In the world of business and personal achievement, a common question arises: which is more critical, focus or discipline? For Bunny, a matriarch with decades of experience in building a family enterprise, the answer is definitive. Focus must come first, with discipline following closely behind. This principle is not just theory; it's a practice that has led to remarkable success, including Michelin recognition for their family's brands.
The Primacy of Focus: Setting the Right Direction
Focus is the foundation of clarity. It involves the deliberate act of determining what truly deserves your energy, time, and resources. Without this clear direction, discipline becomes an exercise in futility. You can work tirelessly and with great effort, yet achieve minimal progress if your efforts are aimed at the wrong targets.
This lesson was embodied by Bunny's children as they built their respective ventures. In 2012, her son Charlie conceptualized Lantaw, envisioning a unique Cebu dining experience with open-air settings, stunning sea or mountain views, affordable pricing, and genuine service. This clear vision guided every subsequent decision.
Similarly, her daughter Cheryl dedicated the last ten years to a single, unwavering goal for House of Lechon: to establish it as the top dining choice for both local residents and tourists. Her relentless determination and attention to detail fundamentally shaped the brand's identity.
The power of their initial focus, followed by sustained discipline, was spectacularly validated. Both Lantaw in Compostela and House of Lechon earned a place in the prestigious Michelin Selected 2026 Guide. Their achievement underscores a vital business truth: lasting success begins with absolute clarity about what you intend to build.
Discipline: The Engine That Drives Focus Forward
Once priorities are crystal clear, discipline provides the necessary structure to achieve them. It is the commitment to execute on your plans consistently, especially on days when motivation is low. If focus sets the destination, discipline is the daily action required to reach it.
A helpful analogy can be found in photography. Focus sharpens and defines the subject, while discipline steadies the hand to capture a clear image. Aim at the wrong subject (lack of focus), and the photo is pointless. Have an unsteady hand (lack of discipline), and the image blurs. You require both, but the sequence matters.
This principle also guided the family's strategy for Thirsty Juices and Shakes, which they acquired in 1996. Under the leadership of Bunny's eldest son, John, the company resisted the temptation to endlessly expand its menu. Instead, it anchored itself to one powerful, focused idea: "Fresh is Best!" For three decades, this clarity directed all choices, while disciplined execution kept the brand consistent, relevant, and beloved across generations.
Avoiding the Pitfall: The Danger of Discipline Without Focus
Starting with discipline alone carries a significant risk: you might become highly efficient at climbing the wrong mountain. Focus ensures you are moving in the correct direction before discipline supplies the stamina needed for the ascent.
If you find yourself struggling with consistency, it may be time to step back. Re-examine your core priorities. Be ruthless in eliminating distractions and saying no to tasks that don't align with your central goal. Only after regaining this essential clarity should you reinforce it with the habits and routines that constitute true discipline.
In final analysis, focus and discipline are not innate traits but skills that can be learned and strengthened over time. The journey begins with gaining clarity and understanding what matters most. The next step is practicing consistency by dedicating yourself daily to those priorities.
When focus leads the way and discipline provides the follow-through, powerful momentum builds. This momentum, in both business and life, is the very engine of enduring success.
