I Totally Agree, TIMING IS EVERYTHING

I Totally Agree, TIMING IS EVERYTHING

I hope we got one less thread to debate here because I Totally Agree, TIMING IS EVERYTHING.  So, WHY aren't things working out right? It seems like everything that one would do ends up in utter FAILURE.  Why is that happening [SOMETIMES] to us, like, NOTHING goes true to form, everything just goes awry?  On the other hand, there are times in our life when we are in a STREAK, like all the stars in the galaxy are aligned, like NOTHING can just go wrong, NOT under any circumstances📗📙📘

Even in the workplace, you would hear similar narratives, like when an employee offers an idea, the voice may not be always appreciated or valued by their superiors [BUT please allow me to qualify that in my current organization, the employee's VOICE is always heard].  Sadly in other organizations, the unsolicited words or input from an employee seem to fall on deaf ears, and worse, some of the recipients of the ideas would consider such inputs as disruptive OR just a waste of time [which is an off-track reaction]💎💎💎

Indeed, there are many times in our adventures WHEN things just seem to be off and DON'T go according to plan.  We then get frustrated and tend to blame anyone OR everyone and/OR everything for our setbacks.  Maybe we should look at things from a different perspective WHEN some life-changing events DON'T seem to work out.  Could it possibly be the timing that we have chosen to pursue this?  Like starting a business.  Some businesses succeed and some fail❎❎❎

And there are many reasons a business may fail.  There may NOT be enough finances to fund the business.  Instead of waiting until one is financially prepared, we would prematurely launch a business.  Now, it is a given that if you DON'T have the financial readiness to support a business, just DON'T go and plunge into it.  So, what's our keyword here to reaffirm the TIMELINESS of taking action?  It is READINESS, the long and short of it.  UNLESS one is READY enough to 'plunge' into a specific action or initiative, the likelihood is there will be a potential shortfall, that, regardless of one's determination, it all boils down to one's READINESS💧💧💧

Many years ago WHEN I took that leap of faith and take all the risks in exploring my chances to work and live in Singapore, I firmly believed at that time that I was READY mentally, READY financially [in case I remain jobless for a realistic period of time] and I was READY enough from a skills and capability perspective, i.e.  I was confident enough that I am qualified and competent to apply for the jobs I'll be seeking.  So, I totally agree, TIMING IS EVERYTHING✅✅✅

Sweat The Small Stuff

Sweat The Small Stuff

Sometimes we hear NOT to Sweat The Small Stuff.  BUT dude, that's old school.  Being in dapper suit, getting to work in a sleek manner, signing off documents right on your swivel chair, then chairing the CxO-level meeting, receiving executive summary reports then shooting out directives arising from that high-level executive summary.  Those were the days.  Being nostalgic, that was the environment when, straight from university, my first job was with oil giant SHELL, with Dutch/British executives in our local team📗📙📘

These days, you need to get UNDER THE HOOD, do a 'TRACE ROUTE', get down to the minute details instead of looking at things from a helicopter view.  And this does NOT matter only in the workplace BUT this is now the default best practice in everyday life.  YET, many of us are still feeling comfy enough to be lording it over from a MACRO-level.  Like, when you'll blurt, 'IS EVERYTHING GOOD?' whereas the pinpoint question should be 'IS THE CAR IN TOP CONDITION FOR OUR LONG DRIVE'❓❓❓

Little things mean a lot, especially WHEN you are DETAIL-ORIENTED.  Consider situations WHERE being DETAIL-ORIENTED isn't just important BUT critical.  If you're planning  an event, even at home, arranging all the logistics could be a herculean responsibility.  And if we translate this to a typical workplace, whether you are a medical personnel in an operating room OR a construction foreman in a project site, minor misses can lead up to problems❎❎❎

Even more significant is the fact that DETAIL-ORIENTED people have, by and large, good and proven problem-solving skills and they tend to lean on taking ownership even of complex tasks and processes.  Do these words describe your approach at work OR in your business?  OR even in your everyday life?  If so, then, likely you are a DETAIL-ORIENTED person and that becomes your edge in life❗❗❗

So, what makes one as DETAIL-ORIENTED?

• Being OBSERVANT
• Do a Self-QA of your own work
• Be RESOURCEFUL, instead of giving up
• Being ACCURATE enough, down to a 'T'
• You're comfortable TROUBLE-SHOOTING
• You DON'T have that detestable appetite to waste time

Dude, let's SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF✅✅✅

What 99% Of Us DO NOT DO

 What 99% Of Us DO NOT DO

This is strangely interesting so I thought this is our thread today.  What 99% Of Us DO NOT DO [and I admit I am one of the 99% UNTIL TODAY].  And it is NOT a stroke of luck if some [a very miniscule 1%] have been very much successful in this fast-paced world.  Good for us, studies covered these very successful people and found out their TRANSFORMATIVE HABITS, those HABITs that set them apart from the crowd, from us, giving them that extraordinary power to shape their life as they plotted it to achieve their pre-set goals.  Topping these very rarely spilled best practices is their ruthless TIME MANAGEMENT and PRIORITIZATION.  And just when I thought that my TIME MANAGEMENT is that exemplary and worth beating up my chest, wait until we hear these very rare success stories WHERE they DON'T merely manage their time.  They master it, even adopting tools to aid them in their TIME MANAGEMENT📗📙📘

The Eisenhower Matrix is that very rare tool in their TIME MANAGEMENT.  Named after the former U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower who was known for his rigid TIME MANAGEMENT, there's NOTHING fancy regarding this matrix except that it features:

1. URGENT & IMPORTANT
2. IMPORTANT BUT NOT URGENT
3. URGENT BUT NOT IMPORTANT
4. NEITHER URGENT NOR IMPORTANT

The matrix itself is so simple, it does NOT need any clarification.  BUT think about it, for the 99% [and that includes moi], we lived a life thinking all along things either in BLACK or WHITE, IMPORTANT or NOT, TO DO or NOT TO DO.  And studies proved that by using this Eisenhower Matrix, you can gain clarity on your tasks and make informed decisions about how to manage your time effectively.  It helps prevent that potential OR tendency to focus on solely on URGENT tasks and neglect important ones, ultimately leading to better TIME MANAGEMENT and improved productivity✅✅✅

Eisenhower Matrix OR not, by being diligent in HOW you allocate your time, you accomplish more and still have time left for WHAT truly matters.  So, dude, c'mon, let's start TRACKING OUR TIME, prioritizing our tasks that align with your goals and be unapologetic about saying NO to distractions that eat away at your time.  WHAT else the 99% do?  They all EMBRACE FAILURE [as a stepping stone].  Rather than reeling in failure, successful people embrace it as a learning opportunity❗❗❗

WHAT else?  Persist and sustain your consistent SELF-IMPROVEMENT.  WHAT do we often hear from naysayers?  I'm good already.  I'm good enough WHY should I waste my time on that?  Even Warren Buffett, the American investor and philanthropist who's the 10th richest man with a net worth of $122 billion, admits that he never stops learning.  Now 93 years old, he admits reading about 500 pages per day and he attributes his success to his habit of CONTINUOUS LEARNING.  Our takeaway?  Let us take a leaf from the 1% success stories and let us veer away from being a part of the 99%😁😁😁

Stop Taking Things PERSONALLY

Stop Taking Things PERSONALLY

When people disrespect you OR do not treat you well, it is indeed that easy to take their behavior PERSONALLY, to blame yourself and think you have anything to do with someone else's behavior. Stop Taking Things PERSONALLY.  WHY?  Taking things PERSONALLY is emotionally draining and an unnecessary, constant reevaluation of your self-esteem.  However, there's a difference being reflective and constantly taking slights personally, one is productive and lends itself to self improvements BUT the other is the opposite.  NOT taking things PERSONALLY gives you more control over how you respond, your emotions and your energy level💴💷💵

So, WHAT's the antidote to this dilemma?  It all boils down to us, to stop worrying about WHAT other people think.  At the end of the day, it really is NOT anyone's business what people think of you OR anything else.  You should worry about WHAT you think of yourself !!!  And WHAT people you know love and care about you and that's all.  Strangers and even acquaintances volunteering their OPINION of you has NOTHING to do with you, PERIOD.  And everything has got to do with them, NOT you.  The sooner you do NOT care what other people think, the more liberated you will feel and you will have more of a sense of self.  WHAT ELSE?  KNOW YOUR WORTH.  You're NOT going to believe WHAT other people think and say about you IF and WHEN you know WHO you are, and you REALLY like WHO you are.  Having self-confidence, and knowing your SELF-WORTH is the foundation on which everything is built📗📙📘

YOUR achievements, YOUR relationships, YOUR ability to keep going when life and work gets tough.  Doing the work to have self-confidence and SELF-WORTH is the best work you can ever put in.  The dividends will show in every aspects of your life, both personally and even professionally.  Another common mistake we commit is our tendency to JUMP INTO CONCLUSIONS.  Experts advise us DON'T DON'T DON'T ever do that because according to them, WHEN people cast judgment about you, they are rarely about you.  In fact, experts insists that as always, "IT'S ALMOST ALWAYS ABOUT THEM', THEIR issues, THEIR needs, and THEIR desire to control either you and/or that specific situation❌❌❌

To help manage your response to confrontation, know WHAT you're sensitive about, and WHAT triggers your emotions so you can prepare yourself if someone mentions them.  And if there's one vicious cycle that's hitting many of us, it is our being unable to LET THINGS GO.  Frame painful experiences as lessons, on HOW to be stronger and HOW to better navigate bad situations.  Do NOT let them make you angry OR bitter, use them to make you better and then, MOVE ON.  Holding on to pain does more damage to you than to the other person.  So, we're encouraged by experts to  LET THINGS GO, make more room for joy and happiness😃😃😃

Our takeaway?  DON'T live life in idleness.  Look at your calendar and if there enough gaps of idleness, endeavor to FILL YOUR CALENDAR.  If you are busy, it is hard to find time to think about other people and WHAT other people think.  FILL YOUR LIFE with family, friends and work that brings you joy, and prioritize accordingly.  Chances are, the strangers and acquaintances that are passing judgment and making critiques are NOT going to cross your mind.  C'mon dude, let's STOP TAKING THINGS PERSONALLY❗❗❗

When The Ship Has Sailed...

When The Ship Has Sailed...

It is said that greater than the regret of making mistakes is the regret of NOT seizing the opportunities we missed.  And that is akin to, When The Ship Has Sailed.  So, the biggest question we need to ask is, WHY do we keep missing opportunities that could have even been life-changing for us?  And HOW many missed opportunities simply because we failed to see them as opportunities itself❓❓❓

Many a time we seem to be waiting for it to fall right into our laps NOT realizing it was right there standing right in front our very nose, waiting for us to walk up to it.  MISSED relationship.  MISSED sales opportunity.  MISSED career break.  MISSED financial breakthrough.  Just one too many other wonderful opportunities lie piled up in a cupboard of regret.  Recognizing opportunities is the very first step as they come to us in various forms and shapes.  The choices we make also define lost opportunities.  An example is to have selected a life partner WHO is NOT supportive of your choice OR dreams is an opportunity lost had you waited and found someone WHO would respect you and your journey in life.  Even within relationships, we lose so many opportunities to express ourselves📗📙📘

It could be as important as telling someone you loved them before they walked away OR died without hearing you say it.  Then, there is that opportunity to recognize that GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE and that you can still appreciate WHAT you have, even though you may have missed many opportunities to do so earlier.  Ironically, at times, problems can be opportunities too💎💎💎

As problems are inevitable, if you ever see them as possible LEARNING CURVES, an opportunity to find solutions, avenues for personal and professional growth OR conversely to perhaps address problems as an opportunity to validate WHAT you need to step away from when you've seized that opportunity.  And rather than regret WHAT you missed, it's time to ensure that you ride the opportunity wave from this moment on, and for that you must be open to new ways of thinking💧💧💧

It's quite commonly said that WHEN preparation meets opportunity, it is called LUCK.  However, if something comes your way that you're unsure of, say YES and then learn to figure out how to make it succeed.  There's an old cliche which says, 'OPPORTUNITY DANCES WITH THOSE ON THE DANCE FLOOR'.  Our takeaway?  Let us mentally put ourselves in the zone to party with opportunity and observe how every action, coincidence, happening can create it and get ready to grab opportunities.  Let's not wait WHEN THE SHIP HAS SAILED✅✅✅

Coming To Grips With LIFE

Coming To Grips With LIFE

LIFE is NOT that harsh on us, I guess.  WHY?  Because it DOESN'T give us just one opportunity to prove yourself BUT a billion opportunities to prove WHO you are.  Today, although that dreadful pandemic is behind us now, it did trigger major ramifications that there is something known as HAPPINESS.  And it has become inevitable for us to be Coming To Grips With LIFE because factually, everything happens with a necessity💵💴💷

By itself, LIFE is akin to a tree that gives birth to another from the seed the former reaps.  Focus on the things that are happening well in our LIFE for this world will never say good things about us and we need to be super POSITIVE from the inside, motivating ourselves all the time from WITHIN.  It's often WHATEVER happens in our life happens for the good.  Today in the rat race, WHERE money has been everything, people have taken success money and life as a synonymous thing.  It was NEVER the same for WHAT matters in LIFE is NOT success BUT fulfillment as celebrities WHO are even successful even go on to death for they have NO happiness in their lives and instead, they end up in depression📗📙📘

Today, WHENEVER we seem to have lost the reasons to be HAPPY, it's time that we come as a family to understand each other and be a reason for HAPPINESS for others.  Because above everything, HAPPINESS is the key to LIFE and I strongly believe that IF you're NOT living HAPPY, success has NO meaning for those people.  These days, it is NO surprise that people feel and face so much competition in LIFE.  Indeed, LIFE can never be HAPPY.  BUT the truth of the plethora is that they are in the wrong.  LIFE is easy if you see it from the point of easiness and it's difficult IF you look at it from the point of difficulty.  So, probably, your mind-boggling question is, HOW CAN YOU BE SUCCESSFUL?  It's really a summation of belief, fashion of doing the thing and passion for WHICH you can dedicate your LIFE.  WHAT matters most is to find out WHAT excites you from within❓❓❓

Bluntly, these days, many people are living the most foolish way because they're doing something WHICH does NOT excite them, they DON'T have any interest in doing it BUT they are interested in the product which is got by doing it, and that's MONEY.  So, are we living LIFE for MONEY?  It's NOT to say that MONEY is NOT important in one's life [because the truth is, MONEY is part and parcel of our basic needs] BUT then it's NOT everything in our LIFE.  We need to understand this because we have got one LIFE, yet so many dreams to fulfill❎❎❎

BTW, it's NOT MONEY that will drive you after a certain point of time BUT it's your passion that will drive you to live LIFE to the fullest.  Our takeaway today?  WHATEVER you're thinking is possible because you are that 'infinity' and that is the reason WHY infinity is NOT defined till date for we never know WHAT'S the highest existence of a human body.  Psychologists say that our mind is like a baby WHO believes WHAT is said like if we keep on saying that a particular task is hard then it will be hard, no matter WHAT and the chances of failure are very high in it. Getting all the comforts will NEVER let you be there WHERE you are born to be.  Let's COME TO GRIPS WITH LIFE✅✅✅

NEVER Underestimate The Power of SELF-PERCEPTION

NEVER Underestimate The Power of SELF-PERCEPTION

NEVER Underestimate The Power of SELF-PERCEPTION.  In today's life where everything is driven by social validation and external opinions [coming from many OPINIONATED people], it's easy to lose sight of the profound impact that our SELF-PERCEPTION can have on our lives.  As I heard this many times, 'WHAT YOU THINK OF YOURSELF IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT OTHERS THINK OF YOU'💴💷💵

Sadly, this is the harsh truth because many of us are much more pre-occupied with HOW others think of him/her, HOW the opinions of others about him/her really matter MORE THAN his/her understanding and SELF-PERCEPTION of and about himself/herself.  You might wonder, why does SELF-PERCEPTION carry such significance, if at all?  BUT this stretched saga goes back to the human nature that often craves external validation📘📗📙

Imagine yourself readying up for a social event. After you spent hours preparing yourself at home, and after turning and facing the mirror a zillion times, nothing will satisfy you that indeed you're ready and all set to go to the social event NOT UNTIL someone tells you, YOU'RE SO GORGEOUS.  A pat on the back, a nod of approval, OR even a stream of compliments, that's most of us will be hungering for📌📌📌

And while there is nothing inherently wrong with seeking affirmation from others, placing excessive importance on external opinions can lead to a precarious SENSE of SELF-WORTH.  The danger there lies in tethering our HAPPINESS and self-esteem to the unpredictable winds of others' judgments.  People's opinions are fleeting and subject to change, often influenced by a myriad of factors beyond our control.  Our takeaway?  Leverage on the power of SELF-PERCEPTION❗❗❗

So, WHY is our SELF-PERCEPTION that critically important?  In our day-to-day life WHERE people curate their lives for public consumption, the pursuit of LIKEs, COMMENTs, and FOLLOWERs can inadvertently become a measure of SELF-WORTH.  BUT that external validation is ephemeral and that 'DOPAMINE HIT' derived from it is short-lived.  Unfortunately, relying on the fickle nature of external opinions for one's sense of self is akin to building a house on shifting sands.  So, let's leverage on SELF-PERCEPTION and dump out the window our cravings for external validations❌❌❌

How To Be More Energized?

How To Be More Energized?

ENERGY is that one single thing everyone needs.  When it weakens OR waivers, it may end up just another 'LOW BATT' stuff.  Question is How can we be more energized? There are many ways to increase your ENERGY and reduce fatigue.  Staying hydrated, prioritizing personal relationships and even limiting alcohol are just a few solutions that can help address it partially if NOT wholly📗📙📘

WHAT is often missed is the HAPPINESS at work, the benefits arising from it and this poster says it all.  HAPPIER at work.  HAPPIER with life.  MORE engaged.  MORE motivated.  MORE productive.  BUT if you're finding yourself feeling sluggish, having difficulty staying awake, OR chugging multiple cups of coffee just to make it to lunchtime, you're NOT alone dude.  Most of us are familiar with feeling worn out and weary at the end of the day.  Lucky for us, this is NOT the end-of-the-world❎❎❎

At the end of the day, it all boils down to HABITS [and it WON'T cost us any, in fact].  GET ENOUGH SLEEP.  That means 7-9 hours of QUALITY SLEEP.  Not to be debated at all.  Getting sufficient SLEEP allows our body and brain to recharge, consolidate memories, regulate metabolism, repair muscles, and even boost our mood and motivation.  Let us endeavor to have CONSISTENT bedtime routines that enable us to get adequate QUALITY SLEEP😄😄😄

Next, let us WAKE UP EARLY.  This is NEW, right?  Apparently, waking up early gives you time in the morning to prepare for the day ahead.  Use the Xtra time to stretch, eat a nourishing breakfast, OR go for a quick walk outside.  Experts say that it is proven that early risers tend to have more FOCUS and get more focus.  Oh Oh, aim to wake up about an hour before you normally do.  Ease into it by setting your alarm 15 minutes EARLIER each week until you reach your goal to wake-up on time.  The key is waking up naturally WITHOUT HITTING SNOOZE❌❌❌

NOT trying to be like a medical expert [which I'm NOT], YET, I would vouch for a balanced, protein-rich breakfast.  Consuming a nutritious breakfast sets up your metabolism and energy supplies for the rest of the day.  And dieticians encourage us to include lean protein like eggs, which help stabilize blood sugar rather than spiking it.  And medical experts advise that we pair that with fiber-rich complex carbs that includes whole grain toast, and fruits like avocado.  Experts say that this balanced mix of intake will keep you fuller for longer durations and even sustain your mental clarity, enabling you for better concentration and frankly, to curb impulsive eating.  Apparently, HOW TO BE ENERGIZED is NOT a steep mountain to climb❗❗❗

Thresholds In Our Life

Thresholds In Our Life

The past 2 to 3 years under that pandemic has forced us ALL to deal with unwanted change in many parts of our lives.  In addition to the practicalities of working [or NOT], raising kids, and maintaining our relationships under 'COVID CONDITIONS', practically all of us are feeling the deeper systemic challenges.  What do we do?  Never Ignore The Thresholds In Our Life💴💷💵

We tend to be sensing the broader context of racism, social inequality, climate disruption and even 'power plays' happening in our daily lives.  It's like our sensitivity to change has an added rawness that leads us to be feeling a bit more vulnerable to the 'seismic shifts' happening around us.  How we navigate these experiences well is a question most people seem to be asking in some form.  It's an important one because behind our immediate maneuverings through our less familiar daily lives, lie some deep uncertainties about what it means to be alive n these times.  WHICH tells us to Never Ignore The Thresholds In Our Life📗📙📘

The thing is, we can stretch our mental THRESHOLD, our psychological THRESHOLD, our pain THRESHOLD, our health THRESHOLD, our agony and sacrifice THRESHOLDS all rolled into one BUT whether your challenges involve navigating the molasses of depression, maintaining patience with a now too-familiar housemate OR figuring out just WHAT a meaningful response to CHANGE is, most of those issues call for a CHANGE.  A CHANGE in the way we handle THRESHOLDS in our life because that dictates the tempo.  Even our emotional resilience is shown when your actions follow your higher principles despite tje inner warning bells.  It's those moments when we should Never Ignore The Thresholds In Our Life📌📌📌

And whenever these calls are unheard, ignored OR unanswered, they remain as a test of our emotional resilience as it is a threat to the Thresholds In Our Life.  WHEN we're used to be awash with $$$$$ then days will come when the 'pipe has dried up', how's your THRESHOLD?  WHEN your family is confronted with overlapping challenges, how's your THRESHOLD?  WHEN you're in pain [for whatever reason], how's your THRESHOLD💎💎💎

This is how ALL-ENCOMPASSING all THRESHOLDS.  From carbs to emotions to financials to patience to physical, we just CAN'T and MUSTN'T ignore it regardless if they seem invincible OR incognito.  Emotional UPs and DOWNs are the staples of our daily life.  BUT never forget that we have EMOTIONAL THRESHOLDS.  And we CAN'T ignore those THRESHOLDS, NEVER as in NEVER❗❗❗ You got to deal with it❎❎❎

Do You ALWAYS Stand For What Is Right?

Do You ALWAYS Stand For What Is Right?

Do You ALWAYS Stand For What Is Right?  When we delve into blind spots, it becomes tricky because:

• There are things you know about yourself
• There are things others know about you

And for those things NOT known to us, those are the BLIND SPOTS, those things that are NOT known to us.  We got to figure this out if we intend to always STAND FOR WHAT IS RIGHT💴💷💵

Often, these BLIND SPOTS are biases we have unknowingly formed throughout our lives.  They typically originate from messages we do observe OR were taught WHEN growing up and have now internalized as adults.  BLIND SPOTS can, however, show up as 'microaggressions' based on someone's race, gender, age, education, religion, etc📗📙📘

Some samplings of 'microaggressions' are asking someone WHERE they are really from, asking brown o black people to explain if race still matters, OR gaslighting someone WHEN they share a difficult experience at work.  Becoming aware of our hidden BIASES is a critical first step towards change.  Once a NEGATIVE BIAS or BLIND SPOT surfaces and is explored, experts advise that it will be easier for us to see HOW it clashes with our self-perception OR our values📌📌📌

Indeed, SPEAKING UP is always a challenge BUT when you are doing so to point out someone else's BLIND SPOTS, it can become even more difficult.  That said, experts advise us to keep practicing this for us to get better.  And would you believe this?  According to studies, ninety percent of our decisions are either automatic OR unconscious.  This means that our BLIND SPOTS or UNCONSCIOUS BIASES show up regularly and they influence our behaviors OR even narrow our perspectives OR worse, even hamper our decision-making qualities and eventually, impact OR harm others.  This becomes challenging in the workplace where you manage people as it is imperative to develop the skills to recognize both your own and your peers' BLIND SPOTS to lead fairly [as a leader]❌❌❌

Our takeaway?  It's always challenging to kickstart things and communications experts advise that the easier way is to START A DIALOGUE.  It may be hard to speak up, especially WHEN one is inexperienced OR new to a role.  BUT the thing is, NO relationship should make you feel powerless.  We need to be conscious aware that you are entitled to share your views especially related to UNCONSCIOUS BIASES.  Then, lead the conversation with a sense of curiosity, NOT judgment and nudge them to do better.  And whenever articulating your observation, experts advise that we use the first-person ["I"] statements.  You CAN'T know whether someone will show gratitude OR resistance when you raise a red flag.  True, speaking up is tough and it takes courage, especially WHEN you're in the early stages of your career.  Bottom line is, WHEN YOU STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT, make everyone feel heard and respected😄😄😄