One of the great sources of inspiration for Filipinos is sports. Seeing athletes beat time, defy odds, turn the tables, and win the game sparks hope that anything is possible—even if the home court is saddled with pandemic and the opponent is a virus.
“The pandemic has not only brought many of us physical and financial challenges, but has also tested our mental strength and well-being,” said Melissa Henson, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Manulife Philippines.
To inspire Filipinos to “embrace a winning mindset” amid the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the insurer recently hosted a webinar featuring members of the Philippine Basketball Association team Barangay Ginebra: Tim Cone, L.A. Tenorio, and Richard del Rosario.
“We partnered with members of the Barangay Ginebra team, one of the most storied teams in Philippine basketball history, because we believe in the power of sports and its ability to teach us meaningful lessons about dealing with failure and challenges, getting back up again, improving yourself, and collaborating with others,” explained Henson.
Be open to change
What many are calling “new normal” is composed of changes in the way we live. Changes that Del Rosario, two-time PBA champion and lead assistant coach, said we must be willing to accept.
“There will be a lot of disruptions in your life but what can help you adjust is having the right attitude to deal with these situations. It’s not what happens to you, but what happens in you,” he said.
Del Rosario considers this mindset as being porous. “Being porous means being open to change and accepting that these changes will enter your life.”
Be accountable
Cone, the winningest coach in PBA history with 22 titles, including two Grand Slams, emphasized the value of being responsible for one’s self and for the people that depend on them.
“As a coach, I am accountable for all that happens in my team. My role is to make sure that I am clear about our goals and help my players build habits to achieve these,” said Cone.
Further explaining his methods, he shared, “I say this to all first practices that ‘I want you to hate me now and love me later,’ and what I mean by that is ‘I want you to understand that I’m gonna have to push you, and that I have to be a strong leader and make you disciplined and make you do all these things’.”
Cone has learned that leaders must encourage themselves and the people around them to stay motivated, be consistent, and develop that “never say die” spirit to achieve their goals.
At the webinar, he also emphasized the price one must pay to succeed, and that the journey exacts discipline and accountability.
Be disciplined and work hard
For five-time PBA champion and three-time PBA Finals Most Valuable Player Tenorio, preparation is the key to success. He underscored the importance of hard work and everyday grind, of not hiding behind excuses or special treatment.
He believes that even if you feel that you’re already at the top of your game, determination, discipline, and humility still matter.
He also spoke of importance of teamwork and putting someone else first and respecting others.
“As a leader and as a player, it is important to remain humble and see the value of each of our team members, so we can stay focused and motivated on our goals,” said Tenorio.
Be physically active and mentally positive
Certified life coach Carelle Magaliag-Herrera seconded the PBA stars’ insights, further adding the value of being physically and mentally healthy in order to become emotionally resilient—vital in time of crisis.
“You should be physically active and mentally positive. To do this, we should practice creating good stories in order to change our state and create strategies that would lead us to success,” she said.
“Also, being more compassionate and kinder to yourself allows you to extend these values to others, which creates a positive effect on our well-being.” Harvey Villena
