When you start a business, passion comes naturally. Everything feels fresh and exciting. You wake up eager to take on the day, full of dreams and possibilities.
But decades later, after the grind, market shifts and countless ups and downs, it’s easy for that spark to fade and you feel tired. I’ve seen it happen. Some entrepreneurs burn out. Others lose interest and end up running their business on autopilot, often toward disaster.
For me, keeping the fire alive after more than 25 years in our family business hasn’t happened by accident. I work on it deliberately, like tending a flame so it never dies out.
1. I keep learning.
New ideas always bring new energy. I read, attend seminars, and talk to other entrepreneurs. Every fresh insight makes me see our business differently and opens the door to new possibilities.
2. I surround myself with energy.
I choose to be around people who are passionate and driven. I’m blessed that all my five children—John, Charlie, Randy, Cheryl and Michael and their mother, Allen, have both in abundance. Their fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial drive are contagious.
3. I revisit my “why.”
When my energy dips, I go back to the reason we started: to support the family, create jobs and satisfied customers and build something lasting for generations. That sense of purpose never fails to lift me.
4. I celebrate progress.
It’s tempting to keep chasing the next target without looking back. But I make it a point to pause so every member of my family and team appreciates how far we’ve come. Even small wins are worth acknowledging; they give us the fuel to keep going.
5. I refresh, not just grind.
Sometimes, you don’t need to work harder; you need to work differently. A new project, a different routine, a short trip abroad, or even rediscovering Cebu through our resorts can make the business feel exciting again.
Over the years, I’ve learned that passion isn’t just a spark at the beginning; it’s sustained by daily habits and intentional choices. A fire left unattended will eventually burn out. But a fire that’s fed, protected, and given room to breathe can burn for a lifetime. I’ve been blessed to keep that fire alive since retiring from Manulife nearly 30 years ago.
Running a family business isn’t just about keeping it profitable; it’s about keeping yourself excited to lead it. That’s why I guard my fire fiercely. And it’s why, after all these years, I still look forward to the work we do every single day — until I retire or the Lord calls me home.
