No Pain. No Gain

As a student many years back, Paulo did some odd jobs to help his parents sustain his schooling so as not to be too much burden to them; They were four then who were attending school at the same time.

He applied for a part-time job as an insurance agent on a commission basis. It was a very tedious work for He did a house-to-house selling as his lone strategy. Since internet and cellphones were unpopular and perhaps too costly yet that time, face-to-face selling was the only best option he had.

He was not really that lucky during the first several months for he had not closed any single account yet, something that made him decide quitting.

Until one day when He finally decided to give up the job. He was writing his resignation letter inside their school canteen when unknowingly someone was scouting him at the back.

"Quitting?", the woman said, "life is more about keeping your pace amidst tough challenges.

He did not know her. She probably was a parent to one of the students in his school. He did not mind her and continued scribbling. Then one of his professors passed by.

"Hey Paulo, What's up? Somebody told me that you are a working student now, keep it up kid.", He said smilingly.

He just smiled and went away to find another place where no one can disturb him, but his classmates saw him.

"'Hey dude, treat us for some meals, You're already working, right? Good for you. You are no longer burden to your family." He laughingly said."Just kidding. Keep it up bro."

Whatta? He was getting confused. If only these people knew his problem. But somewhat there words inspired him. He pondered things out and asked himself if he loved his work. It may be ridiculous but he replied to himself on the affirmative. 

To him, being an insurance agent was not just a job but a good one. You have something good to offer with other people that can secure their life in the future. 

Though it was not a regular salaried job, at least his income was not a fixed one and there was a potential of earning more than an office worker did that time.Why not give it another try?

For almost an hour of deep thinking, He finally convinced himself to continue and further face the challenges that his job awaited him.

For another months of zero sales, he continued, but making sure he studied well until a good fortune came when he began hitting a series of jackpots. He was able to convince a large company to get its employees a life and endowment insurance policies thru salary deduction scheme. 

Then another one followed when a federation of cooperatives got insured thru him. He continued closing sales which became ordinary for him. The flow of money was really great and the promotion to high positions was fast.

More than a year of no sales, but because of love and interest in the job, He became determined to succeed at all costs. When a good luck came, everything changed for life was beginning to be comfortable. 

Now, Paulo is running his own insurance corporation with his siblings as general managers.

Just like Paulo, we are sometimes weakened by the challenges that come our way- We may just be lacking of encouraging and inspiring words from other people around us. Success is really something to strive for which cannot be attained overnight with just a little effort.