Good or Great?

Somebody once challenged me to dissect the values I embrace, see if they are still intact and as relevant to the times of today, before putting them back together again. I find myself having the need to revisit this statement and thought each time a seemingly critical situation presents itself. It beckons me to evaluate, challenges me to examine and finally corners me to stand firm and further solidify the stands I hold dear to.

It is without doubt, nor is it a sweeping statement any further, to mention that the iY Gen is rising up and falling down even faster. It is not in my interest to elaborate on the statement in this note to self. On the contrary, this serves to remind me of things I once held dear to, and still do. Expectations anchored upon the wrong measures will lead to a huge chasm of unrealistic desires, bringing us from a place where we stood firm to yet another that wavers. When you find yourself finding all sorts of faults with others and accomodating to your personal and seemingly immediate and urgent needs, then kindly take a step back and remind yourself of why you embarked on the journey, right from the onset. Surely, our lives can be more than just a 'try out'. Be sure of what you hope for, and certain of what you do not see.

I recall a chinese scholar's words when I asked for the reasons behind not wanting to strive for a decent language grade and studying hard: "For what? I don't know why I'm doing this... anymore." A sign of exasperation, tipping of resilience and perhaps, loneliness. It appears that the purposes of our being and actions will ultimately fall upon the bedrock of our dreams and visions, even goals for both the future and present. Dreams are powerful, they drive you, they are the fuel of everyday, they take your eyes off those obstacles laid before you. These dreams, need to be governed, inspired and made concrete with the Author. Without which, we all labour in vain. Are you without a dream?

In a culture of discipline, we do not have "jobs", we have responsibilities. It is in the lack thereof, that we see a declining quality of youths attempting to achieve big dreams with small efforts. Since when, were we taught that small efforts can ever achieve big dreams? I am worried, but that is too big a worry for me to solve. My capacity calls me to now do that which has been given, so that one day, I can do bigger. I supposed, that is disciplined. I am not a superman, I shall not attempt to be.

It takes time and much effort to establish a 'Flywheel', a momentum. In the process, it's nothing but pure hardwork, perspiration and growth in the muscles. Try to skip this step, and you will never reach the desired momentum. Would you attempt to evaluate and examine the 'why', before you go ahead with the 'what'? Would you dare to take time off and challenge the motives behind your actions? I have reached an understanding, that the 'who' is more important than the 'what'. The wrong passengers must get off, so as to make space for the right ones.

Ahhh, note to self is awesome. Remind me to revisit this again, year end.

I don't know what I want, but I know it's not this

I'm eyeing this book. No, not what the title suggests. Rather, a book I chanced at Kinokuniya, Liang Court, where I received one of the worst customer service ever. (Someone please tag Kinokuniya if they're on fb) To side track a little and ensure that I do not click the send button to 'Kinokuniya Customer Service' or 'Straits Time Forum', here goes:

Me: "Hi, can you show me the book Strengthfinder 1.0 please? (I was holding onto Strengthfinder 2.0)"

Employee: "Buzz, I hv a customer at my table who needs help."
Employee 2: "Look for (Chinese name), she's free to help... I'm going for lunch already..." (while busily engaged in stacking books)

Me, after a disgusted wait: "Hi, it's fine... Thanks..."

POOR Service Quality. You who misrepresented Kinokuniya, gave a bad name... Ought to be fired after an appropriate apology.

And I guess, the lady who didn't want to serve because it's her due lunch hour, certainly also didn't see the need to render assistance to poor-me who had such great intentions to purchase yet another awesome book. If this job meant something to her, she would have probably given me a much better experience. Call me petty? My fellow buddy beside me was way indignant than I was, I thought he was gonna call the cops.

Are you just like this lady employee?
Are you feeling lacklustre at your job?
Are you looking at just two key hours of the day? Lunch, and knock off.

Maybe you're bordering thinly between dissatisfaction and discontentment.

Maybe you chose something that is beyond you such that you can't perform?

Maybe even, you no longer find challenge sufficient to get your potential going?

Perhaps it's time to revamp your daily job scope.

Perhaps it's time to seek professional help that knows your needs.

Perhaps, it is a worldwide epidemic.

I wonder, what is the antidote?

Live the dream, fly the flag?

I have been seeing this picture at the MRT Station for a couple of weeks with some random advertisements flashed on TV. Yup, in conjunction with YOG. For the uninformed, uninitiated and uninterested fellow citizens, it's not yoga due to a spelling error - it's the Youth Olympics Games and perhaps the theme of NDP 2010.

For a brief moment, it got me very excited because the word 'Dreams' stirs in my heart a picture of the possible future. It reminds me the various personal dreams written by thousands of students. Dreams both big and small, simple and extraordinary, and even the ones never heard of.

I am happy for this girl on the poster whose dream is to travel around the world. I wish I can help, just to see the smile on you when you reach your dreams.

This Normal Technical stream girl once shared that she wants to be a Paramedic. The scenes of tsunami hitting the lands and multiple quakes brought her to that conclusion. She excitedly came up to me and proudly showed both her academic and career charts. "Coach! I would like to get into nursing, then join SJAB. One day, I'll be a paramedic!" I smiled at her. 2 months later, with tears streaming down her cheeks and standing before the class, she said: "My mom told me I'm clumsy, plump and cannot become a paramedic..." I was at a loss for words. "Hey, if being a paramedic is what you want, then go for it."

She studied hard. Today, she's in nursing. :)

So far, so good.

"What is it about Singapore that has given you opportunities to live your dreams?" - log on to a specially designed website and log your comments!

Wow. No, not really.

Honestly, better late than never. For years, we laboured because we need to not so much as we want to. Short of remuneration and corporate climbing, up to 65% of the overcrowding population here are dissatisfied. *coughs*

Someone finally stepped up and convinced some other high ranking personnel that this is the way to go. I'm secretly hoping that this is not done just because YOG is held in Singapore this year - I can't imagine the amount of damage if that's the case. (Ask me abt it!! I don't subscribe to AK47's pedagogy - yuck)

A Dream holds us to the future.
It propels you.
It gives you a direction.
It pushes you into action.
It gives a reason to daily living.

What about you? Wherever you are, if it doesn't provide you with a platform to reach your dreams (any further), it's time to move.

Ah, lunch hour is over. Back to work..

Liars

‘They will have to find other sources of funds as… the whole (home ownership) scheme was designed to provide affordable, good quality homes for them, not to use that as a collateral or source of funds for other uses – whether for business or other things,’

The article above was taken from a reliable source amongst the two local publishers.

I guess I’m feeling unhappy because of the mere fact that dismisses the statements publicly announced. Not only are the rising prices a giant headache to many executives in the Market, the ridiculously demanded cash over valuation sets any fresh buyer back a good 4-5yrs of savings – assuming good prudence.

Young couples are widely encouraged to have ‘2 or more, if you can afford it’. The answer is obvious, no we can’t. Since the baby boom in 1950s that has resulted in today’s fine ageing population. Contrary to values and beliefs, extreme measures have been taken to the extend of legalised abortion, contraception and etc. Thereafter, the birth rate per woman (or man) fell to a low and has stayed low up till this day. Figures in 2008 tell us the same story.

It is a natural and designed process for a huge majority of the human race to go forth and ‘be fruitful’. Yet, it seems tougher than it really is. In less than what seemed like a short time of 5 yrs, SOL has done nothing but gone up, leaving fresh graduates to fight the upwards battle of monthly remuneration versus monthly expenses. Putting aside all lifestyle matters, residing in Singapore has never been seen to be less attractive than it is, today.

69% of the world resists change. It is no wonder we remain as mediocrats… Oh, I meant democrats.

Back to reality, enough ranting. Another day awaits. Brand new day, opportunities, possibilities.

Rock on!!

Stay not for nostalgia

Inertia

Laid back

Stagnant

Phase Shift

Yet another wedding dinner.

Nothing much caught my eye other than the fact that people change. After all, it is a wedding dinner. I cannot deny that I am severely in lack of quality sleep hours, but I don't think my observations are that poor.

If you have friends now, cherish them. Guard their hearts as best as you can, for when you can't and they do change, you might not know them anymore.