More rounds to go

Days after Pacquiao defeated Hatton, the cable and on-demand channels were still re-playing the pre-match coverages of the fight. In 24/7, there was a three-part series in which both fighters were shown while training, outside of training and showed vignettes of their personal lives.

Then, the fight between Pacquiao and de la Hoya was also constantly re-played.

I guess this is because the Pacquiao-Hatton bout was so brief that Pacquiao's fans, while ecstatic over the result, wanted to see more. I believe that Hatton fans, likewise, wanted to see more of their idol; in a better form than in the bout night itself.

So, Pacquiao caused the retirement from the ring of de la Hoya, and now of Hatton, who is said, to be preparing to become a boxing promoter.

Our own lives are much like a boxing match. We don't know if we're going to win or lose. And in order to attain the outcome we like (victory, I suppose for all), we go at-length preparing for the battle. It sounds combative, I know, but living is so unsure - look at those ultra-rich fellows who invested with Bernard Madoff and who have gone kaput overnight; some are even working as grocery baggers now.

The bouts of our lives not only refer to the economics or the financial; they concern personal relationship, too. And this area, oftentimes, becomes the crux of the battle or match.

For such grave undertakings, it's so important to have a life coach, just as the boxers rely on one. Years ago, a life coach was not a profession; nowadays, a professional life coach can command a hefty professional fee. Just look at Anthony Robbins.

A life coach can also be a parent, a counsellor, a psychotherapist, a teacher, a friend, a lover. It is someone whom you feel comfortable with, whose life and work credo you believe in, who possesses a wide-range of knowledge and life experience, and who can be both objective and subjective in assessing your issues, and offering motivation and suggesting a plan of action.

These days when we hear more bad economic news than good ones, when more relationships turn sour, and when those still seeking are faced with new rules of social networking and "hooking up," the need to map out a fight plan or strategy even becomes more relevant.

As for me, I am not about to quit on the challenges that confront life. I see more rounds ahead of me. And it's best to ponder on the right strategy before making any moves.

It is always good to see each new round as a new opportunity to claim victory.