Tag: learning

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Finding Balance as the Year Comes to an End – A Personal Reflection

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time” – Leo Tolstoy

October is here, and I can’t believe how fast this year is flying by. It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating the start of 2024, and now we’re heading into the final stretch. The end of the year always feels like a time for reflection, doesn’t it? What have I achieved? What still needs my attention? And how do I balance everything in these final months?

With that in mind, I wanted to take a moment to step back and reflect on a few areas in life that I’ve been working on—and some that still need work. Because, let’s face it, no matter how busy we are, finding balance is key.

Faith – Staying Grounded as the Year Winds Down

As the days get busier, I’ve realized how important it is to stay grounded in my faith. Whether things are going smoothly or not, I know that my relationship with God is what keeps me centered. This year has been full of ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve been trying to take time to strengthen my connection, pray, and reflect. It’s easy to lose sight of this when work and life get hectic, but faith helps me navigate through it all.

“Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.” – Max Lucado

Family – Making Time for What Matters Most

With the end of the year approaching, it’s also a reminder to make time for family. I’ve been thinking a lot about the moments we share and the memories we create. It’s not about grand gestures or expensive trips, but about spending quality time together—those small, meaningful moments that matter the most. As busy as life gets, I’m trying to be intentional about carving out time for my loved ones. They’re the ones who keep me grounded when everything else is spinning.

“Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox

Friends – Keeping My Circle Close

When it comes to friendships, I’ve learned that keeping my circle small works best for me. As the year progresses, I’ve been focusing on deepening those relationships rather than trying to keep up with everyone. It’s the close, meaningful connections that matter—those friends who are there through thick and thin. Time is precious, and I want to invest in the friendships that truly lift me up.

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” – Unknown

Fitness – Finding Time for Physical and Mental Well-being

Amid the busyness of life, staying healthy is essential. This year, I’ve been working on keeping both my mind and body in shape. It’s not always easy to find the time, but I’ve realized that if I don’t make it a priority, everything else suffers. Whether it’s a morning run, yoga, or just taking a moment to breathe, I’m trying to keep fitness—both mental and physical—a part of my routine.

“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Buddha

Hobbies – Exploring New Recipes in the Kitchen

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most this year is exploring new hobbies, especially in the kitchen. I’ve been trying out new recipes and discovering the joy of cooking. There’s something so therapeutic about experimenting with flavors and creating something from scratch. It’s a way to unwind and switch off from the demands of the day. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends—cooking together, sharing meals, and making memories around the dinner table.

“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne

Self-Development – Pursuing My Doctorate in Business Administration

On the professional front, this year has been a whirlwind. I’ve been diving deep into my Doctorate in Business Administration, which has been both exciting and challenging. It’s been a journey of growth, pushing me to think critically and manage my time more effectively. Between my studies and work, the days have been busy, but I’m learning so much about myself and my capabilities.

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King

Work – Learning to Be More Effective with a Full Plate

Speaking of busy, work has been full of new projects, tasks, and stakeholder requests. It feels like there’s always something new on my plate, but I’ve been focusing on learning how to manage it all more effectively. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve—whether that’s streamlining processes, prioritizing tasks, or just learning how to say “no” when needed. The more I take on, the more I realize how crucial it is to stay organized and proactive, especially with the year coming to a close.

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer

As October rolls on and the year edges towards its end, I’m reminded that life is all about balance. Whether it’s faith, family, friends, fitness, or professional growth, it’s about finding the time to nurture what matters most. The year may be winding down, but there’s still so much to learn, achieve, and enjoy.

What about you? How are you balancing everything in these final months of the year? Let’s keep the conversation going—whether it’s about work, hobbies, or just life in general. Drop a comment or reach out, and let’s chat about how we can make the most of the time we have left in 2024.

“We always have time for the things that matter the most to us.”

Enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to find a little fun along the way!

(This blog is a personal reflection and a gentle reminder for myself as we move toward the year’s end. I hope it sparks some thoughts for you too.)

“Your habits, your future!”

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Embarking on a Year-End Odyssey: Unveiling the Chronicles of Dion’s Journey (thus far)

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hello there, fellow explorers of life’s intricate tapestry! As the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of reflection upon the passing year (though we still have more than a month to go), I find myself delving into the treasure trove of insights gifted to me by five close friends and my astute daughter. This journey, akin to a literary odyssey, unfolds through a year-end feedback and questionnaire, revealing the nuanced shades of my character and aspirations. So, join me as we navigate through the twists and turns, discovering the peaks of strengths, valleys of potential improvements, and the vast landscapes of my passions and values. It’s not just a reflection; it’s an expedition into the essence of a life well-lived.

Strengths:

  1. Lifelong Learner: The joy of acquiring new knowledge and skills is not a mere habit; it’s a celebration of curiosity and growth.
  2. Empathetic and Helpful: The capacity to understand and offer a helping hand showcases the richness of a heart attuned to the needs of others.
  3. Mindfulness: Being present in the moment, appreciating the journey as much as the destination—a conscious choice that colors the canvas of life.
  4. Resilient: Setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones, lessons etched in the fabric of a resilient spirit.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. R&R – Reflection and Refinement: As we traverse the roadmap of my growth, the call for reflection and refinement emerges as a theme, reminding us of the beauty in slowing down.
  2. Adaptability: The ability to gracefully navigate through challenging human interactions is an unexplored terrain waiting to be conquered.
  3. Expressing Thoughts: The landscape of unspoken thoughts can sometimes overshadow the fertile ground of open expression.

Communication Style: My communication style is an intricate dance—a harmonious blend of relaxation, ease, and confident articulation. Yet, the odyssey lies in the quest for balance, where self-advocacy meets a consideration for others.

Appreciated Personality Traits: Optimism, open-mindedness, and humor are the compass points guiding this journey. A helpful and easygoing demeanor becomes the warm breeze that propels the vessel forward.

Potential Irritants: Miraculously, the map seems to have few markers for irritants. A hint of excessive trust and the nocturnal melody of snores are the gentle undulations in the otherwise serene landscape.

Conflict Resolution Style: In the turbulent waters of conflict, my vessel maintains an unwavering calmness. The compass points towards solutions, prioritising resolution over dwelling in the tempest’s negative emotions.

Passions and Excitements: The landscape is adorned with my passions—a thirst for learning, the joy of human capital development, the thrill of culinary adventures, and the wanderlust that accompanies travel.

Core Values: The compass of decision-making is guided by the principles of continuous learning, family, appreciation, respect, humility, and integrity—a constellation of values that lights the way.

Approach to Life: My approach to life mirrors a purpose-driven and service-oriented mindset. The compass points towards continuous learning and personal development, recognising the journey’s significance.

Biggest Fear or Insecurity: As we delve into the depths, we encounter the fear of not listening to the heart’s whispers and the shadows cast by financial constraints—a reminder of the vulnerability inherent in the human experience.

Barriers to Full Potential: The terrain of unmet expectations, family commitments, sporadic self-doubt, and an overreliance on others presents itself. The journey invites a recalibration, a reassessment of the path ahead.

Legacy and Aspirations: As the odyssey nears its zenith, I aspire to be remembered for positive impacts on leadership development, values-driven leadership, and positive change in communities. Whether it’s being a master trainer legend or simply leaving behind memories of kindness and impact, the legacy is a beacon guiding the journey.

As we conclude this year-end odyssey, the tapestry of my life unfolds as a vibrant mosaic of strengths, growth opportunities, passions, and aspirations. The road ahead is paved with the imprints of lessons learned and the anticipation of uncharted territories. Here’s to the odyssey of my journey—a narrative that continues to weave itself into the grand tapestry of life.

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.” – Nido Qubein

“Your habits, your future!”

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Embracing Transformation: Lessons from “The Earned Life” by Marshall Goldsmith

“We are living an earned life when the choices, risks, and effort we make in each moment align with an overarching purpose in our lives, regardless of the eventual outcome.”

Today, I want to share my learning journey through the pages of “The Earned Life” by the insightful Marshall Goldsmith. So, grab a cup of your favourite brew, settle in, and let’s embark on this inspiring and life-altering experience.

Good Moments:

First and foremost, let me share with you the beautiful moments I’ve experienced while immersing myself in this profound book. Marshall’s wisdom is akin to a guiding light that leads us through the intricate labyrinth of life. His words resonate with a clarity that makes you feel like you’re engaged in a heart-to-heart conversation with a mentor and a friend. This book not only offers insight but a fresh perspective on the idea of what it means to truly earn a life of profound meaning, purpose, and boundless fulfilment.

Not so Good Moments:

Of course, it’s not always a path strewn with rose petals and sunshine. There have been moments when I’ve recognised the Herculean challenge it can be to let go of old habits and embrace new ones. Marshall’s insights often serve as a mirror, reflecting the ingrained behaviours that might be holding us back. Acknowledging these tendencies can be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s precisely these moments of realisation that pave the way for growth. After all, personal growth isn’t always a smooth ride, right?

Personal Growth and Gratitude:

My journey through the pages of “The Earned Life” has been nothing short of an awakening. It’s been a voyage of self-discovery, unearthing the patterns in my life and the behaviours that might need a tweak. It’s a humbling experience, recognising that we all have room for improvement. I’m profoundly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a respected coach and author. It’s a privilege to have access to Marshall’s wisdom, and I can’t help but express gratitude for the transformation it has initiated within me.

Key Takeaways:

As I reflect on this profound reading journey, I’ve identified some priceless lessons that I’m eager to carry forward:

Daily Self-Reflection
Marshall’s advice on daily questions for self-reflection is a game-changer. It’s the small, consistent steps that pave the way for monumental personal growth.

Behavioural Change
Embracing change is a significant aspect of the “Earned Life.” It’s about consciously choosing behaviors that align with your goals and values, making every moment count.

Helping Others
Marshall’s emphasis on contributing to the lives of those around us is a gentle reminder that a life well-earned involves making a positive impact on the world.

Future Goals:

So, what’s next? I’m excited to integrate these profound learnings into the fabric of my daily life. I plan to cultivate the habit of self-reflection, committing to purposeful behavioural change each day. Additionally, I aspire to extend my gratitude by helping and making a positive impact on others, just as Marshall recommends. This is not just a set of goals; it’s a pledge to lead a life that’s truly earned.

In closing, I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow from “The Earned Life” by Marshall Goldsmith. It’s not just a book; it’s a companion on our life’s journey toward a more meaningful and earned existence. So, I wholeheartedly encourage you to pick it up if you haven’t already. Here’s to learning, growing, and embracing the wisdom that helps us lead a life we’ve genuinely earned, one moment at a time.

Marshall Goldsmith’s wisdom is an endless source of inspiration. As he beautifully puts it, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.”

May we all choose growth, and may our earned lives be a testament to the transformation that’s possible when we dare to embrace change and live with purpose. Cheers to a journey of meaningful transformations and to Marshall Goldsmith for being a guiding light on this path of profound personal development!

“Your habits, your future!”

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What have I done so far?

“Enjoy the journey and try to get better every day. And don’t lose the passion and the love for what you do.” – Nadia Comaneci

Started a new chapter in my life’s journey, since January 2022. Relocated to another state in February 2022 and what have I done since I started in this new organisation?

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  1. Middle management programme
    Initially there was a request for about 5 newly promoted team leaders (middle managers) from one of the stakeholders, and that triggered me to come up with a programme to help support the transitioning of individual contributors to people managers. Then I shared the programme with my line manager, she liked the idea and brought up a good point, “why not we benefit more than one department with this programme?” We then launched this programme for the whole organisation and the same programme done for the head office as well.

    What I have learnt from doing this programme (in this organisation and I believe in most organisations as well), many will be excited initially and it takes a lot of encouragement to ensure the participants are consistent in their participation.
  2. Office library
    Leaders are readers… hence setting up the library is part of learning and development for everyone in the organisation. I am happy that my line manager agreed to most of the books recommended and added some of her list as well. We have decided to have 36 titles and will grow the library with more titles as we go along. In the process of getting the books, I had to work with at least three -(3) different book providers for this project. As this project is led by the head office, we need to have standardised look and feel as well.

    What I have learnt from doing this project, communication and patience is key when dealing with different people (with different perspectives and expectations).
  3. Quarterly projects and KPIs
    During my probation (I am happy that I got my confirmation), I had my probation goals and in this quarter, I have new projects (measurable KPIs) that I will need to achieve. Apart from business as usual (BAU), I have additional project goals to achieve. Interesting system when I first entered the data for the project goals.

    What I have learnt from this event, some projects have more weightage than others. There is a need to collaborate with other departments to achieve the project goals. It will be easier to achieve with the support of the team.

“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself. “– Søren Kierkegaard

I truly believe that it will be exciting times ahead, as long as my purpose remains the same. As a mentor of mine mentioned to me, “needs may change, purpose remains the same…” which is relevant to me at the moment.

For your information, there are more than three -(3) things / events that I am handling right now, stay tuned for more great updates to come.

Have fun and enjoy the journey.

“Your habits, your future!”

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Have you done your best?

“Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.” – Og Mandino

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I have been reflecting and whenever I have a chat with my kids, especially when it comes to their school assessments, tests, exams… the one question that I will ask them… “Have you done your best?”

I believe that… “Victory is knowing that you have done your best, if you have done your best, you have won!“

And at times, I may forget and being critical to myself… with the outcomes that I have gotten, be it work, studies or personal… I need to be reminded on the question… “Have I done my best?”

Based on the knowledge, skills, experience and exposure that I have had… and if I have given my all, the best that I can… then I will learn from the results, then do better the next time. Or I can have the following options:

  1. Consult my inner circle and get some ideas (before, during and after) about the project that I am embarking in.
  2. Talk to my mentor(s) and coach(es) to gain some insights and discoveries.
  3. Do additional research with the time (according to the due date) that I have on the project.
  4. Ask more questions to myself, i.e., “What questions have I not asked?” “What can I do differently?” “What would this person ______ do?” “What have I not done yet?”
  5. Pray and meditate to get some inspiration, ideas and wisdom…
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And at times, I realised that, that is the best I can do… thus I need to let go and let God.

All I can do is to put in my best effort with the time and resources that I have (to be resourceful)… and whatever the outcome is… it’s a feedback… and I can use the feedback to my future advantage, to be a better version and work towards to direction I want.

“Have you done your best?”

“Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.” – Don Miguel Ruiz

“Your habits, your future!”

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New day, new learning

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

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I woke up this morning, smiling to myself and thank God for the past 46 years of my life. I am able to have another day to do what I want to do; to serve, inspire and learn. There is so much to learn, new day, new learning.

Some of my new discovery on learning tools is as below:

  1. PechaKucha
    I find value in learning from other people’s sharing and the content is not long winded. Short and sweet, find the topics that you can resonate with and start learning.
  2. IdeaCity
    This is the TED Talk of Canada and it’s not that formal. The content is broader and and more open.
  3. Ignite
    If you only have 5-6 minutes of time (while waiting), you may want to look into this site… short sharing with some interesting learning content.

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I believe that as long as we are willing to learn, there are a lot of great learning tools to be discovered. Some of the existing learning tools I like will be as below:

  1. Ebooks
    As I put them in my mobile phone, I can take it anywhere with me, especially when waiting for food to be served in the restaurant, I can read or in the morning, when I wake up, resting… it can be a good time to read as well.
  2. Podcast
    I can listen to the podcast while exercising (treadmill, walk) and cleaning the house. A great habit to stack with and can discover new ideas from listening.
  3. TED Talk
    It helps when I need ideas for research and reminder on how I can present better.
  4. YouTube
    Good or bad, everything can be found in YouTube, the choice is ours, what to watch and learn from.
  5. Books
    In my humble opinion, nothing beats reading physical books. The feeling of flipping the page and highlighting when necessary. Great feeling to have!
  6. Online courses
    Lucky to say that, the current workplace has a business account with Udemy… endless learning to choose from. Yahoo! There are a lot of other great online learning providers available.
  7. Workshops
    Whether attending one or being a facilitator, I can learn a lot from observation, conversation and sharing during the session.

“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” – Albert Einstein

What is your favourite learning tool? Any new tools discovered lately? If you have, please do not hesitate to share your discovery with me. Looking forward to learning from you!

“Your habits, your future!”

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Questions to Ponder Part 1

“It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.” – Eugene Ionesco

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During the month of June, my buddy and I have done the TIK4TIPs chit chat show based on the daily questions that I have for reflection purposes. In this blog (part 1), I will share five -(5) questions for this part as the show was from Monday to Friday and we did total of 25 shows for Season 1. It was a fulfilling and meaningful journey.

Now that I am not doing the Live Show, I will put down my thoughts and answers based on my reflection. Thank you for ready and I look forward to all of us who read to get some ideas / wisdom to help with our lives’ journey.

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Question #1:
What is new normal to you?

The new normal to me will be doing most of my work via online platform. Since March 2020 until recently (beginning July 2020), all face-to-face training sessions were cancelled; a few changed to online / virtual training and mostly postponed until further notice (most of the multi-nationals still prefer virtual training).

Another will be wearing mask when going out to public locations, practicing social distancing… people will not be able to see your smile and not able to shake hands when meeting.

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As a family, we used to eat out almost every weekend and with the movement control order (MCO), I cooked for my family for more than 90 days and have discovered new recipes, improved my cooking skills plus getting to know my family’s food preference better.

My wife also ventured into planting edible greens… our house porch area is full of pots and plants now… waiting to harvest and enjoy the produce of her labour, haha.

Question #2:
How do you move to the next level?

“The journey is never ending. There’s always gonna be growth, improvement, adversity; you just gotta take it all in and do what’s right, continue to grow, continue to live in the moment.” – Antonio Brown

What does next level mean to you?

To me, it simply means, better than yesterday. Have you improved, grown and being better that who you were before? Life is about continuous improvement journey and discovering what you are able to learn / do… a blessing!

It can be simply having better relationship with your loved ones or people close to you. A wider coverage of network; clients, partners, business contacts and opportunities.

Growing spiritually, understanding your own calling, serving the community, doing charity or helping people around you… do whatever that make you feel alive.

Depending on the priority of the individual, to some, next level could be the business / career, and to a few, it could be having the financial stability or overall wellness / lifestyle.

Which area in your life you would want to focus on right now to be better?

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Question #3:
What is your purpose in life?

“It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something.” – Winston S. Churchill

In terms of purpose, it will be very subjective, different people will have different views and why they are living their lives.

I have discovered my purpose and it goes like this:

“My purpose is to inspire and develop leaders to reach their highest potential for God.” (I only discovered my purpose about 10 years ago when a good friend of mine were curious about my career, he sat down with me and started asking me a series of questions that triggered me, to realize my purpose in life).

Once I have decided and have clarity about my WHY, I am more willing to pay the price on the choices that I make (or will make). I truly believe that anything that is worthwhile pursuing, there will be a price to pay, when we are more willing to pay the price, the journey will be somewhat easier.

I would highly recommend for anyone to invest some time to reflect and find out the WHY?

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Question #4:
How do you free yourself from worry?

“Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.” – Swedish Proverb

Just yesterday I had a conversation with a potential client (the client is looking for a life coach) and through our conversation, some how I mentioned that we worry and feel the pain due to we are alive to feel it. It’s part of our live journey and some will lead to more serious health issues (if not treated).

I used to be a worrier and I would be lying if I were to tell you that I am free of worry now. The difference now, I have ways to deal with my worries. Some of the methods I am using to be worry-free will be as below:

  • Write down my thoughts, all the issues and all that I am thinking off – that will help to clarify my thoughts. What are the resources needed to solve the issues? What are the priorities? If any of the issues are future related, what do I need to do to prepare for them? How can I prepare, to minimize the impact and get the expected outcome?
  • Have a chat / conversation with someone that I can trust, can be my loved ones, my coach or mentor… they may provide some insights and triggering questions. All that will be “gold nuggets” to me!
  • Pray and meditate… I believe that, when we are ready for something bigger, we will be presented with opportunities. We will have to accept the challenge and grab to opportunities – then the journey of discovery starts. Be thankful and practice the attitude of gratitude (instead of worry).

“Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere” – Erma Bombeck

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Question #5:
What are you doing to develop yourself?

“Life is growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually, we are as good as dead.” – Morihei Ueshiba

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Everyday is a learning and we learn (experience) in different aspects of our lives. What are the areas you would like to focus on to develop?

In most of my leadership workshop sessions, I will share with the participants that the word, “LEADER” comes from two -(2) words; “LEARNER” and “READER“… a leader is a learner and reader… then ultimately, the leader becomes an “EARNER” – earning knowledge, skills and learning perspectives from the resources.

There are many great resources that we can learn from… below are some of them that I am utilizing:

  • Books and E-Books – library, buy my own, from contacts or internet. My recommendation is to buy own book as at different times of our lives, when we read the same book, we get different learning (as we mature and have grown in wisdom, thus the learning we seek will be different).
  • Internet – Google, YouTube, Social Media – all the good and bad will be available, it will be up to us to filter what we want to learn and prioritize.
  • People, contacts, networks – by having conversation, coaching or mentoring session.
  • Reflection or feedback – we can reflect on our own experience or feedback from the people that we trust and respect (in my humble opinion, not all feedback is relevant to us).
  • Media – magazines, TV, radio… we will need to filter in accordance to what we want to learn and whether it is positive or not.

There are many resources that we can learn from, it’s a matter of our preferences.

“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.” – B. B. King

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Well, that is all for part 1 for now. Happy ready and let me know if you have any extras that you would like to share. I would like to learn from you too.

Stay healthy and safe.

Have a fruitful week ahead.

“Your habits, your future!”

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Be PREPARED for what’s coming

“Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

What’s next after the lock down? What is the new normal? What can we do moving forward? and many other questions…

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More than 50 days have passed since the first phase of the lock down. Been thinking a lot of questions and also discussed with some of my friends pertaining to this interesting part of history that I am going to be in. I believe some will be more positive than others and also some who are suffering from this event.

In this blog sharing, the focus will be on preparing ourselves for what is coming, as a disclaimer, I am not a fortune-teller nor having any super powers to see the future. What I am sharing here will be my thoughts and what I feel is needed for myself plus my future generations. Please message me should you have any comments or thoughts about this article. Thank you.

Are you ready?

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What I have in mind… I put it all in an acronym…

P.R.E.P.A.R.E.D

Problem-Solving – Resilience – Electronic – Positiveness – Authentic – Reporting – Emotional Intelligence – Digital+Coding

PROBLEM-SOLVING
I am drawn to believe that we need skills to solve problems. Be it creative thinking, critical thinking, design thinking, any models or tools. Which one is the best? My answer will be, “The one that you will use effectively…” Especially in times like this, a lot of people, including myself have problems that can be transformed into opportunities… should we know how to solve and turn it into solutions to help people (and the money will come 🙂 )

RESILIENCE
“Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.” – Michael McGriffy M.D.
Imagine if we learn how to be adaptable and build our strength, Working towards being flexible… a lot of the issues will seem easier and we are calmer, thus having the ability to see things clearer then come up with better solutions. In my opinion, resilience means practicing adaptability and flexibility.

ELECTRONIC (Platforms)
After talking with many friends who are in the same industry (even in different ones), and having to experience it first hand… there is a need to learn how to communicate, present, run meetings, talks, seminar, coaching, mentoring, team building… using VIRTUAL Platforms. Any platforms, apps, programmes, tools for that matter… there are a lot of information, tutorials and guidelines on how to use them online. We just need to put in the time and effort to learn. Believe me, we need to learn how to operate in E-Platforms, the future is NOW.

POSITIVENESS
Being positive here in this article is being productive and generating ideas. That leads to creativity and innovation, another important traits for being a leader. No matter what industry we are in, there is a need to be producing new improved products and services. The best (and fastest) way is to be positive – transforming adversity / crisis into opportunities. Of course it is easier said than done. One tip I have learnt from one of my mentors… do not do it alone, work as a team, synergize and collaborate.

AUTHENTICITY
“Authenticity is your most precious commodity as a leader.” – Marcus Buckingham
By sharing this, it is also a reminder to myself. I need to be true to myself and others. No need to pretend, just be the unique and original self. Like the word “YOU” which can mean “Your Own Uniqueness”. Just be YOU, no need to be others. I truly believe that by being consistent, sooner than later, people can feel and sense your authenticity. We are all created to be one and only special person. Never let anyone tells you otherwise (another reminder to self).

REPORTING (Data)
One of my friends said… Data is going to be the next phenomenon which is going to be more valuable that oil and gold. This is one of the areas that I really need to work on to learn. My data literacy still needs a lot of work. I believe that the future is going to be bright for those who are experts in this area. I have heard some companies hiring data scientist… and there are more opportunities similar to this coming soon.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ)
Anyone who wants to lead a team (direct or indirect) will need this skill. Being high on IQ is important and if we want to lead in a longer term, EQ will be the focus. Of course, there are more than IQ and EQ, we will not be discussing that in this article. Should you are able to learn how to control / manage your emotions, more great happenings will come your way. There are many good resources out there that we can learn from on EQ.

DIGITAL+CODING
This is something that I do not have patience for… when I studied IT many moons ago (oops… not disclosing my age!), I need to do it to pass my exams but now, with the dynamic change in technology… I can barely catch up with this. Well, a wise man used to share with me… if you are not willing to do the job, find someone that will do it but be prepared to PAY THE PRICE! Anyhow, I can imagine, in the near future, this skill will be easier to learn with more straight-forward interface and steps. As long as we are willing to learn, we will find a way to do it.

World Of Tomorrow GIF by Jordan Frost | Gfycat

How are you going to be P.R.E.P.A.R.E.D?

All the best in your future undertakings.

“Your habits, your future!”

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Health and Wellness

“Create healthy habits, not restrictions. “

How’s your new year 2020 so far? Before the end of 2019, I have had the chance to get some feedback from my friends and social media contributors on the above-mentioned topic. Thank you to those who have contributed and if you would like to share yours, please put in the comment below. I wish you all the very best in your health and wellness this year and beyond.

“Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.”
– Josh Billings

By the way, the intention of this blog is for sharing and learning purposes… in my humble opinion, there is “NO RIGHT NOR WRONG…” Thank you.

  • Wake up early, exercise daily, eat moderately, fast alternately but most importantly is to do whatever you can do and spend time with your love ones full-hardheartedly. 
  • Have a 4-legged pet… Walk them morning n evening.
  • Understanding what u want, plan, execution and mostly, consistency.
  • Other than that… Happiness and Peace also important.
  • Take very good care on one own health and wellness, by eating healthily and exercise daily. Before you can take care of anyone else you love.
  • Its good that u have health awareness.. most people will only start to practice healthy lifestyle when they have bad result in health check
  • take care of yourself well physically (do exercises), mentally (reading and other brain triggered tasks), emotionally (positive interactions, meditation etc)…
  • Commit the day to God before starting the day and say thank you before ending the day.
  • recommended exercise is 30 mins x 3 a week… I’d say 5 days 30 mins will be better. without health, no money or family can do anything. also start giving more… like all your money to some one like me 🙂 
  • Spend time with yourself, God, family and friends. Exercise, do some charity work, eat moderately and do whatever makes you happy as long as it’s not against the law, it is not unethical and it doesn’t cause harm to others
  • Sure way to lose weight while able to eat anything… skip dinner
  • Realise what makes your soul happy & enjoy doing it.
  • I’ve recently shifted my new year resolutions to start on my birthday. It somehow gets better commitment and results.
  • Learn to bless every person you meet. The more you bless the more happiness you gain.
  • Have a positive mindset. You are what you think. Put God n faith in your lives daily, eating moderately, exercise healthily and live happily.

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn

There you go… some great sharing, ideas and learning. Found any one that you would like to start this year? If you do, please share with me. I would love to hear from you. All the very BEST!

Image result for health meme

“Your habits, your future!”

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Communication habits

“Communication is the response you get…”

The quote is one of the NLP presuppositions that I have learnt from my certification program. Yes, we communicate everyday and we get all sorts of responses as well.

Another favourite of mine is…

“You cannot NOT communicate!”

During my training workshops, I will ask the participants (especially to those who are married)… “what will happen if you do not communicate with your spouse for a week?”

Most of them will answer… “you will sleep outdoor…” “that’s the end of you…” haha all interesting answers.

In this blog, I would like to share some good communication practices and habits.

Please feel free to share your thoughts as I believe I am still learning and we are in this learning journey together.

Here it goes…

  • being congruent

How are you being consistent with your words, the way you say it and body language? Are you in harmony with your intention and action?

Trust is congruence between what you say and what you do. – Peter Drucker

  • Attunement

When communicate with others, how aware are you with their responses? How is the receiver learning? What method will be effective for them to learn faster? Visual, Auditory or Kinaesthetic?

We each have a sixth sense that is attuned to the oneness dimension in life, providing a means for us to guide our lives in accord with our ideas. – Henry Reed

  • Listening

How are you listening?

We can learn from the late Stephen Covey… “listening with the intent to understand…”

it will be challenging to listen effectively when you have filters. We start judging and jumping into conclusion… definitely not helping us nor achieving good rapport with the speaker.

Awareness and mindfulness to perfect practice empathy… listening to emotions in the tone and physiology… may not be easy at first, it requires a lot of conscious effort plus practices to make it into a good habit.

Empathy and social skills are social intelligence, the interpersonal part of emotional intelligence. That’s why they look alike. – Daniel Goleman

  • 5 second rule

Happened to come across this learning from the book… “To sell is human” by Daniel Pink. A good book to read for leaders. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1594631905/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_alMrDbZZH9BHC

In summary, let’s wait for 5 seconds to ensure that others have finished with what they have to say… then we can reply. Pause and silent is one of the powerful tools in communication.

Silence is one of the great arts of conversation. – Marcus Tullius Cicero

  • Ask one question at a time

Our brains works fast and we may have lots to say or ask… to be effective, learn to focus on one question at a time. Let the receiver understand and internalise what you are asking, let them have the opportunity to answer with better comprehension of your question.

Avoid asking “nested questions”… question within a question or too many questions at one go…

The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus. – Bruce Lee

  • It’s the manner not the matter

Communication is how we deliver the message not only the message nor it’s meaning.

Even if it’s not so good news delivered in a right manner, trumps good news delivered inappropriately…

Better good manners than good looks. – Proverb

  • Avoiding sarcasm nor assumptions

Usage of words and how you say them is important. What I’ve learnt when providing feedback and not to sound sarcastic nor implying that the receiver is at fault… usage of “I” rather than “you” will be recommended. “You” sounded more like placing the person as the attention of the conversation and may cause them to feel at fault.

Ask questions, don’t make assumptions. – Angela Ahrendts

  • Begin and end with positive

Imagine when you start on a journey with positive… a good start and everything will be better… the feeling will be great too. Then finishing off with positive as well… WOW! I don’t know about you, for me… that is truly recommended and ideal in any situation (most of the time…).

Let’s do our best to start and end with positive. People will be more appreciative and should we be consistent with that practice, it becomes our brand as a positive communicator.

Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success. – Paul J Meyer

Feel free to experiment the sharing above and let me know how it goes… looking forward to your success!

“Your habits, your future!”