Category: Reflection

There are many ways of looking at a situation. Through our various cultural differences and experiences, filters are created on how we see things.

Then there are different altitudes of observing. Whether it be a 30,000 feet view or a 3000 feet view. Also you have to consider the time aspect of how will it affect the short and long term.

I am always fascinated at how you can be aware of your perspectives to understand your biases. This makes it easier to understand other views and you can get a better idea of the situation from multiple areas.

Having the ability to calmly gain different perspectives is a great asset. Future situations can be handled with ease and everyone’s agenda is understood by you.

The magic of life is in the present moment. 

I enjoy the calmness of appreciating the right now and flowing from one moment to the next. 

Too often it is easy to get distracted by the busyness of life: the ads, notifications on your phone, the traffic, and the city pulsing along. 

Then there is another set of distractions which is internal. These are your anxieties, worries about the past or future, stresses to complete a task at hand, and uncertainties about the future. 

Distractions are part of life. It is accepting them and planning for them that allows us to be present in the moment. The feeling of calm and having a zen vibe is worth it and allows us to enjoy life. 

By planning ahead you can do your best to set yourself up to enjoy mindful present moments each day. 

I remember being stressed and worried. Lately after planning and doing all I can, I feel relieved and thankful. I feel light and take time to observe simple things and watch my thoughts flow. I am enjoying today. 

There are so many tasks to get done each day. Simple ones such as picking out your clothes to making important decisions in meetings.

Each task presents a unique opportunity to see how you complete it. How you do anything is how you do everything.

By being present and engaged in the task at hand, I am able to be mindful and often times finish the task quicker.

As you engage more with the most mundane tasks you are able to reflect and appreciate the tasks you do enjoy.

This can also be an opportunity to optimise your tasks since now you are aware if they truly bring value to your life.

Each day truly is an opportunity to become more.

With rapid changes across different industries, it reminds me nothing is ever permanent.

I feel excited to dream big precisely because of all this change. As you never know what technology or revolution could make your vision a reality.

It is also important to be content with yourself and your current situation. You have to appreciate what you have now while being optimistic about the possibilities of  tomorrow. That is the magic of life.

My interest in 1% growth every day started with my morning routine, and three ideas inspire it: Kaizen, software updates and engine improvements.

How it got started

Every day I get up in the morning, I think today is an opportunity to learn something new and I jump out of bed with an enthusiastic smile. My daily routine of reflecting on my past day, setting daily goals, coming up with ideas, and envisioning my aspirations really motivates me to go and make the most of my day.

After jumping out of bed I also start listing out things I am grateful for in my life and start to read an impactful nonfiction book. Then I follow by listening to a feel good song and to wrap up my get out of bed routine, I do push ups to get going.

I learned that the first hour of the day is the most important and it really sets the course for the rest of the day. By already having such an empowering first few minutes, my whole day feels bright and vibrant. My morning routine is always subject to tweaks and refinement as my schedule changes. This sparked my interest in 1% growth every day.

Inspiration

Kaizen

I have always been fascinated by the idea of constant improvement and optimization. The Kaizen mindset is exactly that. Finding how to streamline the process and then continually improve to make it better.

Software development

Windows is always updating! Bugs are found and patches are released. I like this idea a lot, get lots of feedback and try to improve what I am doing.

Engine improvements

Every new car is built to uphold new environmental and safety regulations. Each year creative solutions must be made to add value to the customer and at the same time keep the price the same or lower. Similarly, I want to continually come up with new ideas and solutions with the existing resources at hand.

Thoughts going forward

Reading daily, getting exposed to fresh ideas, and new ways of thinking all allow me to grow at an exceptional pace with a compounding nature. Gaining insight and wisdom from many people’s life experiences helps me maximize my time and build awareness. This will allow me to make smarter decisions and learn how to give/create value in a meaningful way with lots of impact.

The new year is here!

Every day is an opportunity to grow and learn. There is an abundance of information which is getting larger.

I continually read more books, learn more, and listen to new thoughts.  I experience growth and awareness. My goals are to keep developing myself and be exposed to new approaches of doing things or to see things from different perspectives. This is to build awareness and make smarter decisions to make the most of my time.

With such rapid changes all around us, I feel it is also important to make time for reflection and to be present with one’s thought to understand the core reasons why I am doing something and what do I hope to achieve from the activity.

This is why taking breaks from the ordinary is so important whether it be a vacation to a new place or just being in nature. You have a moment to be in a different environment, separate from the daily cycle.

The most important thing I have learned is to get clear on what I want. Within the cosmic perspective, our lifespans are minuscule. Within the short time frame of my life, I hope to get clear on what I want and fulfill my dreams.

On my quest to think better, write better, and live better. It was only a matter of time before I started reading and growing.

I remember very clearly on the day I decided to take my life to the next level. I was on a journey from Hong Kong to Beijing, aboard the bullet train. With 3000 Km to cover,  10 hours, and seeing the dramatic changes in the landscape, from cities to farms. I knew this was the day. I felt ready to commit my time to reading books.

My first book of choice:

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

•  I applied the concepts listed in the book and have seen profound positive changes in my life.
• Lots of great examples of successful people
• Taught me to believe in me more

Action Principles by Bill Fitzpatrick

• Made me accept responsibility for my life
• To stop making excuses and take action
• Helped me develop a stronger character

As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

• To focus on pure, positive thoughts
• To add value to people’s lives
• Develop a vision for my life

Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez

• Learned about budgeting and tracking
• Started investing
• Look for the true value in things

Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space By Carl Sagan

• Puts perspective on our place in the universe
• Made me more humble and kind to others
• Learned about the infinite nature of things

Bonus:

The Way of Zen by Alan Watts

• Learned the basics of Zen
• Challenged me to think deeply
• Learned to be more present and tranquil

I have now become a fan of reading books and feel the profound difference in the quality of every area of my life. I am able to gain a deeper understanding of the world around me. Expanding my thoughts has always been a core focus of mine and by reading books continuously, I will definitely live an enriched life. My goal is to read a book a month, then read a book every two weeks, and eventually one book a week.