I was invited a few weeks ago to give a motivational talk to a batch of graduating entrepreneurial college students from San Beda (mostly seniors and juniors). I immediately accepted this talk because one of my passions is really to reach out and teach the next generation. I don’t see myself entering the academe anytime soon but maybe sometime in the future when I’m more financially secure already (haha). Anyway, this talk was special to me because I decided to use my late grandfather’s commencement speech as my material. It’s called the “7 Keys to Success” by the late Sen. Blas F. Ople, adapted by Carlo Ople. Since I only had 45 minutes, I couldn’t go through all 7 keys. I planned on giving up to the 4th but time ran out when I was just on the third, haha.
Event Comments
Before I get into some of the points that I discussed, let me just give props to the event organizers. This has got to be one of the most fashionable seminars I’ve ever attended. Apparently they wanted something different so the organizers asked the students to come in wearing gowns and barongs! It literally looked like a prom.
My only problem with the event was the screen. It was small so I doubt it if everyone was able to see all the slides that I prepared. Other than that it was really done well. You’d think it was organized by professionals.
The 1%
The point I’d just like to stress in this blog post that came from the talk is the 1%. Based on a study presented by the Philippine Center for Population and Development (PCPD), out of 100 filipinos that start working at the age of 25, this is what happens to them by the time they reach 65 years-old:
63% will still be working or dependent on charity and dole-outs.
29% will pass away.
4% will have enough money to go on until they die.
1% will be rich enough to actually leave inheritance.
The next time you go to school or to work, look around you. Are these people worker harder than me? Are these people working smarter than me (there’s a difference between harder and smarter)? Then look at yourself and ask yourself this question: Will I be part of the 1%?
Don’t make the mistake of just coasting along. Take control of your life and steer it towards the direction that you want it to go. If you don’t then you’ll probably end up nowhere by the time you’re 65.
Thanks again to the organizers for inviting me! I had a lot of fun giving the talk.
To those who want to invite me for speaking engagements, please head over to www.carloople.com.
