Denis Waitley’s Top 5 Tips For Success

Read biographies of successful people.

Live in your imagination.

It doesn’t matter what has happened to you – it’s how you take it and what you make of it.

Having belief in your potential is more important than waiting for your performance.

Whatever you want to be, be in it doing it – if you really want to succeed, bin the excuses.

Seeding Greatness

Quality of life is not money – quality of life is where you are, what kind of environment you’re in, who you’re with, and what you’re giving back after you’ve gained all this significance in life >> Motivation Guru; Denis Waitley.

What Can We Do To Build & Gain Trust?

Live up to your word and stay consistent >> people remember what you say and notice if you follow through with your promise, even in the small things. Great leaders build credibility in both the minor and the major.

Create real connection >> people appreciate genuine relationships. Great leaders are able to build great relationships.

Trust yourself >> people struggle to trust leaders who lack clarity and confidence in themselves. Great leaders listen and trust in themselves whole-heartedly.

Stephen M.R. Covey >> trust is equal parts character and competence…you can look at any leadership failure, and it’s always a failure of one or the other.

Qualifications VS Personality

A leadership skill is rank as the most important skill.
Technical skills come in second, followed by multitasking, communication and interpersonal skills.
A leadership skill is the ability to make decisions and solve problems.
Employees who harness these skills are valuable to any company as they are keen to take on responsibility and follow a judicious course of action, taking full accountability for the results of their decisions.

Have Tig At Your Party

Dome, Subang Parade >> CNY lunch catch up with James yesterday who just came back from China. Currently James is based in Hunan province, James is really moving out from the comfort zone…a chap that doesn’t even speak a work of mandarin is actually working in China…I am sure James will manage everything well and I can see on his face that he is itching for change, growth and independence, which no doubt, this Chinese company will be able to provide. I’m so excited for him. And I really like James’s idea of the Training Board – whereby we train buyers on internal processes, market trends and up-skilling. I really felt that The Japanese is really lacking in this area…that is why…I feel there is no quality around…I also feel no quality now…so, I sendiri have to be more aware and upgrade myself…update on my mindset, attitude & behavior, learn new skills and networking.

8 Blessings In Jesus

God will grant us the desires of our heart (PS 37:4)

In all things God works together for the good of those who love him (Rom 8:28)

The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ (Phil 4:7)

God knows the plans for us to prosper us and give us a future and a hope (Jer 29:11)

God has raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:6)

The house of the righteous is filled with treasure (Prov 15:6)

God has made us the bread and not the tail (Deut 28:13)

God brings His people out with rejoicing and His chosen ones shout with joy (PS 105:43)

10 Things That Require Zero Talent

Being on time
Work ethic
Effort
Body language
Energy
Attitude
Passion
Being coachable
Doing extra
Being prepared

3 Ways Volunteering Develops Leadership

You learn a lot. Quickly >> new skills are picked up along the way.

You build confidence – and passion >> it was simultaneously juggling all other associated skills which is a great way to push beyond your perceived limitations.

You build a network and solid connections >> networking and building relationships is a key leadership trait and if you prefer back-seat roles, having a few key connections and relationships can nevertheless be enormously beneficial.

Leadership In Volunteering

Honing Leadership Qualities By Doing Good

Multiplier effect of help >> there’s something about giving in a direct way that not only facilitates a connection between ourselves and the other: those we help also help us in turn by offering a way for us to reconnect with ourselves, to remind us of our core values, of what’s important to us, and to have a deep sense of gratitude for blessings we so often fail to count.

Help yourself grow too >> volunteering is perhaps most valuable in terms of allowing those who volunteer to develop wide-ranging skills, build confidence and learn to thrive outside their comfort zones. In a nutshell, those who volunteer inadvertently develop leadership qualities within themselves, and the more benevolent and resourceful leaders a country has, the better its chances to thrive for generations to come.

First steps need not be big steps >> when one person is helped, he or she in turn may be able to help five more, and those five more might each help 10 more, and on it goes – all because we decided to give something back and help others to unlock their own potential so that they might help others in turn.

Daniel Pink

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give – Winston Churchill.

Seri Cenderawasih

Never underestimate the importance and power of personal connection. Things can always work in your favor if someone likes you for your sincerity and affability. Whether it is in business negotiation or otherwise, there is a basic human connection.

LOOB VS La Kaffa

Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is part of the journey that makes one successful. Sometimes it’s okay to allow yourself to fall behind and reflect on what that experience has taught you. Then, get ready to move on, up & fast and drive yourself towards that goal of success.

Tax Planning

Intellectual Humility >> the willingness to constantly learn & evolve is key to fit in. The most important, however, would be one’s ability to deal with failure and constantly take constructive feedback – to turn a No into a Yes. This is because evolution and innovation come out of constantly trying, failing and trying again to get it right in order to succeed.

Make This The Year You Choose To Live

We seem to have forgotten that life is a journey to be experienced.

Life is one big road trip, fraught with adventure and uncertainty. It’s an experience to be lived, and sometimes it even sucks.

A wise sage once said – everyone dies, but not everyone lives.

So many of us are so busy in the pursuit of our goals and KPIs, that in the quest for what we imagine to be happiness, we misconstrue what constitutes true joy.

Just live. Savor each moment. Experience deep, pure joy & that you may be rich in laughter, health & love.

Fiery Trials

Fire can be one of the worst enemies of trees. But it can also be helpful. Experts say that small, frequent fires called cool fires clean the forest floor of dead leaves and branches but don’t destroy the trees. They leave behind ashes, which are perfect for seeds to grow in. Surprisingly, low-intensity fires are necessary for healthy growth of trees.

Similarly, trials – pictured as fire in the Bible – are necessary for our spiritual health and growth. James wrote – consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

It is in the season of trial that God’s purpose are often realized, for these conditions are right for us to grow into spiritual maturity. This growth not only equips us for living, but it also enables us to more accurately reflect Jesus to a world that desperately needs Him.

In the hands of our Father, our trials can achieve His purposes for our good and for His honor.

Father, teach me to trust You for the strength to endure difficulties and the faith to wait for your good purposes to be accomplished in me.

Faith is seeing God in the dark and in the light.

Bad Faith, Good Faith

Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthen in his faith and gave glory to God.

You gotta have faith, people say. But what does that mean? Is any faith good faith?
Believe in yourself and all that you are, wrote one positive thinker a century ago. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacles. As nice as that may sound, it falls to pieces when it crashes into reality. We need a faith in something bigger than ourselves.

God promised Abram he would have a multitude of descendants, so he faced a huge obstacle – he was old and childless. When he and Sarah got tired of waiting for God to make good on His promise, they tried to overcome that obstacle on their own. As a result, they fractured their family and created a lot of unnecessary dissension.

Nothing Abraham did in his own strength worked. But ultimately he became known as a man of tremendous faith. Paul wrote of him – against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, so shall your offspring be.

Abraham’s faith was in something far bigger than himself – the one and only God. It’s the object of our faith that makes all the difference.

Lord, I want a strong faith in You, not just faith in myself or my abilities or in others. I am nothing without You.

Our faith is good if it’s in the right Person.

HOLD ON

I want to count my blessings today…THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!

I have no resources of my own. I depend fully on Christ to keep me moving forward. He will take me through the greatest challenges and lead me safely home.

I am grateful, Lord, that while I aim to keep a strong grip on You, You always keep a strong grip on me! You are working in me and giving me what I need to continue trusting You on my faith journey.

Keeping the faith means trusting God to faithfully keep you.

You know…this month of January…there were so many problems that I encounter…problems that I have no control off and problems that are so huge that I cannot manage them…I complained to God, I whine about it, I was unhappy with myself…I keep on saying about being better…but I was not…I keep on seeing myself getting worst, getting more idiot by the day, more stupid…that kind of stuff…but I didn’t realize until now…that every problem, there was a solution which God have provided for me.

One of the suppliers, they sign a contract where the fixed amount has been removed. But during the year end closing, the deduction still occur. It was a total of RM60K…I told Stewart about it…I thought that I will get another round of scolding from Stewart…then, mana tahu…rupa-rupanya, Stewart already knew about it and mention that it will be reimburse back to the supplier. This is because the supplier’s 2016 contract have been submitted late, it got rejected along the way, therefore the Finance Department recognizes the 2015 contract instead. So, once the rejection of the 2016 contract have been rectify, it should be ok already.

Then, the same supplier also has double deduction occur during Mrs. Simon’s time. I remember that Celtic pass a document to me…which I admit that I should have look into it asap in the first place, instead I just put them aside. So, using the documents…I re-submit again…Stewart approve it…now only pending for the big bosses to put pen to paper.

This one I am so grateful…truly am…the SC indicator needs to put into the contract computer system. Therefore, any Promotion Agreement that have been raise needs to be inserted with the SC indicator. And not the OF indicator (as in as On Top Income)…and I key in the wrong indicators…which again occur double deduction. I am so thankful that the money can be reimburse back…I am so thankful that Stewart approves it…and most importantly that God places this Kakak Siti in my life…teaching & guiding me on how to fill up the forms, re-checking in the system and raising the log case book.

This too I am truly grateful as well…Subang Jaya Store Re-vamping…changes upon changes…I think it’s finally settle for now…again, a really big Thank You to God for putting Smallie & Mei Wern into the picture as the both of them really help me out a lot…I was so indecisive, so blur…the both of them just came straight in and make things simpler for me…now, you get what I mean…I keep on saying about being better…but I was just not…I was blank half of the time…and this upsets me a lot…but I know…the key word here is progress, improvement, growth…keep on growing, be grateful, to give…

Max & Finn

#CNY2017
#ultraBLESSED
…celebrating with my favorite things, families, friends & fireworks…

Boyish Girl Interrupted

This is the Happy Bunch that I got for Stewart’s birthday on the 12th…I put it in the message card that it was from the Awesome Team Baz…but I actually foot for the bill…I want to give the experience to Stewart. Stewart mentions that I am the second person (after Stewart’s other half) who gave Stewart flowers and that was a very long time ago…these days, I find it nice to give people surprise experience…those small little things that people are unexpected of these days…

Understanding the other person’s perspective

To be a true success, we must possess masterful people skills. The key to successful relationship lies solely in our ability to take the perspective of another. Perspective-taking is that all-important skill of being able to look at things from someone’s point of view other than our own. Perspective-taking brings in the mindfulness of compassion and empathy to our relationships. When these 2 qualities are present in our interactions, mutual respect, success and movement forward are guaranteed.

Think of others >> whenever we are in the presence of another, it is natural to think about what they may be thinking…if we are not self-centered. We observe them instinctively and notice subtleties such as what they are doing, where are they looking and what their body language is indicating. This helps us determine if we feel comfortable around them which helps us decide if we want to interact with them and how. If we feel comfortable around another person, we begin to think more logically, like if now is a good time to talk to them, of if they seen unavailable or busy, we can decide which is the most effective way to proceed. All of this subtle information prompts us to speak up in the conversation or to decide to hold back for a more convenient time.

Have strong emotional regulation and empathy >> if our emphatic accuracy and emotional regulation skills are strong, we will be more successful in our interactions. We possess the depth and awareness to predict the attitudes, expectations and intentions of others that may be very different from our own. This creates an interpersonal connectedness which is built to thrive and succeed because people feel heard, validated and understood on the other side of us.

Correctly reading other people >> they help us to read people. We naturally track the behaviors of others to try and determine what they are thinking, feeling, doing or planning.

Interpreting words

Respecting differences

Get to know people >> what you know about where people come from and how they came to be the people they are is critical in determining what to say and do.

Analyze each person’s personality >> to some extent, we all become social chameleons, making slight shifts in our behavior to fit the people and personalities around us in an effort to best relate to them. This social adaptation does not make us fake as much as it makes us well-rounded. It allows us to use many parts of our personality to create positive and effective relationships. This kind of shifting is what makes us successful with other people and more whole & successful as individuals.

5 easy steps to deal with fire starters at the workplace

Fire starters who exist in the workplace are called Batu Api in Malay. These are individuals or groups of people who enjoy starting rumors or spreading misinformation with the intention of harming the reputation of individuals or the company. The end goal is usually to create chaos and unhappiness for their own gain. There could be several reasons why fire starters do what they do. Some do it out of rivalry and jealousy. Others do it to impair the reputation of others, to advance their own careers, to cover failures and to score points. In fact, the arsonist typically has an agenda and seeks to destroy or bring attention to himself / herself. The end result is a weakened team because people become suspicious of each other, resulting in a disarrayed and misaligned organization in achieving its goals. So how do we deal with workplace fire starters and the damage they cause…focus on 2 aspects: manage the fire starter (individual) and make the workplace fire resistant (environment).

Establish and live core values >> core values are a set of behavioral guidelines that are established and promoted to everyone in the workplace. Core values are a contract of sorts, binding everyone from management to employees to behave agreeably. When management walks the talk and demonstrates core values, trust will grow and transparency will prevail, making it difficult for anyone to spark any fire.

Build trust >> a solid sense of trust between management and employees themselves mitigates the credibility of rumors and misinformation.

Transparency >> a transparent workplace means that management is easily accessible to employees (open door policy) and they make an effort to keep employees fully informed of developments within the workplace.

Keep your eyes & ears open >> watch out for signs of dissatisfaction, either through changes in employees’ behavior or through signals picked up through casual conversation. Engaging potential issues early on gives you the opportunity to nip issues in the bud or tackle fires while they are still small.

Neutralize the fire starter >> fire starters are either those who enjoy creating troubles or those who are unhappy and are trying to seek attention to their situations. Identify the fire starters first, then try to engage and coach them to channel their energy to achieve greater and more meaningful goals for themselves and for the organization.

Do you have to deal with confrontation at work sometimes?

Do keep in mind that you need to make sure that you are in control of your emotions >> train yourself to recognize the signs of annoyance and take a deep breath, focus and tell yourself that this is simply a problem to solve.

Find a way to plan >> if a situation escalates suddenly, see if you can find a way to defer a discussion for a bit later in the day to give yourself time to plan. If this is not possible then you could try to buy yourself some thinking time by listening to the other side, summarizing their viewpoint and reflecting what they say. Ask open questions to give direction.

Think about your communication from an assertiveness perspective >> we know that once emotions take charge, an individual may just be reacting rather than thinking rationally and we need a way to diffuse this. One option is to use assertiveness techniques to draw attention to the behavior and how it makes you feel. For example, you might say – I can see that this has affected you greatly. When you raise your voice, I do find it hard to think and perhaps we can agree to discuss this rationally? Or perhaps – we need to find a way of resolving this, how about we think about it and come back together this afternoon to run through the issues together?

Show understanding and empathy >> acknowledge the emotion and issue. Perhaps you might say – I can see this is very important to you, let’s try and find a solution. The collaborative use if – lets – seeks to try and encourage a joint approach to resolution. Understand the perspective of the person who confronts you. Think about why they might be reacting to the situation so negatively. There might be a range of reasons from simple disagreement, to issues of status, surprise or reaction to change. Different people react differently to change. Understanding the driver behind the response will help give insights into resolving it.

See if you can find a win-win response >> something that works for both sides.

7 steps in leading big conversations

A big conversation is a conversation where the stakes are high, emotions run strong and opinions differ. Breakthroughs and transformations hinge on it. Leaders can play an active role to facilitate big conversations, both on individual and group settings. But here’s the tricky part. Leaders may become cautious to avoid honest, straight talks in order to prevent the conversations from turning unpleasant and the people involved getting defensive. The lack of courage to discuss the undiscussable often impeded the progress of most teams to reach where they have not been before. They get stuck in a never-ending cycle of mediocrity and false improvements. No breakthrough there. If you, as a leader don’t change the way you facilitate your team’s communication, you become an accomplice to the organization’s or individual’s defensive routines.

Common end goal >> set the tone. Let it be known that this conversation needs to happen as stakes are high. Focus on the common objective that everyone is striving for. Be very clear on the purpose, intentions and goals. Discuss the whats and more importantly, the whys.

Grant permission >> this is the basic ground rule. Create a safe forum that permits people to speak the truth, making it known that no one needs to be offensive or defensive about anything. Let it be okay for everyone to be their real self.

Take ownership >> make sure that everyone involved in the conversation has something personally at stake in the goal. Everyone has to take responsibility for what he or she says.

Don’t pretend >> let people say things as they really are. Don’t pretend things are fine when they aren’t. Don’t smoothen any rough edges as they are useful information to deal with the challenges.

Bigger picture >> this is an invitation for everyone to play a bigger game and see the greater cause, the bigger picture. Context matters. It’s not just about you or me.

Discuss the Hows >> don’t just state the whats and the whys but discuss the hows – specifically how the team thinks and interacts. Throw out some thought-provoking questions. Gather divergent views and perspectives to build a shared understanding and a new workable model to move forward.

Ready to act >> make sure people leave the conversation feeling ready to take action.

The 7 sins of office politics

Overreaching >> overreaching is simply this: you’re out of your depth, and you know it. What’s worse is that others know it, and they will hold you to your word. They know you don’t have the competence to achieve what you’ve stated. They know you don’t know what you’re talking about. The impulse to act as if we know something can be very powerful, but it is unwise to act upon unless we can finish what we’ve started. (that’s me right there…right now…I feel that everyone in the Division knew about my incompetencies…sigh).

Grandstanding >> the only person who can promote you is you! But illegitimate self-promotion is a dangerous action. We also call it bragging. People don’t like braggarts! And when an entire team is involved, the last thing people want to hear from you is – see what I did.

Stepping over >> do not, in any way, shape or form, step over your manager or director or VP. You may think you’re smart, you may think you have the solution, but don’t overstep them. This sin is career suicide. It generally happens because of a lack of patience to get things done, believing one’s superior is in the way. Think again and talk with them ahead of time if you have an idea.

Upstaging >> this is, by far, one of the most deadly behaviors you can perform. When you make them look bad, you have just put your job at risk.

Inaccuracy >> in my career, my greatest failure ever was providing inaccurate data to my superior. I made excuses for my failures, but it all came down to this: I cut corners, I rushed and avoided the necessary detailed work required to ensure the integrity of my data. Inaccuracy becomes evident very quickly, to all in the room and credibility dissipates like smoke. (sounds like me…I’m just so bad in memorizing the numbers…sigh).

Stepping on >> you’re in a meeting and you want to prove someone wrong or worse, to prove that you’re right…so you blatantly challenge them in front of their boss…or worse, their peers to make a point. People remember the embarrassment and shame moments when someone stepped on them. And one day, they may become your boss.

Overpromising >> when you cannot deliver what you’ve promised, you’ve increased your own stress and you’re likely to increase the success of your team to maintain your reputation. The impulse to act as if we can accomplish the impossible can be very powerful, but it is unwise to act upon unless we can finish what we’ve started.

Choo & Shoes

Regardless of where you are in life, always remember where you came from.

Just because you’re successful doesn’t mean you stop learning >> any success comes down to the fact to be always hungry for knowledge in order to understand more about the world. I never claim that I am successful because this gives me a reason to keep on learning and be a good student.

Love what you do – and pass your knowledge on.

Forget about success – focus on your passion. Success is a by-product.

And we love a good car karaoke

Putien, SS15 Courtyard, Subang >> dinner with Marcus, Paige & The MFT Director. Initially, Marcus have organized a G13 dinner gathering…then mana tahu…in the end, the dinner have to be cancel…so, I pula go and suggest that the 4 of us should have dinner together instead. I love big gatherings of colleagues and I’ve re-discovered how funny they are. Like really funny.

The MFT Director may be reporting to a new boss soon.

According to Paige…this Nigel really kek sei Ursula…it seems that Nigel is making mistakes repeatedly at the workplace but Ursula is always there to help to cover for Nigel.

FW have moved to the convenience store portfolio. According to Marcus…FW is a very capable leader…during meetings, Marcus can see that FW can explain and justify very well with facts & figures…always check with the team whether it is workable or not…unlike Maximoff; everything try first without brainstorming or thinking about the consequences if the plan didn’t goes as well as plan. Marcus also advise Jecca…if there is the opportunity to go into buying…better be park under FW.

Albert has also been promoted to a director level as well…same rank as Maximoff. I know some of Albert’s past & current subordinates have complained about Albert, who always screw the team…but according to Marcus & Paige…Albert is very hardworking, works hard, walks the floor always, very low profile…so because of this, the bosses took notice and gave Albert the opportunity. Albert’s House Brand department always have new development every month in every leaflet…so, it’s either Albert is really doing very well or the rest of the department have screwed up, thus allowing Albert’s department to shine.

Brian is gay…according to Marcus – this Nigel & Christy is so gatal…always take advantage of Brian…touching Brian’s chest and squeezing the biceps & triceps…hahaha…

According to Marcus…Miguel knows that this Emerson got kutuk Miguel but did not know that this Emerson got go and kutuk until so teruk.

Emerson is getting a divorce.

Marcus also mentions that Amelia is also a changed person…last time in G13 also not like that…after soaking up with The English people & it's culture, totally a changed person. Marcus also nearly gets into a dispute with Amelia.

Maximoff got warn Ursula…what happen was…some of the appliance item codes; Miguel have sort of like modify the shelf capacity…then this Ursula re-modify them back again without informing Miguel…and Ursula went and tell Maximoff about it…aiyo, no need to tell out one mah…just keep to yourself lah…but this Ursula tak tahan…Marcus only advise is this – let go…

The new FOM structure will see that Maximoff need to do some re-shuffling in the division…Maximoff have too many SCM…see how Maximoff is going to compact the team.

we live off 1.5 incomes

Am I obligated to?
Do I care?

These are the words uttered by Celtic…I know sometimes I am also a bit attitude towards Celtic, mengada-ada and tak layan Celtic…but this Celtic is really like…totally zero…no leadership capability at all…at times blabbing things in a nonsense kind-of-way…like want to seek out attention like that...I also don’t understand why last time I kind of idolized Celtic. Can say these words out loud in front of everyone somemore…what kind of leader is this…sorry to say…Celtic really turn me off these days…and this Stewart can layan Celtic somemore.

We just do little jobs

…I don’t know what is the wrong with me…after I came back to the office after a long December holidays…starting work in this month of January…has been such a drag…I have been LAZY, DE-MOTIVATED and worst still…PROCASTINATING…I have no answers on why I am behaving in such a way…I find pleasure in learning…and now I feel very stagnant because it’s like the learning process have ended, there is no stimulation at all and things began to get boring & stale…and last week have been such a long and tiring week for me…Subang Jaya store re-vamping…the cookware category; originally from the back wall was move to the front…then move it to the back side wall again…The Japanese only have this to say – we like your concept, but we didn’t approve it…adoi…

Then, also kena scolded from Stewart in front of everyone…because the supplier went back home already and Stewart have to re-arrange the merchandise by category…sigh…anyway…come to think of it…parking back the RM5.30…is like repeating the same mistake that they did previously…I think we should let the RM5.30 supplier to supply us on the small kitchen accessories and small food containers which I don’t carry…I can just focus on the bigger & more important categories...the back wall; occupy back by the cookware category…the back side wall by the kitchenware category that consists of colander, food cover, basin etc. Then, the RM5.30…due to small size should occupy the front row with the header board that shout out RM5.30…better isn’t it right?

The 9 things you should let go of to be successful this year

You can make 2017 your best year yet, but in order to do so, you'll need to let go of a few nasty habits.

1. Having a sense of entitlement.
Yes, you are a special snowflake with a unique combination of skills and vision, but that doesn't mean the world owes you anything, especially as an entrepreneur. If you want success, you need to make it happen. You want a new client or your company featured in a great publication, then you'd better start hustling to make it happen.

2. Trying to do everything alone.
That said, don't try to do everything alone. It's okay to ask for help and advice, and you can even hire someone to take some of the burden off your shoulders. You have a whole network of friends and fellow entrepreneurs who will be happy to help you, whether it's because you've helped them or because they just want to see you succeed. Entrepreneurship is hard enough — don't make it unnecessarily harder.

3. Trying to be perfect.
Everyone fails sometimes. A successful person is the one who keeps getting up until eventually, life stops knocking her down. Trying to be perfect will keep you from making the mistakes and riding the learning curve that you need to in order to reach success.

4. Comparing yourself with others.
Successful people are meant to be inspirations. Their success can be a potential roadmap to help you avoid the same blocks they stumbled over on their way to the top. You are not supposed to look at them and castigate yourself for not being equally successful. They started and made their way with hard work, and if you focus on the lessons you can learn from them instead of where they are now, you'll get there too.

5. Procrastinating.
Certain parts of your business aren't fun. You might hate dealing with email campaigns or formatting your website. Not many people enjoy preparing contracts or invoices, but every single step is important and needs to get done. Don't let procrastination be the reason you're behind meeting your targets and reaching your goals.

6. Being underprepared.
Whether it's the result of procrastination or overconfidence, being underprepared can ruin client pitches, client work and your reputation — which, once tarnished, is so very hard to fix. No matter how confident you are that you know your stuff, prepare for everything. Have a "Plan B" and a "worst case scenario plan." You may never need them, but you'll be glad you have them if you do.

7. Constantly complaining.
Not only is it exhausting to always be miserable, but you'll turn off other people who might have otherwise wanted to help or work with you. If all you do is complain, you'll be too busy to see opportunities. You will be so focused on the negative that you won't appreciate what you do have. If something isn't right, fix it. Don't complain.

8. Buying things you don't need.
While it might be exciting to buy all the new toys, focus instead on ways to spend your money that will get you closer to your dreams. A new computer might be flashy and fun, but the course on Google Analytics or revamping your website might be a better use of your money. Or you could always tuck that money away for a rainy day — they do happen eventually.

9. Thinking you're not ready.
No one is ever really ready for the big things in life — starting a business, having a baby, etc. You just have to figure out things as you go. That isn't to say that you shouldn't have a knowledge base and a plan, but as they say in programming “if you're not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've launched too late.” Don't wait for the perfect moment. Do it now.

There are plenty of things that can be roadbumps in your business. Don't let the things you have control over be one of them. Fix these bad habits and bad mindsets, and go into 2017 ready to accomplish your dreams.

Praying For You Today

Smallie: The English is hiring. U keen? Not just buyer, also got Commercial Training Manager.

Me: Wat does Commercial Training Manager does?

Smallie: Learn technical and process to train the buyer. KPI is to build buyer’s capability.

Well, yesterday evening...I have email over my CV to The English…no reply from them today…well, if succeed, got lor…if no…then no lor…I firmly stand on God’s plans for me.

No matter where you are or how confusing your situation, you do not face life alone. The Spirit and the Son are praying for you today!

Dear God, I bow in humble thanks for the prayers spoken by the Holy Spirit and by Your son today – for me.

Care, Share and Be Fair

#BryanAdamsLive@StadiumMelawatiShahAlam
Get Up Asia Tour

Enjoying the concert with Mel Jag & Miss Klein.
Feel a little bit bad that I didn’t select a very good seat…I book the tickets at the South side of the Stadium…which is a side view and bloody hell…the steel structure kind of block our view at times…will do better the next time round and thankfully both of them enjoy the show very much…and so did I :)

The Short Answer

Liverpool 2 – 3 Swansea City.
A disappointing day at Anfield. We just gave our chance away :(
From the number 2 spot, we slip into number 4 and every other team is playing catch up right now and closing the gap behind us.

God’s Reminders

Jesus as the Master Reminder. And that is good, because we are so doubting and forgetful.

A colleague of mine left on last week Thursday. Smallie is formerly from The English. One of Smallie’s colleagues is recruiting…

Is WL2 Manager position. I prefer someone has buying background so she can relate & explain easier.

The job covers system, process & soft skills training. Add on supplier viewpoint twice a year.

Routine jobs will be training, writing & improving processes.

She will have 1 exec to champion in system & data support for commercial.

But my only limitation is budget. I don’t have huge budget to hire. So not able to get very very senior buyer. 5 years should be ok.

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD!
I didn’t know that I have another alternative. I thought the roadmap was either to be promoted upwards, managing other categories, build your own business or join supplier as a Key Account Manager. Only later on…I discover Category Management when I had an interview session with Colgate-Palmolive. And now this…Education & Training. They are not park under HR though. Again, the only constraint is the location…traffic jam, tolls, more expenses and the uncertainty of The English’s future in Malaysia…

God, Thank You…another avenue that I can pursue…I put this into your hands…I only told Small Ham about it…I didn’t even share it with Mama Ham…and I am not going to share it with anyone else…I didn’t even put my name J___ in my CV…I use back my Chinese name…hahaha…GOD, I surrender to You, I submit myself to You…You are in control of my life from this moment onwards, You take charge of everything, You take the lead from me…You decide for me.

Okay, ladies now get in formation

Naughty Nuri, SS15 Courtyard, Subang >> lunch date with Mel Jag, Miss Klein & Torres.

They are just so enjoyable to hang around with. We have all these wonderful conversations. We talk crap. We have all these “in” jokes. We mock each other. We had a great time.

And it was such an unexpected surprise as well when Mel Jag buy us lunch. After lunch, we went and buy 4D number…well, that is because…among the 4 of us…Mel Jag is a bit kedekut…not calculative…but very rare Mel Jag will treat us…we have to ketuk Mel Jag a few times, only then will Mel Jag will treat us to anything…yes, we are that naughty because we always claim that Mel Jag is earning more than us…so, we decide to buy the number 0678 – because that’s the receipt number…but mana tahu, it keluar 0689; first prize somemore…adoi, so near yet so far…nonetheless - #ultraBLESSED!

Sisterhood Squad

The other day…I was kepo-ing with Harriet. Manage to catch some gossips…

Brian is confirm not leaving lor…it’s ok…I also have throw in the towel already.

The FOM (food operating module) will be effective in January & and the second batch will take place in March.

It is likely that when the FOM starts to take place…G13 may have a VSS exercise.

And the likeliest levels to be affected are the Senior Category Manager level and the General Manager level.

(graduations! class parties! assemblies! parent meetings!)

I have make a discovery…MT is a Mrs. Oon, middle name is a Korean Kim and ends with a pee-ka-Boo…hahaha…

high-quality, timeless designer pieces that would last me years

Liverpool 1 – 1 Manchester United.
Yo – yo performance again! :(

Pumpkin Pie

I finally found out when is MT's birthday...hahaha...3rd October...

7 LEADERSHIP SECRETS FROM NELSON MANDELA

Smile. Don’t allow external circumstances to make you lose your ability to smile, laugh & find joy in just being alive >> how many times do we lose our joy because of things beyond our control that ultimately impact our lives? Tread softly. Breathe peacefully. Laugh hysterically.

Love your enemies and work with them when necessary >> if you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Often in life, we find ourselves at odds with individuals and groups who have different ideals than we do. It’s our job to figure out if working with them is necessary to better serve others, and if so, find common ground on which to build a platform for change.

Forgiveness is freedom >> how many of us are living in our own self-imposed prisons because we hold on to bitterness that is not only poisoning our spirits, but our external surroundings? You cannot truly have peace until you’ve let go of past hurts – real or imagined.

Never stop learning >> lifelong learning comes in many forms: to some, it’s pursuing a degree, to others; it’s learning a new language and still to others; it’s staying curious and actively seeking out knowledge to become a better-informed, more empathetic citizen of the world. Regardless of your age, you should never stop learning.

Your purpose is not about you >> our time here on earth is about serving others first and foremost, and leaving behind a legacy that future generations can build upon.

Do not allow obstacles to deter you from fulfilling your destiny >> in life we encounter many challenges that can easily take us off track and blur the vision we initially had for our lives.

Believe in the power of your dreams. One cannot be prepared for something while secretly believing it will not happen >> the end goal was more important than the obstacles to realizing it.

Breaking Free From Gender Expectations

WatsApping Marcus the other day…

Marcus: So, are you joining the dinner? Since not many ppl going, it will be easier to chat.

Me: U have 1 table already wor…

Marcus: Can add one la…

Me: Ok I come.

Marcus: Thank you for your support. Bring Wayne, Celtic & Mak Tiri.

Me: Celtic cannot. Let me ask Wayne & Mak Tiri.

Marcus: Since Ursula is not going, MT don’t want to see Ursula’s face.

Me: Serious? Eh, wrong. U should ask Mak Tiri…

Marcus: Why? You no ngam with her.

Me: I shy.

Marcus: Oh no! She no ngam with Celtic.

Me: I don’t think she like me either. I also very noisy.

Marcus: Then you might have to behave loh…

Me: Well u know, I get overexcited easily…

Hmm…how come Marcus didn’t bring up Jonas’s name…is it because that Alice & Gerrard is not coming…so no need to invite Jonas? Alice & Jonas are bestie.

I think this MT boh ngam with a lot of people…Ursula’s case…so long time already…

So it is indeed true…MT sure got complain about Celtic to Marcus…hahaha…

The Survival Float

Certain situations in life require us to spend our mental, physical or emotional energy in a way that we can’t sustain. David described a time when his enemies were threatening him and he felt the emotional weight of their anger. He needed to escape the distress he was experiencing.

As he processed his feelings, he found a way to rest in his troubled thoughts. He said – cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He recognized that God supports us if we dare to release our problems to Him. We don’t have to take charge of every situation and try to craft the outcome – that’s exhausting! God is in control of every aspect of our life.

Instead of trying to do everything in our own effort, we can find rest in God. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking Him to handle our problems. Then we can pause, relax and enjoy the knowledge that He is sustaining us.

God, today I give my problems to You. I know that You are in control of everything and I believe You are willing to help me. Please help me to find peace in You.

God is a safe resting place.

3 Work Resolutions for the New Year

Tips to get the most out of your professional life this year.

As we enter the New Year, it’s a great time to make career resolutions in addition to the sometimes typical “eat better,” “read more” and “get more sleep.” While those are important goals no doubt (who doesn’t want more sleep?!), it’s a great exercise to set out some New Year resolutions that can positively affect your career too.

1. Communicate more. It can be all too easy to hide behind your desk, so to speak, immersed in your duties. Instead, make a point of reaching out to your boss to discuss feedback on your performance and/or to give your direct reports more feedback. Keeping communication open on a regular basis keeps everyone on the same page and working better as a team.

2. Try for more flexibility. Believe it or not, more employers—including the government—are realizing the cost benefits of allowing staff to work from home. Don’t be afraid to approach your boss about the possibility of working from home, even if just one or two days a week. Not only will you likely be more productive, you'll also save time on commuting while having more time with your family. If you are the boss, consider offering flexible options to your staff and watch office morale shoot through the roof … along with productivity.

3. Advance in your career. Too often we can get caught up in thinking that a promotion may mean more work, which would equal less time to spend with our families. Although historically that may have been the norm, times are changing and more working mothers are advancing higher up the ladder while still achieving work life balance. Sometimes even thinking about your goals can help set you up for achieving them, so let yourself dream of what those next steps look like. 


Since we all can get caught up in the intricacies of career, family and the balance of it all, it can be easy to overlook setting 2017 career goals.

Whether the above are a fit for you or not, make your own job resolutions and see that you follow them through.

Lexie & Mark

BBQ Ma Eul Bab Cup, Damansara Uptown >> decent selections, cozy…normally we see baby octopus dish at Japanese restaurant which they serve it in raw condition. However, here…they serves this in a grill way. The grilled baby octopus tastes so good for me. And their smoke duck is just as excellent as well.

Dinner with Michel & Ice. Aww…so sweet of them…got me Christmas presents as well…has my name engrave on it.

Looks like Brian is unlikely to leave.

Michel knew something regarding the new structure…but refuses to share with me about it yet until the official announcement is made. What I gather is that a layer of the hierarchy will be remove and Maximoff is currently being very low profile at the moment.

Ice and Harriet seems like unable to click. Thus this year…their business grew in G13 and with The English.

Tommy is doing alright at the moment. Tommy is the type – if you pay Tommy 100%, Tommy will returns back 150%.

Ready For A Change?

Self control is probably one of the hardest things to master. How often have we been defeated by a bad habit, a lousy attitude or a wrong mindset? We make promises to improve. We ask someone to hold us accountable. But deep inside, we know that we don’t have the will or ability to change. We can talk, we can plan, we can read self-help books but we still find it difficult to overcome and control many of the things that are inside us!

Thankfully God knows our weaknesses and He also knows the remedy! The Bible says – the fruit of the Spirit – is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. The only way to gain self control is by allowing the Holy Spirit to control us.

In other words, our key focus is not effort but surrender – to live moment by moment submissively trusting in the Lord rather than in self. Paul says this is what it means to walk by the Spirit.

Are you ready for change? You can change, for God is in you. As you surrender control to Him, He will help you bear the fruit of His likeness.

I am in need, Lord, of Your power so that I might change and grow. I surrender myself to you. Please help me to understand how to be submissive to You that I might be filled with Your Spirit.

God is not nearly as concerned with our ability as He is with our surrender.

The Leadership DOJO – 5

Returns generated by hard work > returns generated by talent >> zeal and hard work is the cornerstone for success and not intellectual ability or luck. If you want to succeed, don’t put too much weightage on your talent as a sure-fire success factor, but put in your time and effort.

They develop EYES for opportunity, gaps in the market place.

They leverage the expertise & wisdom of mentors & advisers >> enlist mentors to challenge and provide different perspective. Great leaders are never afraid to ask for help and guidance.

They believe despite the facts stacked against them >> find the strength deep within to keep going & keep believing in your dreams. At the end of the day, it is not the strongest person who wins the battle but the one willing to die for the win.

They focus on the mundanity of excellence >> do consistently and correctly, and all together produce excellence. Build in good habits. Always trying to improve and become excellent. Something as mundane as learning requires practice, practice, practice.

They work on the business, rather than in the business >> most of us get so mired with the operations and the daily grind of the business that we are soon in the thick of firefighting and saving the business that we lose sight of growing the business. To really work on the business, we need to step back and have perspective of the business.

They don’t operate on neutral >> to succeed in life, you can’t operate in neutral gear. You either move forward or going backwards. Consistently creating new products, innovating their business and finding new ways to grow. There is never a neutral zone. And they operate their accelerator mode by consistently listening to their customers, varying their products and by relentlessly pushing themselves and their business forward.

They know you don’t need to be the smartest in your industry >> being smart is great but not necessarily important to ensuring your company is the best in the industry. It was more important to hire smart people to work for you. Talent acquisition, management & development.

They understand the difference between urgent & important >> investing time on important matters and not being fully engaged with urgent matters. Urgent matters will always be there and have to be resolved but to devote your entire day to urgent matters will ultimately result in a non-performing, non-growth business.

They know money is not everything >> most people start business for the money. But today, most of them are not driven by money. They have something deeper that drives them – a passion to solve a problem, a deep burning desire to make a difference in their community or a need to save the world. Research also tells that entrepreneurs who purely chase money will very likely crash & burn. Money can be a short term motivator but for sustainable long term commitment need to grow and nurture a business, there has to be a deeper purpose.

Engagement Habits

There is no such thing as an all-rounded person. But there is such a thing as an all-rounded team. Therefore, one of the most demanding responsibilities for a manager is to create the right fit between individual strengths and work opportunities.

Thankfully You Don’t Need To Pressure People

The nature of leadership is taking people to places they haven’t been. Thankfully, you don’t need to pressure people in order to challenge them to reach higher. Anticipate disengagement once you begin pressuring people.

Believe in people. Don’t let faults and frailties be the reason you stop believing. You just haven’t unleashed their genius yet.

Engage them in defining better. Stop convincing people you’re right. Define better together. Inspiration is belief that things can be better.

Ask challenging questions. Curiosity inspires.

Once you define better, ask questions. Don’t bark orders.

Find energy by eliminating trivialities.

Repeating behaviors that don’t work discourages.

Letting go feels like freedom – freedom fuels inspiration.

Inspiration requires reflection. Provide space for busy people to evaluate the outcomes of their behaviors.

Where will you be in 6 months – invites people to think about where they’re going. It’s difficult to feel inspired when destinations are murky. If you continue doing the same thing, is opportunity to reflect on effectiveness and efficiency.

Inspiration requires purpose.

Purpose ignites energy.

Energy fuels movement.

Heart: the power of challenging questions begins with the leader’s heart.

You must believe in the mission and the people, in order to spark inspiration.

Manipulative questions result in resistance, not inspiration.

Helping people craft their path forward expresses alignment with their passions, belief in their abilities and expectation for their success.

Space & On Safari

Liverpool 2 – 2 Sunderland
Not at this stage boys!

Go To CVS

Hahaha…overheard this conversation today between Abigail & Mak Tiri…I was not eavesdropping…hahaha…everyone went home already…only left Abigail, MT, Wayne & myself in the office…therefore, I can hear the whole of their conversation unintentionally...MT is rushing off to gym…have not been to gym for the past 3 weeks now…the whole of last week MT was busy cleaning the house…and also catching up on some sleep…apparently…MT doesn’t get much sleep on the weekdays; only a couple of hours per day…so Henry was right…MT thinks too much and have sleeping difficulty…both MT & Celtic are in the same league…difficult to let things go…

Emergency Prayer

Lord, I can’t do this! You take over!

When encountering terrible treats, David asked God for help. He wanted to be assured of God’s nearness as he faced enemies in battle. In a heartfelt petition David said – be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go…do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. We are’t promised deliverance from every difficult situation we face. But we can be confident that God hears our prayers and will walk alongside us through everything.

Whatever comes my way, please come near to me, Lord, to help. I cannot make it through anything without You. Thank You.

Nearness to God is our conscious security. A child in the dark is comforted br grasping its father’s hand.

off to buy batteries

Yesterday, SS15 Courtyard, Subang >> lunch date with Victoria. Here is to reunions, togetherness, friendship and love love love! I like hanging out with Victoria. Victoria is a bit older than me, by 5 years. Victoria is someone that is honest, sensible, adventurous and knew ALL the answers to ALL of my questions…hahaha…we had a good lunch together… Victoria even recommended that I should pursue something online, make it my own…something that I can fall back on once I gets older in this retail trade. Sounds sensible & solid to me. Will give it a thought.

I’m extremely thankful for the good food, the good conversations and humbled that I get to have all these amazing people in my life.