It is time for our awakening!

This morning I appeal to all of us that still care for this wonderful country and for ourselves to wake up. It is time to take control of our destiny and country. We have the freedom to make our choices as to what type of country we desire. But we seem to be faltering along the way. We are allowing others to tell us what and how we should do. Look where we are because of this. Please stand up and shout: Basta! No more! Basta!

Over the years we have been granted over a billion dollars since our association with the United States. Have we used it wisely? Do any of us care? Do any of us know that the U.S. gave us this year over $200,000,000 for the improvement of the CNMI? Consider: we have the protection of the greatest nation in the world today and its generosity, but what are we doing with it? Basta! No more! Basta! Let’s wake up and help ourselves!

No, I am not going to tell us what to do. We already know what to do. We already know what is wrong with our country. We already know the problems. We already know how we got into this mess and some of its solutions. But are we ready to take control and correct them?

Change and awakening must begin with me, the individual! I, the individual, must stand up and take responsibility. I, the individual, must demand change. As the I’s become plural, the movement will begin. Until then it is all hot air and whining.

If we cannot answer the following with positive answers to the questions I raise, then we are not ready for change. If that is the case, then let’s shut up and stop whining and admit that we are too weak or not concerned and accept what is happening and will continue to happen.

Am I being too blunt? Fine! Then step forward and help correct the problems. Or if you prefer, tell me to shut up—after all, who in the heck am I to tell us that we can improve our community and lives?

Do I ever examine where I am today and where I want to be tomorrow? Do I have pride in myself? In my work? In my country? Am I passionate about my work? Am I eager to change my life and fight for better times? Do I have the determination and desire to achieve my goals?

One of the first and most important steps is to get a job and become a member of the workforce. Despite the confusion, we must plunge in and demand work. If we look around we will notice that many nonresident workers will be leaving in a few weeks despite what we read about in the newspaper. How determined am I to get one of those vacant jobs? If I have a job, am I working with meaning?

Here is an idea that will very likely get us a job. The next time we go for a job interview, tell the interviewer that we are willing to work for free for one or two weeks. Tell him that we want to show him our determination to work and our ability. After the test period, he can either hire us or tell us no deal. But he will have seen us in action. Crazy? Try it and find out. Employers will be impressed with this determination. Let me know the results.

Be sure we have learned a skill or trade. The worst thing we can tell the interviewer is that we are willing to do anything. We must be definite in what we are seeking. If not, he will know that we are only a warm body and not a potentially good employee.

I am not suggesting a revolution. That can come at election time. I am urging us to begin with improving ourselves. I learned early in life that everything that happens or does not happen is because of me. If I improve myself and change my attitude, I change my surroundings. I can change my society only when I change myself.

Let me share 10 traits that leaders and successful people in all walks of life possess. When these traits are combined dreams turn into reality.

1. HOW WE THINK IS EVERYTHING. Let us always be positive. Think success, not failure. Beware of negative thoughts.

2. DECIDE UPON OUR TRUE DREAMS AND GOALS. Write down the specific goals and develop a plan to reach them. No one builds anything worthwhile without plans.

3. TAKE ACTION. Goals are nothing without action. Don’t be afraid to get started. Just do it!

4. NEVER STOP LEARNING. Go back to school or read books. Get training and acquire skills. So easy today with the Internet available.

5. BE PERSISTENT AND WORK HARD. Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Never give up. Success is the steady realization of a worthy goal.

6. LEARN TO ANALYZE DETAILS. Get all the facts, all the input. Learn from our mistakes.

7. FOCUS OUR TIME AND MONEY. Don’t let other people or things distract us.

8. DON’T BE AFRAID TO INNOVATE—BE DIFFERENT. Following the herd is a sure way to mediocrity.

9. DEAL AND COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY. No person is an island. Learn to understand and motivate others.

10. BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE—TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. Otherwise Nos. 1 to 9 won’t matter.

The above 10 traits have proven to be the main road to success for a multitude of people. Couple them with a firm determination and desire to achieve our goals and we cannot fail. They have been my stepping stones to what small amount of success that has fallen into my life. That is why I feel so strongly about them.

Our motto to live by should be: I will strive to do better tomorrow what i do well today!

Let us enjoy our achievements, as well as our plans, whether large or small. Let us keep interested in our career, however humble. It is a real possession in this ever changing world. Lack of money is not a deterrent to achievement. However, money will come when we practice the 10 traits.

In closing, let us remember that with all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world! Be careful! Strive to be happy! The above is a lifetime pursuit. It’s all up to me!

And remember to smile! It is a wonderful, contagious act. Smile and the world will smile back. Have a great week.