A reader Kendrick wrote to me about how he was inspired by Pancake House Group (Pancake House, Dencio’s, Terriyaki Boy) Managing Director Germin Espino’s humble beginnings. I wrote a column on Germin, detailing his start as a counter crew member for Jollibee while working himself through college. He asked if he could be put in touch with Germin to ask for advice, that he could give his cousin, who was about to start work in Mcdonald’s.

I forwarded his email to Germin, and soon after, the latter wrote Kendrick back. I would like to reprint that letter in order to share lessons to others out there who are starting out. Germin wrote, “Tell your cousin what a good start he has working at a fine organization such as McDonald's. The lessons I 'earned' from Jollibee are still the same guidelines I follow to this day.

COMING TO WORK HAPPY. I remember clearly how I am eager to wake up in the morning and leave the house before the break of dawn (5:00 am) so that I can reach Escolta before 6 am. Yes I come earlier than the opening manager many times. The moment I get down the jeep and turn the corner, I can see the face of Jollibee smiling at me. I can’t help to smile back (no kidding). Four hours of work then walk back to school and attend class from 11 am to 5 pm.

TRAIN HARD FIGHT EASY. This is a favorite 'motto' I took from my friends from Domino's Pizza USA. Imaging training in basketball using goals that are 4 inches smaller. That makes the goals tougher to make because of tighter resources. But when you do the real thing and are given a bigger resources, imagine how much easier it will be for you.

STAY IN TOUCH (NOT, ALWAYS GO BACK) WITH YOUR MAKER. All the energy, wisdom attitude and inspiration that I have could not have been achieved just by myself. They all emanate from my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. His presence in me gives me the reason to move on and fulfill my purpose in life - to be a good father, a loving husband, a responsible employee and a nurturing leader. Do I get my share of stress? Absolutely, don't we all? But it’s my faith in God that assure me that "son, you do that and I’ll cover you". What can be most reassuring than your own father backing you up.

DO WHAT MATTERS MOST. There are tons of work to do. Do we have the time to do all of them? No we don't. But the more important question to ask is - "do we need to do all of them"? As we grow through life, we begin to realize and define the 'areas that matter most to us'. They can be God, family, work, self, friends or community. It’s only you who can define what your priorities are. This list of priorities should now determine your "life schedule". We can't say we don't have the time for it, because we do. Sometimes, we just don't want to put time for it.

It's still a constant struggle to balance time with God, family, work, friends and myself. Yes I find 'alone times' and enjoy it very much. What's the trick? Do what matters most to you. A favorite quote I heard goes "our greatest fear ought not to fail, but to succeed in matters that don't count" (beautiful, eh?)

Am i Successful? I thank the Lord that I am. And what made me so compared to others is not just talent, knowledge, experience or good education. Besides God's grace, it’s the attitude that sets me and other successful people apart from the not-so-successful ones.

I'm inspired that you're inspired. Thank you for your interest in my story. It’s an amazing journey if you know your destination. It is even an enjoyable trip if you know you have a guide who is with you all the time. Thanks to Chris, who is as much an inspiration to me as he is to many of his readers. Hope we can hook up someday and also meet your cousin.”

Thank you Germin, for taking the time to encourage others. Germin is a great example of SAXES. I have been writing about the concepts of Struggle, Attitude, Xcitement, Element Human, and Simple life. They form the word SAXES that when read aloud will sound like success. Why the misspelling? I wanted to say that there is no exact scientific formula to achieving success. It’s very definition means different things and expectations to everyone. But you have to be prepared to Struggle, and yet always keep the positive Attitude. You must always gear up to be eXcited, because in doing so, you infect enthusiasm that will always allow momentum to build. The human being in us is always a surprise Element. We are capable of so much if we believe and have Faith in God. Lastly, keep things Simple, life need not be so complicated.

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, let’s all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.