THIS is the ideal condition for us. Our greatest and strongest passion should be to live our definitive eternal state of life with God in heaven, where we actually come from and where we should be at the end. It’s the definitive home for all of us.

We should avoid getting entangled and entrapped in our earthly and temporal affairs as dramatized in that parable narrated by Christ about a man who gave a great dinner but whose invited guests failed to come for all sorts of earthly reasons. (cfr. Lk 14,15-24)
Yes, even as we immerse ourselves in our earthly affairs, we should never lose sight of the ultimate purpose and goal of our life. Rather, we should make use of our earthly affairs as the very means, instruments and occasions to lead us to our definitive state of life in heaven.

We have to be wary of the danger of being trapped in the world of the senses, of the material and purely natural things. In fact, these days, there are many people who I consider are trapped in the world of the senses, ruled mainly by their instincts and emotions, and easily vulnerable to the mere impulses of the flesh and the usually improperly grounded worldly values and ways.

I don’t refer much to those who are already emotionally or mentally disturbed and even sick. I refer more to the so-called normal people, who can manage to behave well in a civil way when in the open, but cannot regulate their wild instincts and emotions when they are hidden and solitary.

Their imagination can run amuck. The direction of their thoughts and feelings can really go berserk. And since these are mainly hidden, then they usually go unchecked and are allowed to fester.

We should be more aware of the need for us to develop and sharpen our passion and hunger for heaven. Let’s follow what Christ clearly said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mt 6,19-21)

And St. Paul echoes the same sentiment. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Col 3,2) We should do everything to avoid getting entangled with our earthly and temporal affairs.

It’s not that these worldly concerns of ours are not important. They are very important! But only as means, not as ends. They are nothing, and they can be very harmful to us, if they are not related to our true and ultimate end.

We have to find ways to relate everything to God, to the supernatural character of our final destination in heaven. Whether we like it or not, this is how the cookie crumbles for us, given our nature that is not only material but also eminently spiritual.

We don’t have to die first before we can already have a feel of heaven, if not practically touch it. By doing our ordinary daily work, whether big or small, in public or hidden at home, and doing it with real love for God and for others, we can already achieve this ideal that is proper to us.

For this to take place, we of course have to work with working faith and piety, since without them, we will not be aware that working with love for God and others can already connect us with our final home in heaven. It’s love that is fueled by faith and piety that does the trick, so to speak.

Entrepreneurship is often associated with passion, drive, and relentless pursuit of success. However, the reality is that entrepreneurs are not immune to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. The effects of burnout on an entrepreneur’s strategy can be profound and detrimental to both the individual and the business they are trying to build.

Understanding Burnout:

Burnout is not exclusive to employees; entrepreneurs are equally susceptible. Burnout is a significant concern among entrepreneurs, with research indicating a higher prevalence compared to the average worker. This is primarily due to factors such as social isolation, financial worries, excessive workload, fierce competition, self-worth tied to success, vulnerability avoidance, and lack of mental health support. The cost of burnout on the economy is staggering, exceeding 300 billion dollars annually.

Impact on Entrepreneurial Strategy:

Burnout can significantly impact an entrepreneur’s ability to strategize effectively. When overwhelmed by burnout, entrepreneurs may exhibit behaviors that hinder strategic decision-making, such as obsessive work habits, neglect of personal well-being, and a narrow focus on financial success. This can lead to a lack of creativity, reduced productivity, poor judgment, and impaired problem-solving skills, all of which are essential for developing and executing a successful business strategy.

Strategies to Combat Burnout:

To mitigate the effects of burnout on entrepreneurial strategy, it is crucial for entrepreneurs to prioritize self-care, maintain a healthy work-life balance, delegate tasks effectively, seek social support, and cultivate a passion that goes beyond mere financial gain. By recognizing the warning signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to address them, entrepreneurs can safeguard their well-being and enhance their strategic decision-making abilities.

Realigning Goals and Values:

Entrepreneurs must realign their goals, values, morals, and principles to ensure that their business endeavors are in alignment with their personal well-being and long-term vision. By establishing clear boundaries, setting achievable milestones, and fostering a supportive work environment, entrepreneurs can create a strategic framework that fosters innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, burnout can have a profound impact on an entrepreneur’s strategy, leading to reduced effectiveness, creativity, and overall business success. By prioritizing self-care, seeking balance, and reevaluating goals, entrepreneurs can mitigate the effects of burnout and build a resilient, successful business strategy that aligns with their values and vision.
Burnout in entrepreneurs can manifest through various signs and symptoms, indicating the need for immediate attention to prevent further deterioration. Here are some common signs and symptoms of burnout in entrepreneurs:

1. Physical Symptoms: Entrepreneurs experiencing burnout may exhibit physical signs such as persistent fatigue, headaches, stomach aches, migraines, trouble sleeping, increased susceptibility to infections, and skin problems. These physical manifestations are often the body’s way of signaling excessive stress and exhaustion.

2. Loss of Enjoyment: One prominent symptom of burnout is when entrepreneurs no longer find joy or satisfaction in their work. Tasks that were once fulfilling may now feel burdensome and uninteresting, leading to a lack of motivation and engagement in business activities.

3. Cynicism: Entrepreneurs experiencing burnout may become cynical about their work. They may adopt a negative attitude towards their business, colleagues, or industry, leading to feelings of detachment and disillusionment.

4. Isolation: Burnout can induce feelings of loneliness and isolation in entrepreneurs. As the primary decision-makers in their businesses, entrepreneurs may feel the weight of responsibility heavily, leading to social withdrawal and a sense of being alone in managing the challenges they face.

5. Irritability: Entrepreneurs on the brink of burnout may exhibit irritability and mood swings. The pressure to meet high standards, coupled with exhaustion, can lead to increased frustration, impatience, and a tendency to react with anger or despair.

6. Chronic Stress: Entrepreneurs experiencing burnout often find themselves in a state of constant stress. The relentless pursuit of business success, combined with long working hours and minimal breaks, can create a perpetual cycle of stress that impacts both physical and mental well-being.

7. Lack of Energy: Burnout can drain an entrepreneur’s energy reserves, leading to feelings of emptiness, fatigue, and a sense of inefficacy. Tasks that were previously manageable may now seem overwhelming, and entrepreneurs may struggle to concentrate or complete routine activities.

8. Increased Mistakes: As burnout progresses, entrepreneurs may find themselves making more errors and oversights in their work. The cognitive and physical effects of burnout can impair judgment, memory, and attention to detail, resulting in a decline in overall performance.

9. Psychological Distress: Entrepreneurs facing burnout may experience psychological symptoms such as anxiety, feelings of failure, and persistent negative thoughts. The mental toll of burnout can impact mood, self-esteem, and overall mental health.

10. Coping Mechanisms: Entrepreneurs on the verge of burnout may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as increased alcohol or substance use, excessive consumption of caffeine, and addictive behaviors like excessive social media use or gaming to escape from stress.

Recognizing these signs and symptoms of burnout is crucial for entrepreneurs to take proactive steps to address their well-being, seek support, and implement strategies to prevent burnout from negatively impacting their business and personal life.

SIDE NOTE: Your entrepreneurial journey has a powerful story to tell. Sharing it could inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams. Would you be willing to share it with us for a future article?
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, please email jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. I look forward to connecting with you!

It may sound funny that people would encounter salespersons in construction supplies and hardware who have the gall of asking their customers the kind of materials they need, giving choices that vary in sizes but of the same kind. A good example is when one buys reinforcing steel bars of a specific size and the salesperson would ask the customer whether the thick or thin size. The customer would certainly prefer the thinner size as it certainly is cheaper unless he is aware that the choice is risky as such item is weak in terms of strength. The need for specificity as required for the structure where such reinforcing steel bars would be used is critical. Here is where the owner must have a project plan and design with specifications done by a licensed engineer.

Unfortunately, most owners would not want to hire a licensed engineer as they think it would be an additional cost that could be done without as the construction workers are knowledgeable and experienced based on the many structures they have built. The misguided thought that what had been done in other structures in terms of sizes, dimensions and concrete mixtures could just be replicated in other projects. It is why the construction foreman has the guts to take charge of listing the materials to be purchased, in most cases from the construction and hardware supply where they had dealt with in previous projects, claiming that it offers the cheapest prices.

The practice defeats the very essence and purpose of having licensed and registered engineers who have to undergo years of studies and have to pass the tough board examinations. Indeed, why else should government require engineering schools to impose high standards that are at par with schools in foreign countries if the job could just be done by construction workers. This is the reality in the countryside where laws are not implemented by government officials who are tasked by law to require that all structures must have the building plans and specifications duly done, approved and signed by licensed engineers.

The law requires that all permanent structures must have a building permit issued by the building official which in our jurisdiction is exercised by the municipal or city engineer. Unfortunately, many local government units are not implementing the laws, chiefly the National Building Code of the Philippines, National Structural Code of the Philippines, Philippine Electrical Code, Sanitation Code, Plumbing Code and the corresponding implementing rules and regulations of such laws.

When lives and properties perish under the rubble of collapsed structure, people immediately put the blame on the wrong design and the direct responsibility of the engineers who in reality had no participation in the erection of such structures. It is funny that such structures were erected without the professional intervention of engineers, chiefly because the building officials did not require that building permit where the approval and signatures of licensed engineers are needed. The perils to lives and properties are simply cause by structural disasters.
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For a change, Team games tool center stage this week and these events Baseball, Dragon Boat and Curling was a glimmer of hope that Olympic and beyond, the team is capable of glory.

Sports victories have a unique power to inspire and unite a nation. When athletes achieve greatness, their triumphs resonate far beyond the playing field, touching the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life.

Baseball came as a non-surprise as Mark Steven Manaig cracked a 3 Homerun and beat the Hong Kong with 9-2, the homerun sealed the East Asia Cup. The Filipinos claimed the overall championship at the conclusion of the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships on Sunday at the Puerto Princesa Bay walk in Palawan. The Filipino paddlers collected a record 11 gold medals on top of 20 silvers and 16 bronzes during the four-day competition. The Philippine Curling Ruled Division B of the Pan Continental Curling Championship. Curling is a game on Ice where the Tea, move granite stones to a target.

In all, the victories were all Team games. The tactical side is so different with individual games like Gymnastics and Weightlifting but these are Olympic games too. And that, these early we are hopeful that these would resonate beyond. The hope is that we can get Golden glory in the team sports we are already as the victories proved, world class.

A win on this world stage is a testament of the strength and acumen of the Filipino Athlete and the strength of united efforts of the Philippine Team. It can bring national pride and inspire the people.

It can be the change agent that can finally erase the doubt in all of us.
After all, these are notable triumph that we must celebrate. These are moments that can and must uplift a nation, ravaged by calamities of nature and tragically calamities made by men.