Thinking Out Of The Box?

Thinking Out Of The Box?

Thinking Out Of The Box?  Think about it.  OR rather, DON'T ever think about it.  And yes, DON'T repeatedly say it over and over again.  We had enough of it.  Slogans and mottos have been running along those same lines for the longest time.  BUT we have to realize that phrase is a cliche that tells us NOTHING as in N-O-T-H-I-N-G about WHAT being creative involves OR HOW to be more creative.  If anything, it is limiting to us💎💎💎

At the core of our thread today is CREATIVITY and HOW do we define it without using a useless cliche.  And for alignment, Mr Google defines it as "CREATIVE THINKING IS MORE THAN COMING UP WITH NEW IDEAS.  IT IS ABOUT LIVING LIFE IN A WAY THAT IS OPEN, AUTHENTIC AND CURIOUS,  IT IS A MINDSET AND APPROACH TO EVERYTHING WE DO".  So, this definition provides us insight into WHAT goes into being CREATIVE.  We should remain open to alternatives, be authentic with our efforts and remain curious about this world.  And WHILE it still ISN'T specific about defining CREATIVITY, it provides a much more practical explanation.  BUT who's the culprit for this cliche, blame it on management consultants way back the 80s📌📌📌

So, WHAT's our takeaway today?  Forget and shun off that THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX cliche for now because it will confuse you than guide you.  Instead, even from WITHIN THE BOX, we can radically imagine NEW possibilities for us to question the way things are, and to further stretch the boundaries of WHAT could be.  So, even from WITHIN THE BOX, we can compare RADICAL IMAGINATION to the work done in science-fiction films and novels.  Remember STAR TREK and BACK TO THE FUTURE?  In the same way science fiction has the power to influence society to develop new ideas, IMAGINATION can create that blueprint.  Via our IMAGINATION, we can envision alternate realities to prevent or even to actualize values.  Still contemplating to be THINKING OUT OF THE BOX?  Think about it, dude✅✅✅

Truth of the matter here.  We have enough rules, guidelines and parameters both in our personal and work life.  And WHILE there are the likes of Elon Musk and Bill Gates who've been beating their chests [to proclaim that they are THINKING OUT OF THE BOX], I'd like to tag them as outliers rather than players playing within the norms of the game.  So, WHERE does that live us❓❓❓

At this point, please allow me to be frank and blunt about all these hullaballoo.  UNLESS you are a core member of either product development OR R&D, I'll strongly encourage each one of us that for now, as long as your deliverables are still UP IN THE AIR, please work and deliver things WITHIN THE BOX.  THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX could be a reasonable incentive ONLY AFTER you have 'DELIVERED THE GOODs'💴💷💵

Can We Have What We Want?

Can We Have What We Want?

Can We Have What We Want?  Oh Oh, before we get our feet that wet, we got to set expectations here.  This is NOT going to be like a standard "DO THIS and THAT" thing.  Instead, we'll look behind your desires to discover WHAT it is you actually WANT and HOW you're standing in your own way to get WHAT you want now.  Apologies for those disclaimers before we roll up our sleeves and dissect things.  To start with, can you list [on your own] WHAT you desire most in life.  Is it happiness?  Love?  Financial stability?  Stable family relationships❔❔❔

Thing is, it is damn easy to know WHAT you WANT in life.  It's harder to get it.  OR is it?  True, getting a new job OR a pay raise OR a job promotion can be difficult BUT getting WHAT you WANT can be more BLACK and WHITE than you might think though.  It is then crucial enough that you develop a game plan or an approach.  HOW?  Primero, ASK [and be specific].  This sounds obvious and yet sometimes, we expect to get exactly WHAT we want without being clear as to WHAT that is📗📙📘

Fact is, we CAN'T expect anyone to read our own mind.  So, figure out exactly WHAT it is you want and ask for it clearly and confident enough.  Just DON'T beat around the bush.  Express your want specifically and concisely enough so that there ISN'T any confusion, doubt OR wiggle room on the receiver's end.  Now, this is WHAT most of us are guilty of.  It is sometimes awkward and stressful to ask for something from a 'higher up' at work📌📌📌

So, you might catch yourself starting with, 'I'M SORRY TO ASK, BUT....'.  which sounds you're apologizing BUT you can still be polite without backing down.  That's the thing. People often mistake apologizing for their wants with being polite.  In fact, you can still be polite BUT without backing down.  Else, apologizing for your want comes across as unconfident WHICH can make your superior feel unconfident in granting it to you.  Just DON'T GIVE IN.  Be strong.  You have really nothing to apologize in the first place❎❎❎

So, our takeaway today?  Endeavor to make YOUR GAIN THEIR GAIN.  Unfortunately, the days of helping for the sake of helping are out of the window.  The "WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME" attitude is a cultural norm and you must embrace it WHEN asking a boss or any other superior for help.  It is important that the person in question views your victory as their victory as well.  And besides being PERSISTENT, be prepared for your want to be fulfilled.  Easy to wish for something BUT are you truly ready for it to be bestowed to you?  So, CAN WE HAVE WHAT WE WANT?  Absolutely dude❗❗❗

This Great Debate About MILESTONES

This Great Debate About MILESTONES

When I was little, I loved looking through my very own "Baby's Book", which my mama meticulously compiled through the years from my hand print and footprint straight from my infancy.  Fast-forward to our maturity as office workers, we would bear witness to projects here and there, and tied like an umbilical cord to each project discussion are MILESTONES.  Suddenly, those MILESTONES were like straight from The Ten Commandments.  Today, let's spend time on This Great Debate About MILESTONES📗📙📘

And here are the two sides of MILESTONES. It's true it becomes an obsession and in the project management space, this becomes very effective as a tool to track the progress of one's project.  And even in a child's development, true you can keep track of a child's progress.  And then as we swing over to our life, the bigger question is, should we peg MILESTONESs across our day-to-day life❔❔❔

The answer to that query should be a loud NO because our life is NOT within the realms of project management or even the development of a child.  WHY should we peg MILESTONES into our relationships?  True, couples will celebrate 5 years, 10 years and so on.  BUT life goes way beyond just those calendar MILESTONES✅✅✅

In short, to build a life model, besides pegging MILESTONES based on multiples of five years, WHAT else is the rational to set MILESTONES?  Do we set MILESTONES to target that a couple will NOT get into those arguments that progress into a debate that leads to a full-blown fight❓❓❓

OR, do we set MILESTONES so that you DON'T need to hit the snooze button each time the alarm sounds off?  OR do we set MILESTONES so that you will be performing QUALITY outputs at work?  NO sirrrrrs. Those are part and parcel of your habit formation and even if you did achieve those targets the past weeks, you need to track yourself everyday.  Same goes with the state of one's relationship as that entails mutually constant efforts.  Let us ground to a full stop this [NOT SO] great DEBATE ABOUT MILESTONES❗❗❗

Dreamers Versus Achievers

Dreamers Versus Achievers

Dreamers Versus Achievers.  QUESTION:  Are you a DREAMER?  Or an ACHIEVER?  Ok, fine, I can see you hesitant to blurt out, that's fine.  Let's rattle off how the DREAMER gets differentiated from the ACHIEVER.  DREAMERS talk about what they should do.  ACHIEVERS just do it.  DREAMERS talk about 'ONE DAY'.  ACHIEVERS focus on 'DAY ONE'.  DREAMERS tend to 'OVER-PLAN' and sometimes never gets started.  ACHIEVERS act and adjust as the situation changes.  DREAMERS babble.  ACHIEVERS are clear and they know their message, their audience and able to get to the point quickly📗📙📘

True, DREAMERS have many goals BUT many of them are unrelated.  ACHIEVERS are 'laser-focused' on their goal.  DREAMERS talk more [and they tend to be noisy] BUT listen less.  ACHIEVERS listen more than they talk.  And they pay more attention to those gaps or looks for ways to connect two unrelated points.  DREAMERS tend to give up when faced with a challenge.  ACHIEVERS know they will overcome the barrier and succeed.  And for ACHIEVERS, it is never a question of IF they will overcome a hurdle as they have confidence that they will.  Instead, they will focus on HOW to overcome the latest barrier they hit😂😂😂

Billionaire Warren Buffet was asked what differentiates DREAMERS versus ACHIEVERS.  He was blunt, to quote: 'THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE AND DREAMERS IS THAT THE SUCCESSFUL ONES SAY NO TO ALMOST EVERYTHING'.  What did he mean with that 'NO'?  And he highlighted that everyday, we are all inundated with requests, favors and tasks.  The KEY lies in distinguishing between WHAT is the top-shelf priority and WHAT is merely another task that can be de-prioritized❎❎❎

The late Steve Jobs, the co-founder of APPLE, was known for his unwavering focus on innovation.  In his memoirs, he said NO  to numerous product ideas, ensuring that APPLE's resources were channeled into groundbreaking technologies like the iPhone and MacBook.  He called this discipline as "SELECTIVITY', and he claims this was a major factor in the successes he achieved for APPLE❗❗❗

Warren Buffett goes on to encourage that we should BUILD OUR KNOWLEDGE on a daily basis.  According to him, the key to SUCCESS is to go to bed a little smarter each day [THAN THE PREVIOUS DAY].  He calls this the BUFFETT FORMULA and he compared this approach to 'compound interest' wherein the idea of reading more pages a week might sound daunting BUT the essence lies in the compounding effect it has on your intellect, very much like compound interest in investing and bank deposits.  What's our takeaway?  ACHIEVERS do their best to control their environment and recognize that their SUCCESS is dependent on their effort, persistence and initiative.  They OUTWORK everyone.  They realize that their luck is well earned.  They DON'T just dream.  They actively work to achieve their goals.  Hey dude, will you remain a DREAMER?  Or dare to DREAM to be an ACHIEVER❔❔❔

Beware of Behavioral STREAKS

Beware of Behavioral STREAKS

Have you observed kids and adults alike becoming hooked on various mobile apps and gaming?  And have you experienced pulling that person from that STREAK?  Marketing experts claim that there's a reason why so many apps are successful n hooking users.  BUT this is NOT just about Behavioral STREAKS because the consequences even involve companies so we better be Beware of Behavioral STREAKS💵💴💷

The caution here is that a Behavioral STREAK has the power to compel behavior [and marketing experts are so well aware of this 'human trap'].  According to marketing experts, the STREAK is as important as the app or activity itself.  And to highlight the STREAK it can create a new source of motivation and people tend to more likely continue a behavior WHEN they are told they have a STREAK [versus NOT].  On the flip side, highlighted broken STREAKS are especially demotivating and decrease engagement in the behavior📗📙📘

So, WHAT really is a STREAK?  Because there is NO generally accepted definition of WHAT a STREAK is, marketing experts are starting to define that phenomenon.  And based on input from people maintaining such STREAKS and how STREAKS are described in the popular media, they claim there are four underlying characteristics.  Primero, that STREAKS require 'unchanging' performance, which means, rules defined by the STREAKER what it means to successfully complete an activity.  This explains WHY we see that discipline of gym buffs and marathoners📌📌📌

Segundo, the 'STREAK HOLDER' largely attributes completing the activity to his or her own resolve.  Tercero, the STREAK is a series of the same completed activity that the person maintaining the STREAK considers to be uninterrupted.  And lastly, the STREAKER quantifies the duration, how many days he'll bike to office✅✅✅

WHAT's our takeaway here?  This proves that WHERE THERE'S A WILL, then we can MAKE THINGS HAPPEN because it is us who often engage in behavior patterns OR a recurring way of acting in a given situation.  A STREAK s a form of patterned behavior.  While we all have habits, some are reflex-like, like when people mindlessly fasten their seat belt once seated in a car.  So, if we're on a STREAK doing things right, credit it to us BUT if we're on a STREAK of something NOT right, it's on us as well❗❗❗

Your Next BREAKTHROUGH In Life

Your Next BREAKTHROUGH In Life

NOT to downplay your previous breakthroughs [because surely you deserved all those] BUT akin to the plight of salesmen, you are only AS GOOD AS YOUR LAST BREAKTHROUGH.  And I hope we will NOT burn the midnight oil to convince everyone that it is high time soon for Your Next BREAKTHROUGH In Life.  This is NOT to put up the undue pressure on you BUT let's agree that most successes were preceded by enormous pressures [alongside failure]💵💴💷

So, should we start dreaming our next BREAKTHROUGH?  Rightfully so BUT dreaming only kickstarts things BUT that is NOT the end of it because zillions of untold stories will tell us that BEFORE IT GETS BETTER, IT GETS WORSE.  I can attest to that.  When I took that highly RISKY move of leaving my home country before and take all the HIGH risks when I went over to Singapore, I had to endure FAILURES before I started to see success gradually shaping up, albeit NOT as a BIG BANG📙📘📗

After going through the smallest and tiniest eyes of a needle, I can unconditionally attest that life is NOT meant to be static all the time.  It has its UPs and DOWNs [and that is a good sign].  After all, life is meant to be an adventure [and NOT a boring and dull existence].  We got to remember we came here in life to learn to manage difficult emotions and cope WHEN things DON'T go according to your preferences❎❎❎

WHY can't we agree that challenges make for an exciting life [OR would you settle for a boring and dull life, whew].  Thing is, we learn more from our failures than our successes.  I can rattle off and share each of my failures to you and I can peg a LESSON LEARNT for each failure.  More often, I had more than just one LESSON LEARNT for each failure I had to endure.  And when we turn our mistakes into lessons, we thrive😃😃😃

What's our takeaway then?  IF and WHEN things fall apart, that opens up the window for you to take at the very least a half-step forward.  That's akin to old relationships that die so that new connections can blossom through the cracks.  BTW, let us NOT be discouraged WHEN your life is tumbling down because that could be the cue telling you for your NEXT BREAKTHROUGH IN LIFE [but mind you, you gotta grind for it as it WON'T be served to you on a silver platter]❗❗❗

[SECURITY ALERT] DON'T Click The FAKE Chrome Update!!!

 [SECURITY ALERT] DON'T Click The FAKE Chrome Update!!!

NOT to unduly raise alarms BUT I have to, after I stumbled across a SECURITY ALERT from security threat firm ThreatFabric about a new Android-based banking malware called BROKEWELL.  Yes, that sounds correct.  The name refers to the malware's ability to drain your bank account [!!!!] BUT the security bulletins are alerting us that it can do much more than that.  BTW, in today's breaking news, even Singapore and Hong Kong authorities have joined forces in foiling a $370,000 scam.  BTW, DON'T Click The FAKE Chrome Update!!!

ThreatFabric warns that BROKEWELL is equipped with both remove-controlled capabilities and data-stealing functionality.  All of that is built right into the MALWARE rather than relying on a cloud connection, making it especially detrimental to one's device security.  This alert CAN'T be ignored📗📙📘

This potential threat has also taken an extra step of circumventing Google's imposed restrictions that are meant to keep sideloaded applications from requesting permissions to accessibility services.  The alarm bells will kickstart once BROKEWELL has been conspicuously installed and launched for the first time as it will prompt the infected end-user to grant permissions for accessibility services.  From there, the malware can automatically grant itself other permissions, giving it OPEN ACCESS, whew💧💧💧

Now, this is an earthshaking BREAKING NEWS.  BROKEWELL has been spotted to be masquerading as either of these three popular applications:  Google Chrome, ID Austria and Klarna.  We are also warned that BROKEWELL is constantly logging information from all of your applications, making it especially dangerous.  And it ISN'T just your own banking applications that's at risk as the MALWARE can also collection information such as call history, geolocation and even recorded audio.  Frightening in fact, the rise of MALWARE apps like BROKEWELL does NOT bode well for the future of Android threats.  What makes this a fresh BREAKING NEWS is that this MALWARE is in active deployment even as it mimics actual Google ads💥💥💥

Our takeaway:  Constant monitoring of the threat landscape allows us to spot new threats and take immediate action, albeit reactively.  Security analysts cannot just overstate this very serious threat of BROKEWELL as it threatens with its DEVICE TAKEOVER capabilities.  Samples revealed that BROKEWELL poses significant threat to everyone as it gives these attackers with remote access to all assets available all over the landscape.  As a layman, here are the most BASIC DON'Ts I won't get tired cascading:  Be wary of every call, message, apps and links that gets into your device because by default, anything unknown OR unexpected is a threat to your device security😃😃😃

Manage Your MIND, Change Your MIND

Manage Your MIND, Change Your MIND

So, we want to CONTROL OUR MIND?  Are you discouraged by the NOT SO encouraging outcome of 2023 in your life?  OR maybe you want to STOP thinking about a recent 'falling out' in your relationship whether with your partner/spouse or at the workplace with your boss.  Manage Your MIND, Change Your MIND, that's the long and short of it📘📙📗

Indeed, UNWANTED thoughts can haunt us over and over again. Worse, it can trigger frustration and distress.  BUT hey, DON'T feel despair because you're NOT alone in wanting to make them go away.  It is just normal to have trouble convincing yourself to look up WHEN feeling downcast in the face of stress and other challenges.  And while actual MIND CONTROL belongs in the realm of science fiction, you can work to CHANGE your mindset although it will absolutely take some effort to learn the trick of regaining CONTROL💴💷💵

True, there will be a lot of things we WON'T understand outside.  There will be people we WON'T understand.  And there will be situations we WON'T understand as well.  Yes, there are a hell lot of things we WON'T understand.  And that is OK, seriously, because at the end of the day, WHAT happens outside of ourselves is something we CAN'T control.  We can influence it BUT we simply CAN'T control it 100%.  Sometimes, it will happen their way.  And at times, it will happen our way.  BUT it CAN'T happen always the way you want it.  Such is the nature of life.  A little bit your way.  A little bit their way.  And at times, either scenarios may happen in streaks, not necessarily alternating📌📌📌

Yes, at times, you will get frustrated or even quite disappointed WHEN you wanted things to go the way you planned it BUT it does NOT.  WHAT do we do then?  REGAIN YOURSELF.  Consider to close your eyes and focus on your breathing and never get tired to remind yourself that you are in CONTROL of your mind.  Experts advise that by doing so, it will allow you to train your mind to understand that there are scenarios we fully just CAN'T CONTROL❌❌❌

Our takeaway today?  Identify the thoughts you want to CHANGE.  It goes without saying that you have to figure out WHAT's on your mind before you can begin to CONTROL it.  True, nearly everyone experiences discouraging thoughts OR emotional setbacks from time to time.  And IF you're currently experiencing some life challenges, you might find it even harder to maintain control over your spiraling thoughts.  MANAGE YOUR MIND, CHANGE YOUR MIND, dude❗❗❗

Is CRYING Good OR Bad?

Is CRYING Good OR Bad?

Across cultures and ages, my observation is that we often feel a stigma around CRYING which is unfortunate because studies by experts all tell us that TEARS have a remarkable power to heal.  And to quote experts, CRYING is a natural and instinctual emotional response that allows us to release and process our FEELINGS.  The question bugging now: Is CRYING Good OR Bad❓❓❓

For some reason that still seems mind-boggling, there's this stigma around it, as if CRYING  signifies weakness OR vulnerability.  Ironically, all societies across tell us to be 'STRONG' and to suppress our tears, leading us to believe that crying is something to be ASHAMED of???  BUT not to despair because all studies tell us to recognize that CRYING is NOT a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength and courage📗📙📘

And frankly, it takes great strength to allow ourselves to be vulnerable and to express our emotions openly.  And studies continue to peddle the fact that embracing the healing power of TEARS is essential for our well-being.  And WHEN we cry, we're NOT only releasing our pent-up EMOTIONS but we are also allowing ourselves to process and heal from painful experiences❎❎❎

CRYING is a natural way for our bodies and minds to cleanse and RESET.  It provides us with a much-needed release, allowing us to LET GO of emotional 'baggage' and instead, find solace within ourselves.  So, WHY do we need to challenge this STIGMA surrounding CRYING and embrace it as a healing process.  So, instead of suppressing our TEARS, let us encourage one another to express ourselves AUTHENTICALLY and without judgment.  Let us endeavor to create a safe space WHERE tears are welcomed and acknowledged as a natural part of our human experience.  Experts encourage us because by doing so, we can tap into that incredible HEALING POWER of tears and embark on a journey of emotional growth😊😊😊

Now, here's a bit of surprise to some of us.  CRYING has its physiological benefits.  Primero, CRYING helps to release pent-up emotions and stress.  To quote experts, WHEN we CRY, the eyes produce tears that hold CORTISOL, a stress hormone, which are then expelled from our system.  This process NOT only helps us feel better emotionally BUT it also has a direct impact on our health.  Segundo, experts mention EMOTIONAL DETOXIFICATION as CRYING also plays a crucial role in eliminating toxins from our body and promoting emotional well-being.  On top of these, we CAN'T miss out the PSYCHOLOGICAL benefits as it improves to reduce stress and improve mood, i.e. when we CRY, our body releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good hormones.  Then, these endorphins can help to alleviate FEELINGS of sadness, anger, and even frustration  So, IS CRYING GOOD or BAD?  CRYING is absolutely GOOD✅✅✅

'DECISION FACTOR' Matters

'DECISION FACTOR' Matters

Do we agree that the same task or activity can lead to two or more different results simply because that 'DECISION FACTOR' Matters?  Let's play out very boring role play.  You wake up, you drink water, you exercise, you read a few pages, you dress up, and kickstart your work.  NOW let's look at our second scenario.  You wake up, alarm ringgggs, you hit the snooze button 5 times !@#$%? Then you scroll through your smartphone for an hour, still feeling sleepy, and finally OUT OF BED, eat some processed food [a.k.a. GARBAGE], then go to NETFLIX, then rush up to work📗📙📘

So, IS THAT IT?  That the rest of our day gets dictated by our own behaviors and DECISIONS right when we wake up!  Same day.  Same scenarios.  Different outcomes.  Different result.  Now let's swing to our workplace scenario where you did a client presentation but it seems to be a FLOP the way your clients did NOT warmly received your presentation.  WHY?  Is it because your client was NOT appreciative❓❓❓

The Aussies and Brits will retort, that's RUBBISH.  WHY?  You just DIDN'T take charge.  You DIDN'T do your activity diligently enough to help you present to your client with aplomb.  BUT you let it happen to you.  In chess, you're CHECKMATED.  You just CAN'T blame anyone, NOT your boss, NOT your client.  NOT the world.  So WHAT's our FIX?  Either you correct it OR you just let that cycle repeat every god damn day.  In a nutshell, the BALL IS IN YOUR COURT.  BUT BTW, one bad day WON'T define your life BUT one BAD habit can totally flip your life upside down.  Meanwhile, you WON'T even get the game, all simply because you lost CONTROL of things.  Food for thought here.  TAKE CHARGE and you get OR regain the CONTROL of the game in your hands✅✅✅

WHAT's our takeaway?  If you know something is either BAD or inimical to you, WHY can't you just stop it? Without singling out smoking [except as an example], about 70% of smokers say they would like to quit.  Even drug and alcohol abusers struggle to give up their addictions that hurt their bodies and worse, even tear apart families and relationships.  And from a health perspective, many of us [and I'm guilty of that MANY TIMES in the past] have unhealthy meals and intake.  Even scientists are alarmed as to WHAT happens to our brain when HABITS form.  And they've found clues as to WHY BAD HABITS, once established, are so damn difficult to 'KICK OUT'❌❌❌

Now, let's state the obvious.  HABITS can arise through repetition.  They are a normal part of life and are often helpful.  So, WHEN our behaviors become 'automatic', it gives us an advantage because our brain does NOT have to use conscious thought to perform an activity.  In effect, this literally FREES UP our brain to focus on different things.  So, dude, this is where that 'DECISION FACTOR' really matters, dude❗❗❗