2007 is going...going...gone!
And my question is: Will I achieve the goals I have set for 2008? Right now is the perfect time to assess the past year and set new goals for 2008. Regretably, many times I have set goals only to find myself 1/4, 1/2 or even 3/4 of the way through the year with little or no progress toward those goals.
One simple goal I just pick up (again) is journalling. Yes, putting things down in writing. Indiana Jones' father had one; Mohd Ghandi had one. Ahraham Lincoln had one. I bet even their fahers had one too. EagleBoy must have one too!
Among the many things I learned, my mentor told me back in 1998 that winners keep score. Winners track their performance. Winners chart progress. Just one thing: Keep the right scores!!!
Qn: How to keep scores if you don't deliberately store your scores?
Ans: A journal!
So here I am, back to the good good days of writing a journal. But I am not alone in this arena. I have found someone who shared the same passion with me. I have a model and a fellow believer. And I have placed 4 of his quotes below:
"There are three things to leave behind: your photographs, your library and your personal journals. These things are certainly going to be more valuable to future generations than your furniture (and money)!"
-Jim Rohn
"Don't use your mind for a filing cabinet. Use your mind to work out problems and find answers; file away good ideas in your journal."
-Jim Rohn
"The reason why I spend so much money for my journals is to press me to find something valuable to put in them."
-Jim Rohn
"Be a collector of good ideas, but don't trust your memory. The best collecting place for all of the ideas and information that comes your way is your journal."
-Jim Rohn
So, the pen is still mightier that the sword, huh?
King of the Birds, Lord of the Skies
Gather ye rose buds while ye may, old time is still a flying;
and this same rose that you see today, tomorrow will be dying.
CarpeDiem: Seize the Day!
- Dead Poets Society
Monday, December 31, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Always Do the Right Thing
"Always do the right thing. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest"
-Mark Twain
-Mark Twain
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sticking my Neck Out!
"Behold the turtle: He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out."
James Bryant Conant
1893-1978,
Educator and Diplomat
As a follow-up to my last entry on the 4 Rs, I will be dropping seeds of thoughts and ideas along the next fews days leading to 2008. My first thought is to resolve to stick my neck out as often as I can, and keep it there. I have been hiding in my shell for far too long; too long for a man of my substance.
There will be progress in 2008!
There will be breakthrough in 2008!
There will be results and impact in 2008!
Because I will be sticking out my neck for a change of views!!!
James Bryant Conant
1893-1978,
Educator and Diplomat
As a follow-up to my last entry on the 4 Rs, I will be dropping seeds of thoughts and ideas along the next fews days leading to 2008. My first thought is to resolve to stick my neck out as often as I can, and keep it there. I have been hiding in my shell for far too long; too long for a man of my substance.
There will be progress in 2008!
There will be breakthrough in 2008!
There will be results and impact in 2008!
Because I will be sticking out my neck for a change of views!!!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
My 4 R's of the New Year 2008
7 more days and we will herald in 2008. At the beginning of a new year, 2008 is yet another milestone that can be characterized by Reflection, Resolution, Rededication and Response.
Reflection is to ponder our past successes and failures, to review goals, to reflect on life itself and our limited time here on earth. The New Year is an opportunity for us to reflect upon the past year's activities and services.
Is there anything I would change so that I may grow in authenticity and with intention? To grow by design and not default? What would enhance my practical knowledge about life, which would significantly and positively impact my service to others? How have I contributed to the lives around me?
Resolution must come from within. Am I resolute to achieve that which I have set out to do? After reflecting, am I satisfied with my conclusions? Is there something I want to commit to in 2008 that will bring me closer to my goals? I resolve within myself to run the race in such a way as to ensure victory.
Rededication comes after Reflection and Resolution. God doesn't want just a part of me; He wants all of me. He asks for all my heart, soul and mind, and all my strength. My God is not interested in half-hearted commitment, partial obedience, or the leftovers of my time and resoures. He desires my full devotion.
Response is ... well response! It is the equal and opposite force to every incoming force. It is pure action and reaction. It is to take charge, raise up the standard (flag). Put on the armour. Step out. Just do it (within moral values and ethical boundaries)! It is activities. It is movement, and momentum, not monument.
The New Year is an opportunity for me to begin working towards specific goals and ambitions.
I am in the best position to evaluate and discern these keys areas.
I am in the best posture to rededicate for excellance.
I am in the best premise to initiate a resolution.
I am in the best platform to act and rise up to the challenge.
Now is the time!
Reflection is to ponder our past successes and failures, to review goals, to reflect on life itself and our limited time here on earth. The New Year is an opportunity for us to reflect upon the past year's activities and services.
Is there anything I would change so that I may grow in authenticity and with intention? To grow by design and not default? What would enhance my practical knowledge about life, which would significantly and positively impact my service to others? How have I contributed to the lives around me?
Resolution must come from within. Am I resolute to achieve that which I have set out to do? After reflecting, am I satisfied with my conclusions? Is there something I want to commit to in 2008 that will bring me closer to my goals? I resolve within myself to run the race in such a way as to ensure victory.
Rededication comes after Reflection and Resolution. God doesn't want just a part of me; He wants all of me. He asks for all my heart, soul and mind, and all my strength. My God is not interested in half-hearted commitment, partial obedience, or the leftovers of my time and resoures. He desires my full devotion.
Response is ... well response! It is the equal and opposite force to every incoming force. It is pure action and reaction. It is to take charge, raise up the standard (flag). Put on the armour. Step out. Just do it (within moral values and ethical boundaries)! It is activities. It is movement, and momentum, not monument.
The New Year is an opportunity for me to begin working towards specific goals and ambitions.
I am in the best position to evaluate and discern these keys areas.
I am in the best posture to rededicate for excellance.
I am in the best premise to initiate a resolution.
I am in the best platform to act and rise up to the challenge.
Now is the time!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
My Buddy Finally Married!
Today, my buddy of 28 years finally got married.
Who is he?
1. He is my son's god-pa.
2. I knew him since I was 7.
3. He is a successful lawyer.
4. He is my closest guy pal.
5. His wife was introduced to him by ME!
Who is she?
1. She was my colleague in Citibank.
2. I knew her for 5 years.
3. She has been promoted to god-ma to my son.
I am honored to be his best man today. It was a great honour to oversee his entire wedding program. The Bride arrived in a Red Ferrari, and the Groom in a Maserati. This place was Chijmes. It was breathtaking! It was a tremendous privilege to announce: "And now Ladies & Gentlemen, it gives me great honour to present to you Mr & Mrs ..."
Now, I am glad he chose her. I remembered introducing another girl to him around the same time. It didn't work out, and I am glad. Let me explain.
You see, his present wife was not a Christian 3 years ago when they met. I always believe that marriage is not just between 2 person, but between 3: Man-God-Woman. No marriage is complete without God in the picture, and God in the centre.
Things took an unusual turn when their relationship deepened over the years. She become more and more spiritually awakened until this year, when she finally opened up her heart to Jesus and became a committed believer.
Ironically, the girl that I introduced to him around the same time was actually a Christian. But I soon realised that over the years, she has become more and more ungodly and unappealing (I meant her values and outlook in life). It was a shame. She seems to have turned from good to bad, or maybe bad to worst now. His present wife, on the other hand, had become better and better. She had become more beautiful as a person over the years - a side that I have never witness till now.
I am glad it turned out well. Had he chosen the other girl, it would be disastrous. Finished! Game over... Bad company corrupts good character, and my friend of 28 years is definitely made of better stuff. The other girl will only pull him down. She is not worthy of him. He is solid gold (just like me...hee...hee...); she is gold-plated - look good outside, hollow inside.
And so, it is with great honour that I present to you, Mr & Mrs ... .
May you both not only start well, but stay well, and end well!
Who is he?
1. He is my son's god-pa.
2. I knew him since I was 7.
3. He is a successful lawyer.
4. He is my closest guy pal.
5. His wife was introduced to him by ME!
Who is she?
1. She was my colleague in Citibank.
2. I knew her for 5 years.
3. She has been promoted to god-ma to my son.
I am honored to be his best man today. It was a great honour to oversee his entire wedding program. The Bride arrived in a Red Ferrari, and the Groom in a Maserati. This place was Chijmes. It was breathtaking! It was a tremendous privilege to announce: "And now Ladies & Gentlemen, it gives me great honour to present to you Mr & Mrs ..."
Now, I am glad he chose her. I remembered introducing another girl to him around the same time. It didn't work out, and I am glad. Let me explain.
You see, his present wife was not a Christian 3 years ago when they met. I always believe that marriage is not just between 2 person, but between 3: Man-God-Woman. No marriage is complete without God in the picture, and God in the centre.
Things took an unusual turn when their relationship deepened over the years. She become more and more spiritually awakened until this year, when she finally opened up her heart to Jesus and became a committed believer.
Ironically, the girl that I introduced to him around the same time was actually a Christian. But I soon realised that over the years, she has become more and more ungodly and unappealing (I meant her values and outlook in life). It was a shame. She seems to have turned from good to bad, or maybe bad to worst now. His present wife, on the other hand, had become better and better. She had become more beautiful as a person over the years - a side that I have never witness till now.
I am glad it turned out well. Had he chosen the other girl, it would be disastrous. Finished! Game over... Bad company corrupts good character, and my friend of 28 years is definitely made of better stuff. The other girl will only pull him down. She is not worthy of him. He is solid gold (just like me...hee...hee...); she is gold-plated - look good outside, hollow inside.
And so, it is with great honour that I present to you, Mr & Mrs ... .
May you both not only start well, but stay well, and end well!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Attitude...
It is the reflection of our true selves.
Its roots are inwards, but its fruit is outward.
It is our best friend, or our worst enemy.
It is more honest and more consistent than our words.
It is a future outlook based on past experiences.
It draws people to us, or repels them.
It is never content until it is expressed.
It is the librarian of our past.
It is the speaker of our present.
It is the prophet of our future.
That's attitude.
John C Maxwell
Author, Pastor, Leader
Its roots are inwards, but its fruit is outward.
It is our best friend, or our worst enemy.
It is more honest and more consistent than our words.
It is a future outlook based on past experiences.
It draws people to us, or repels them.
It is never content until it is expressed.
It is the librarian of our past.
It is the speaker of our present.
It is the prophet of our future.
That's attitude.
John C Maxwell
Author, Pastor, Leader
A Right Idea
Santa has the right idea: Visit people just once a year, and you'll always be welcomed.
Richard Lederer
Richard Lederer
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