Facets, Facts and Fiction

Strengths, Weaknesses & Fatal Flaws

2014-04-15T10:19:00.000+08:00

There are a lot of talk and articles on a development and focus on strengths.

The strengths-based development approach focuses on developing strengths and mitigating weaknesses.

However, without clearly defining what we mean by strengths and weakness, it leaves many things ambiguous and may case some confusion.

Here is the dictionary definition of strengths and weakness:

(source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strength)

strength
: the quality or state of being physically strong
: the ability to resist being moved or broken by a force
: the quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way

Weakness
: the quality or state of being weak
: a quality or feature that prevents someone or something from being effective or useful
: something that you like so much that you are often unable to resist it

I've come across some articles that says we should focus on strengths rather than weaknesses unless there are some fatal flaws which needs to be addressed first. And some might adopt the George Constanza approach of fixing fatal flaws by simply doing the opposite.

But often times, trying to do the opposite of what you have always done is like trying to make a u-turn on the highway without first exiting and re-entering on the other side - you find everything else coming against you. And that's assuming that you can in fact make that u-turn!

In the Strengths-Based approach, Strengths is defined as the ability to have consistent near-perfect performance at a particular task. This is achieved by developing our talents - our natural recurring way of thinking, feeling or behaving - and applying it to the task at hand.

When we understand what our talents are, what these talents contribute and need, we are then able to better identify the path-of-least-resistance in meeting our goals and objectives. The first step is then to identify what our natural strengths are. One way is to take the Clifton StrengthsFinder Assessment which will give you your top 5 Talent Themes, the other is reflect on what you are passionate about, pick up easily, do well naturally, and get lost in when engaged in that activity.

Once we identify how we are naturally wired, we can then decide the best way to mitigate any weakness - strategic partnerships, systems & processes, and leveraging on your other strengths.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” ― Carl R. Rogers

Updates

2014-02-05T15:31:00.000+08:00

It seems that I'm updating this blog about once a year previously, and now even longer. I really haven't had much motivation to blog constantly with so many things to do. But reading the previous posts I think this makes a good way to track back on the past. :)

So.... What has transpired since my Jan 2011 post?? (That was 3 years ago!!)

Career

Well, for one, I have changed roles in Aug 2011, and I am now in a different industry! One would think that a jump from Public Sector to Hospitality to Facilities Management would seem rather haphazard. I guess looking at the profile it does seem that way, but the job switch was due to my experience in Hospitality, and the company (or account actually) wanted to look at improving their soft-services. Honestly, I believed that God created this role specially for me so that I could make the switch and also get back to serving Him.

The role gave me lots of time flexibility, and stretched me in terms of being able to handing people more senior and experienced than myself. A regional role does look better on my resume. I had exploited my talents in terms of coming up with ideas for doing things (how does an excel sheet programmed with VB interfaced with a barcode scanner to track out-going mails sound?), standardising a regional operating document, and coming up with ways to analyse data to leverage on the pareto principle.

Church and Ministry

Since returning to church in 2011, there had been several changes. The cell group that I returned with Daniel as the cell leader then merged with the cluster, and I then changed cluster in Apr 2013 and eventually took up leading a wonderful group of youths in Aug 2013 after we multiplied. I named the cell group "Living Stones" based on a vision that God gave me from 1 Peter 2:4-10.

It is really difficult to put all my feelings and emotions towards the cell group into words, but here's an attempt to do so.

It started with fear and a wonder if I would be able to lead the cell. I've seen these people when they first joined us from YouthNet, and these were brilliant people! At some level, I felt quite inadequate to lead them. But I know God doesn't always call the qualified, but He always qualifies those He called!

It took some time to know the people, and I guess being about 10 years older does put some generational gap between us. And I needed to learn about what the concerns were for this generation. I'm still learning, but I'm confident that God has a wonderful plan for the cell group, and will lead it from glory to glory.

We have already seen several salvations, and also God moving powerfully in the families. I believe He will strength the lives of the members and cause them to ARISE and SHINE (The motto for our church this year).

Ministry wise, I had joined Gkidz when I was still in Daniel's cell group, after about 3 years, I've decided it is the season to step down and focus on my cell group. I don't say this from a position of pride, or self-glorification, but I just feel it needs to be done so that I am more available to them. I love my Gkidz team, and there is a team-bonding that is both rare and very precious. I do hope that relationships do not fade over time. And I also hope that I have the opportunity to see some of the children that I am closer to grow-up even though I'm no longer in the Ministry.

StrengthsFinder 2.0

In my Oct 2010 post, I wrote that I took the StrengthsFinder 2.0 Assessment.

In 2012, our church cluster started looking at using StrengthsFinder as a developmental tool for our people. We bought a huge amount of books when Borders closed down, and had our leaders and interns take the assessment. At that point of time, our understanding of the tool and ability to leverage on it was still rather raw. But it had potential in helping each person maximise their God-given talents in the areas of service.

In 2013, Gallup started their first ever accelerated coaching course in Asia, and it is conducted here in Singapore! After consulting some friends and trainers, I decided to go for the course to be certified. I've found that there is so much that the tool offers in terms of understanding a person and also developing a person based on their strengths. It gives the freedom to be who you are (which includes an acceptance of who you are not), and to develop yourself based on that understanding and self-awareness.

After taking the course, I'd been coaching a number of people as part of the course requirements. In order to do it justice, I made sure that I had at least 3 sessions of 1 hour each with each person! With a total of more than 8 people on my list, I clock easily over 24hrs of coaching just to build on my coaching skills using this tool. I've completed coaching of 4 people thus far, and require 6 in total for completing my certification. It's been an interesting and insightful journey so far!

To build on my coaching skills, I'm working on starting a peer-coaching relationship with some friends who have taken the course as well, and also signed up for a monthly coaching session with a coach (that's all I can afford at this point).

Rather than create another blog on StrengthsFinder, I've decided to just blog them here and label the posts accordingly. Look out for them!

Small steps to being a trainer

2011-01-27T08:18:00.001+08:00

I had always had some interest in doing some training. Once upon a time, I was dreaming of doing stand-up training in a classroom or auditorium doing some training or motivational talk where everyone paid hundreds to listen. heh heh.

Anyway, reality isn’t so accommodating. The closest I had to training experience was training BMT recruits during army days, and training colleagues on how to use SharePoint (our company intranet) properly and how to write proper SOPs.

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to work with our Housekeeping department on role plays to improve service Training. And I’m glad to become one of the certified course leaders for the “Achieving Superior Service” program by Ron Kaufman.

And because the training would be aligned with the WSQ, I’m currently undergoing the “Advanced Certificate In Training and Assessment” at the Institute for Adult Learning.

Small steps…. and I’m quite glad for these opportunities. It’s going to be time consuming, stressful even perhaps…. but at least… its a small step in the right direction.

(Yes, I’m still thinking of doing full time trading if I can! But being well paid to talk is enticing too!)

Updates

2010-10-27T16:32:00.002+08:00

Currently on 4 day medical leave (Mon-Thu), so finally managed to settle down alittle and decided to write some updates. And I realised the most amazing thing... my last update was EXACTLY one year ago!

Chow - So now you know how long it takes in between updates.

I re-read my update one year ago and realised, with great regret, that I hadn't really made much progress. No CFA, no GMAT, no progress on the front of my studies what-so-ever. Heck... I think I'm even moving backwards right now.

Looking back one year, I'm wondering what I've learnt in my current job. I've since changed teams, but largely, the work still seems less than fulfilling. Let me do a review of what I had been doing for the past 1+ year:
a) Developing templates for SOPs, Guidelines and Manuals
b) Developing Corporate Intranet (running on SharePoint) for the purpose of information sharing
c) Managing content and information flow on the Corporate Intranet
d) Managing user access for the Corporate Intranet (Sounding like an IT or HR job yet)
e) Developing the Guest Feedback Management System on the Corporate Intranet.
f) Assist with development and conversion of SOPs (Couldn't do much content development because I'm not a subject matter expert)
g) Training Employees on the usage of the Corporate Intranet (information management)
h) Training Employees on corporate writing standards for SOPs, Guidelines, and Policies
i) Handle Guest Complaints (while I was with my previous team)
j) Work with 3rd Party (Overseas) Vendors to develop and implement Surveys
k) Develop report templates, generate reports, update reports... did I mention reports?
l) Work with (the same) 3rd Party vendor to develop the new Guest Feedback Management system.
m) Ad-hoc projects, ad-hoc reports, ad-hoc projects.....
n) Assist other departments with process improvements

Things above were written in pretty much chronological order.... many things like training are on-going, and others like working with vendors are long-drawn and still in progress.

Seems like a large portion of my life over the past year was focused very much on my work. And honestly, I've thought that doing process management (now in my new team) would be pretty interesting. There were (supposed to be) things like taking measurements, analysis, implementing new measures, and measuring outcomes. Sounds very exciting, and very much what a consultant would be doing. Alas... expectations are often raised too high with new bosses (or perhaps its a culture in my company), and things were not to be. Projects were to be done immediately within a few days, if not within the same day, analysis and recommendations were immediate (wow, I think we are even better than some well known consultants... immediate results!), and never to be mentioned again.

Yes, some improvements were seen in terms of job scope, but initial excitement does not persist very long if promises are constantly not being met.

What, I often ask myself, do I really want in the job?
The "Strengths Finder" assessment I took gave me the following results (by the way, I do recommend that book, it comes with an online assessment with an interesting report):
- Empathy
- Individualization
- Developer
- Strategic
- Learner

Though not a personality test (but I think there's some element of it included), it sheds some light on things that are aligned with the job that I want - a job that deals with people (perhaps kids or youths preferrably), one where I can develop people (I suppose that's why I don't really mind the training part of my job), one that allows me to strategize (that's why the role of process improvement appealed to me), and one that allows me to learn.

The above speaks nothing of salary though, and I realised that. I'm sure that compensation is big part of any job, but I still hold the (perhaps idealistic) notion that a job has to be more than just its remuneration.

I was intending give the job a try for one year..... In Aug this year, I planned to give it another 6 months (i.e. Feb 2011) given the change in structure and having a new boss, with the promise of more strategic work in the process management side of things.

Feb 2011 is in another 3 months.... I see myself flipping the Saturday Papers soon....

Enough with work.... there are some other good things as I look back the past year.

I've finally taken up Salsa Classes. It was really fun while it lasted. At later stages, the moves got too complex, and I couldn't invest the time to practice... so I've stopped salsa for now. Not sure if or when I will pick it up again.... but I'm sure that when I do.... I'll be pretty rusty.... haha!

I've finally been exercising more..... and yes... proud to say, I've lost some weight from my peak-weight days..... (and abit more now after 1 full week of diarrhea!)

I've finally started going back to Church and Cell Group. This time more seriously. God has been doing some amazing things. One of my best friends has been saved, my brother's GF just got baptized last Friday (that's within 2 months of becoming saved). One of my Salsa friend is coming to Christ as well! Very exciting times!

I've gotten the opportunity to (try) help a young Sec 1 friend with his studies. I say try because he's very intelligent himself, and I was hardly a help after being out of touch for so long! I think that's why after 2 attempts, his dad wanted him to self-study instead. :P But it was a good opportunity to hang out and interact with the family. We play badminton and basketball after studying, and after that had a tea-drinking session. Yeah... his dad has Pu-er tea... and I brought my Long-jin the second time around.

I've also done my LASIK recently. Having perfect vision is really cool! Just that night vision still needs improving.... driving at night is tedious with all the glaring lights..... Glare, be gone!

And finally, I know I've been saying this forever, but I wanna start climbing again! I've found that the best time slot is Sunday after church service. For a period (actually 2 weekends) I'd been helping my young friend with his studies, but since it has stopped..... I think I'll start that routine again.... climbing anyone? Sunday afternoons!

I think I've written a whole lot.... so till the next update!

Updates

2009-10-27T22:55:00.002+08:00

It has been a long time since I updated my blog. So what has transpired so far?
In a nutshell:

a) New Job
I've been in my new job for about 2+ months now. Still adapting somewhat, but things are stablising and I'm looking into how I can start doing other stuff. I hadn't been trading since the new job, so its about time to start picking it up again. Skills do get rusty without use. At the same time, I'm also considering taking up a Masters program, or to make another attempt at CFA Level 1. Haven't quite decided what to do yet, but it has to be soon. Because if I decide to take a Masters, I will need to sit for my GMAT. Argh! Exams again after having worked for so long.

b) New Computer
My old computer died on me, so I decided to use the opportunity to get a new computer. Kenneth was generous enough to supply me with an AMD chip, and help me put the PC together. The entire process itself was quite fun. Despite being computer engineering trained, that was the first time I had put a computer together from scratch.

I also bought Vista Home Edition with the option to upgrade to Windows 7. What can I say? I needed an OS for the computer. I've since order the upgrade, and its supposed to be shipped to me on 30 Oct 09. Hope it comes soon.

c) New Phone
I've gotten myself an iPhone! Yup, I've gone over to the white side! Hahaha. I must say the iPhone is an amazing phone! The applications are brilliant, and I'm checking my mails rather regularly on my phone too. Not sure if the novelty will wear off (it almost certainly will), but even when it does, I'm sure its still a brilliant phone with lots of features and functions.

That's all for the short update! Hopefully, the next update will be, I've become a millionaire through trading. :P

Testing iPhone app

2009-10-23T07:30:00.001+08:00

Testing iPhone app. Expect more posts if it works!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Work-Life Balance

2009-05-16T17:09:00.002+08:00

There's always been alot of talk in about work-life balance. And in some organisations, it is even one of the coporate values. As one of my direct would (joking) put it "There is a reason why its called Work-Life balance and not Life-Work Balance - Work comes first."

But I doubt that dispite all these talk about balance, few people ever find it.

I'm reading a book called "Success Built to Last", and there's an interesting segment that is food for thought. It describes how Kieth Ferrazzi said "Balance is Bullshit!" and goes on to say

"...If you're feeling a twinge of guilt about balance, there is a probability
that you don't want more balance, exactly, but need more of something that you
can't admit you want. The balance that you're seeking is a meaningful
portfolio, not a balanced one.... Your fixation on balance may actually mean you
need your work 80%, or kids 80%, or fishing 80%, but rarely in "comfortable"
proportions." - Success Built to Last, pg 44.

If we think about it, most people who make a career out of what's truly meaningful for them seldom clamber for balance, even if most of their time is devoted to their carrer. That's because there is meaning in it for them. So for the rest of us who are yearning for "balance"..... what is it that we really want? Is it really balance? So to fullfill some portion of meaning in our lives?

New Target - Clock Reset.

2009-05-03T13:25:00.001+08:00

Now that my bond has been completed in Dec 08. A new target is needed..... and the clock has been set to its new D-Day.

Greetings from Meleka

2009-03-29T19:09:00.003+08:00

I'm at my relative's place right now and decided to blog while my parents are busy conversing with my aunt and uncle. I mean, afterall, they meet about once a year, and its for Qing Ming, not Chinese new year!

On an early saturday morning, we woke up slightly before 6am and prepared to make our way out of Singapore via the second-link. Driving an off-peak car, we had to make sure we made it out of Singapore before 7am! Thankfully, traffic along PIE towards Tuas checkpoint was rather smooth flowing on an early saturday morning.

A few hiccups occurred along the way, like dad being a backseat driver, being embaressingly stuck at the tow station because our "touch-n-go" card was out of cash, and we couldn't top it up on the spot. Fortunately, things got better after we arrived at meleka, and my mum had the opportunity to do some shopping. The wonders of retail therapy.

After some retail therapy, we headed to our relative's place (my dad's 2nd Sis) to settle in. We had dinner together, and after that just headed back for a good night's rest.

The next day, i.e. today. We made our way to the grave's to clear the weeds and all. And also had the opportunity to meet up with some other relatives. Guess what most of them said when they say me..... No prizes.... They said I got fatter!

Haiz.... anyway, after visiting relatives, my parents went for 2nd round of retail therapy, this time at a cheap convenience store. I got really bored, so I decided to walk around to see what I could find. Voila! I spotted a beautiful Walls ice-cream sign, and with the horrid heat, that was most appealing! So I went to get myself an ice-cream, only to spend my next 30-60mins chatting with the store owner while waiting for my parents to be done with their shopping.

After that, it was back to the house to recharge, before heading out to my "Da Gu Ma"'s bakuteh store. I must say, I never realised it in the past since I never really took note of bakutehs. But my aunt's bakuteh is really amongst the best! Sweet and well flavoured soup, tender well-marinated lean meat, and chunks of fatty meat, pork liver - cooked till its tangy and well-textured without being bloody or hard. MMMmmm Mmmmmm.... The store is located near those popular red building tourist spot at Meleka.... Hmm... can't remember the name of the road though. Haha, its the same store where I ran into Chiu Zhang once.

After that, its off to TESCO for 3rd round of retail therapy for my mum (I think my dad was getting bored too) before I'm finally back.

Time to zzzzz........

Tony Robbins: Why we do what we do, and how we can do it better

2009-02-21T13:10:00.000+08:00

Memories

2009-02-14T09:29:00.002+08:00

I had a friend who was asking me about fraser hill because she wanted to head up for a vacation. Now, I'm not really one to maintain a travel log... so I simply went to rockie's blog to pull up the details. The objective was to help her plan her route up, after everything though, she decided that she would drive up with her friends. haha.

But the point of this post is, reading those entries on rockie's blog brought back many memories. Looking back on our adventures - finding the way up, trying to trek up to a peak and realising that we didn't have much daylight left to complete it, walking around the area where he goes "this is where I used to stay" "We ate here" "Oh the swing is this here!", unexpected fireworks...etc.

Sometimes, no matter how bad life seems to be, there's always good friends, and good memories. I'm learning to be grateful and content with my lot in life. :)

Its a Brand New Year!

2009-01-04T16:39:00.003+08:00

Its another year, and usually I would have taken time off, reflect and set new goals for the year. This year... I'm behind schedule in doing both - Reflecting and Setting of Goals.

Nonetheless, I'll pen down some thoughts, or whatever thoughts had crossed my mind.

Let me first start by writing about my career. Many years back, while I was still 18, I put my signature on a dotted line. That dotted line, in same ways set the general direction of the start of my career. For the past 3.5yrs, I'd been working in the public sector. Initially, it was tough, but I had good friends who constantly gave me advice. Some advice like "if you don't feel like crying the first few months of your first job, you probably aren't learning enough." got me through the initial stages, and sight of the bond kept me focused on just hanging on and doing my work well. The bond has now ended, and ironically, I'm alittle lost at this "new found freedom". The economy isn't doing well, and many people tell me that I'm at the best place to be right now. Well, grass does appear to be greener on the other side I guess. But one thing that I do know, is that I'll need to move on.... soon. I don't see myself staying in the public sector for a lifetime. Perhaps I'll come back to it, but its time to look at what else is available out there. Perhaps things will be better, perhaps it will be worse. If its better, then good! If its worse, then I guess the comfort is that I would have learnt to appreciate my previous job. That being said, I still need a good job.... and I need to get my lazy butt off the chair and do something about it.

I look back at my 3.5 years of work and wonder.... had I grown any wiser? Fact of the matter is, perhaps not. Perhaps I had learnt some ways of doing things, perhaps I had learnt of some new skill..... new experiences perhaps.... but wiser? That's a whole other ballgame.

Which leads me back to my faith. The bible says the "Wisdom begans with the fear of the Lord". Perhaps I had become dummified because in many ways, I had backslided.... if backslided can even be considered a valid term. Some Christains says say that one can never really backslide. I began my faith in JC with lots of passion... lots of fire. It lasted till about the final year of Uni, and maintain lukewarm for awhile. The bible, Revelations 3:15-16, says "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." I couldn't find it in me to be hot.... so I chose the easy way out..... let me become cold. And I did grow colder. But I wonder.... when would it be cold enough? As I grew colder, some other friends got to know God. Somethings that they speak of is so strangely familar yet foreign at the same time. Like something from a long past.... and something that still warms the heart somewhat. Some friends tell me that God's calling me back..... I wish I could hear it for myself.... God... Tell that to me straight.... I'll be back...

Despite my (lack of) faith this period, God has still blessed me with good friends. It'll take quite awhile to write something about everyone one. To all my friends, especially those taking time to read this, thank you very much for your friendship over all these years. Many of you had patiently tolerated my moods, given listening ears and good advice, and brought much joy in my life.

Ok, I'm taking way too long to write this.... haha.... think I'll continue another time. :) Happy New Year everyone!

Forex Classes Anyone?

2008-12-08T12:17:00.003+08:00

Somehow, after I did the Elliott Wave class, I'd been toying with the idea of doing more.

Somedays back, my brother paid a eBay Powerseller to help him with something. Apparently, the person has conducted classes (for eBay and seach engine optimisation I think), and said that he has some students who were probably interested in FX. Then he followed by asking if I conduct classes.... phew.... sounds like another opportunity eh? Mebbe I should charge this time.... $10-$20 bucks a pax doesn't sound too expensive right? Provided there's free venue... haha...

Ah... dreams....

Another Milestone

2008-12-08T12:14:00.002+08:00

Can't quite say its a milestone achieved, but I've finally taken the Level 1 paper yesterday. How was it, you ask? Well, the first paper was like reading Jap, and the second paper was like reading Greek! It will take nothing short of a miracle for me to pass! Next natural step is to ask.... shall I take the upcoming June one? Will have finally be able to find time (and motivation) to study?

So many questions... so few answers...

Another Year Older

2008-11-16T12:02:00.003+08:00

I hadn't posted an entry for sometime, and as I pass another birthday I somehow feel prompted to note some of my thoughts down. Actually, the term "older but not wiser" seem to echo within my head.

Generally, as I look back, I realised that I really hadn't become a better person over the past year. Conversely, perhaps I had become a worse person. Somehow, it appears to myself that I had become less cool-headed, less patient, and less wiling to commit. I had set myself many goals this year, but few had been met. But goals aren't really the issue, what bothers me more is the type of personality I had slowly evolved towards over the past year.

A friend of mine said that God's waiting to speak to me. I'd been slowly backsliding for a couple of years now. It was somewhat intentional, because I wanted to know... perhaps be reminded of what it was like in the past. But that was a silly notion, because once a person has had a relationship with God, you can never really go back to the past. What wasn't silly was that, I think it makes certain things clearer to myself - a some level, I do need God... or as some people see it, I need a belief in God. As I picked up the bible to read again.... I realised how many of the simple concepts I had forgoten, like forgiveness, like turning the other cheek, like praying. I shall not rant too much, but suffice to say, when I feel as if I'm fending for myself without God behind me.... I think many negative personalities emerge.... or perhaps... its just become I'm somewhat more insecure without Him.

But the past year is not all gloom. I think at some level, I've grown to appreciate my friends more. Old friends, colleagues...etc.

Its time I look at things that I am grateful for:
- My mum's operation this year went well.
- I've got good parents.
- I've got really good friends - Council, Adsports, my other buddies.
- I've still got a job while people are getting laid off.
- I haven't bankrupted myself with trading (hoping I make profits soon!)
- I've had the opportunity to conduct a trading workshop (although it was for free, the experience was good).
- I've good colleagues turned friends

I'm sure there's more... but those are the top-of-the-head items I could think of..... I should practice giving thanks more....

That's all for today's rants...

Google Desktop is Cool!

2008-10-19T21:05:00.003+08:00

Yup... if you hadn't tried Google Desktop, you should!

It adds a nice sidebar with some cool widgets that looks somewhat like a Window's Vista interface. You can display the clock there, with some nice other functions... but those aren't the key highlights!

The more useful feature is how Google Desktop indexes your entire computer so that you can do a google search on it! It can even index your outlook and gmail emails! So if you dislike the search feature on outlook... now you have it! Search for documents, emails, schedules etc... all with your google desktop. Try it!

Will Ferrell Meets His Landlord

2008-09-28T12:03:00.000+08:00

Quite Hilarious.... :)

See more Will Ferrell videos at Funny or Die

Inbalanced Ears

2008-09-26T08:22:00.003+08:00

Been having inbalanced ears for the past few days. Basically, it feels like being unable to equalise my left ear, and I can feel the pressure building inside. And that led to several symptoms.

a) My left ear resonates and amplifies sounds of certain frequency. I was almost certain that a certain car/bus screech stop almost turned me deaf.

b) Giddyness and Nausea. Sometimes, I get up from my chair and feel dizzy.... sometimes also feel like puking.....

c) and all that leads to, is a severe headache.... probably because of the giddyness.

When to see Doc yesterday, and he said that prob some tubing from the throat to the ear to blocked/congested leading to the equalising problem. Then everything else follows.

Bummer....

Car Boot Sale

2008-09-07T21:30:00.003+08:00

Just came across this in the papers recently : http://www.sgcarbootsale.com/

Basically, its a periodic flea market off the boots of the cars parked at east coast. Costs about $50 bucks for 2 days where you can sell whatever you want. Even comes with some coupons for a discounted lunch and stuff.

Perhaps one day, I shall pack all the ridiculous stuff I have at home and sell them there....

Off for a Trip

2008-08-28T05:37:00.002+08:00

Finally, a well-deserved trip! I'll be heading over to Thailand/Krabi to visit a friend with another friend, and I'm really looking forward to it. And also the nice clear waters, the beautiful walls to climb, the beach, the kayaking, the massage, the.... well... everything I guess. hahaha

Read that there were some protests in thailand/bankok this period. So hopefully everything is alright when we go over, in anycase, I don't think they want to negatively impact their tourism industry.

Well... That's it for now. Been really tired of late. I think I really need these holidays...

Walking on (Constarch) Water

2008-08-25T16:56:00.003+08:00

Want to walk on water? Here's how. Hahaha! I've actually tried punching constarch solution before.... and its pretty solid!

Quote of the day

2008-08-02T23:04:00.001+08:00

"There are no hopeless situations; There are only people who have grown
hopeless about them."
-Clare Boothe Luce

Random Thoughts

2008-07-26T18:55:00.002+08:00

Its been awhile since I wrote anything on this blog. Much of my time had been spent doing my work, trading, and (trying) to catch up on my reading.

I know that at some point of time, I had some ingenius thoughts and metaphors, but along the way... all things had been drowned out by the constant stream of work.

A couple of colleagues have resigned again, and most of those who came in with me have all gone. Frankly, it does demoralise me somewhat. Its strange isn't it? What has other peoples' resignation got to do with my level of motivation? Well, for one, they are free to leave while I'm still bonding. Secondly, most of them have moved on to better places. That often makes me wonder if I'm somehow lagging behind. And saying that.... somehow, I'd admitted that I'm engaged in this never ending rat race.

I was telling a close friend of mine that another scholar friend had completed his bond and have moved on to the private sector. He's doing something totally different from his previous job, and from his education, yet his starting salary is a good 30%-40% increment (I estimate). Needless to say, I'm wondering about my own personal growth and earning potential.... Well, my friend was telling me that it was unhealthy to be comparing wages like that, and especially so if I was feeling upset about it.

Frankly, I'm more than happy for my friend (who gave me a really nice treat for that increment... hahaha!). I'm just wondering what I have ahead of myself when my bond ends. Will I stay on in this organisation like some of my colleagues suggest I will, or will I leave to see the rest of the world. To this, I have no answer.

I'm really frustrated by my own lack of direction... but actually, I'm not totally directionless. I'd been having this idea of becoming a trader.... trading on my own had been a rather fulfilling and interesting experience so perhaps doing it professionally would be the best of both worlds.

For now, strangely, I think I am where I should be. Do you believe in fate/destiny? Do you know what de javu is? All I can say is... many of the things that had been happening, I had dreamt of it before, perhaps 1-2 years ago. As things happen, I get this de javu feeling.... and that's why I think somehow, I am right now where I'm meant to be. Strange isn't it? I think so too....

Well, random thoughts aren't meant to be structured.... and these are my random thoughts for the day.

Christian the Lion

2008-07-23T07:29:00.001+08:00

I love this story....

Quote of the day

2008-06-07T09:18:00.002+08:00

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race .
- Calvin Coolidge quotes (American 30th President of the United States,
1872-1933)