It has that effect, at least for me.

I got my first book of FJK as a gift from a friend. Since then, I see to it that I've read one book from this man, every year. Thanks to Manila International Book Fair (click HERE), I had a chance to catch up on what's latest from one of my favorite authors.

DETAILS:

BEING THE BEST YOU CAN EVER BE

Publisher: Success Options, Inc.
Available at: All major bookstores
Price: Php 499 (approx) | Got the book from HERE

IT'S A DAY-BY-DAY SORT OF THING

This book is a 50-page read but I'd say it is worth more than that. Each sentence pierces that career side of me and it's a treat flipping page after page. Sneak peek of some question reads:

• How is your to-do list? 
• Are they filled with activities that would add value to you and your goals?
• How powerful is your NO power?

a

These are the questions I seldom met in my everyday life, and when I do, it kept me reflecting for such a long time. Remember, being successful is not only about how much money you earn, it's also about, how HAPPY and PEACEFUL you are in the process of collecting your wealth. They are equally important. Quest for excellence is a daily habit. Yeah, like taking a bath.

WHERE DOES YOUR WORTH COME FROM?

We could be robbed of recognition, stripped of all possessions, abandoned by friend and hated by foes, but if we are connected to our Creator, our worth remains. And this same creator has given us an active mind and an able body to work on becoming the person we ought to be. Becoming THAT person should be our goal in life. -Excerpt. Page 19

Who are you when everything was slashed away from you? Be anchored with your Creator. All other ground, as they say, is a sinking sand.

YOUR ATTITUDE IS WHO YOU REALLY ARE
I once came across a Pinterest post that has this simple yet profound words: 
"A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person."
And it makes sense. Yes it does!

We should never be blinded by our accomplishments because at the end of the day, everything is just pen and paper. What matters is how we treat others, specially those that don't have the capacity to return our favor {or ire}. Give generous tips. Give soft glances and friendly handshakes. We are humans, and so therefore we should act like one. 

PERSONAL GROWTH IS 'INTENTIONAL'

You don't just wish to have a good, sexy body and expect to have what you wish for exactly 10 minutes after! In much the same way, being an excellent person requires a conscious effort. While we don't get all giddy up signing up for that class that can add value to our career, we do it anyway because we know that we'll be better after completing the course.

Growth is a life-long project. Only GOD is constant. We, are always, ever-changing.
Hopefully for the better. ☺

A MIXTURE OF BOTH 

Be content with what you have but never be contented with what you can be. Stretch yourself. Learn new things. Explore new avenues and continue learning. Continue striving to be the best you can ever be. -Page 46

Don't be contented... These 3 words somehow stress me out before. I see this as I should not be contented and strive to be upgraded 100% of the time. However, as I was randomly reading this book a thought hit me. Maybe the words DO NOT BE CONTENTED mean:

• You are kind now, but be kinder.
• You are generous now, but be more generous.
• You are organized now, but you can be more efficient.
• You are loving now, but you can fill your love tank twice as much.

When we have this perspective, we won't think of the words "don't be contented" in the light of greed and rat racy-ness. A good heart surpasses all the achievements one can ever have.
   

MEET THE MAN

His books are one of my few refreshments when I was studying for my board exam. By God's grace, I passed. But the journey does not end there. That's when I realize: a career is never a destination, it's a journey. And the challenge is we travel that journey with a happy spirit and encounter new life lessons along the way. Lots of it.

I haven't met the man personally, but I thank GOD for creating someone like Mr. Kong. A man of few, yet meaningful words. God bless you! -CMK