Hmm....

Current condition: Busy. Stressed. Tired. Sleepy. Hungry. Unwanted breakouts. Panda eyes. Bad hair day.

Duration: Will continue to be like this for the next two to three weeks! :( The subsequent weeks after the third busy week would be the grand entry to battlefield...Final exam.

List of things to do: FYP report and presentation, workshops, tests, assignments, interviews, exams, etc.

What I need: Sauna followed by a good massage (Can someone volunteer?). Simple human needs.

What I want now: Food. Sleep. Rain. A shoulder to lean on.

Nuff' said. I gtg. Ciao.

Paradigm shift

Looking at the title of this post, you must be wondering what the hell I’m going to talk about this time. Well, I learned those two words yesterday during a talk by someone who was full of zest. Have I told you before that I actually love to attend talks by highly motivated people, particularly those who know how to play with the psychological side in us? The talk I attended was truly an eye-opener! It was supposed to be…after all, the speaker is a qualified NLP practitioner.

Much to my surprise, the speaker brought up some of my personal principles and things I really practice in life. Erm, maybe I’ve read too much on motivational books! Haha. Anyway, just thought of sharing some of the speaker’s big motivational tips with you…perhaps some of you might be interested. (…Only if there’s anyone reading this space!)

The talk was about how people like you and me survive in the concrete jungle. Just in case, this whole thing turns out boring, I’ll just make it a short (hopefully!) but precise delivery of messages…what I really want to share. First of all, set goals. You can never go anywhere further from where you are without any plans or goals in mind. I tried this method previously (I’m still doing it) and it actually works, only if you’re disciplined enough to adhere to your own rules. Next, if you dare to dream, proceed further! Visualize the whole thing! You’ll be amazed by the fact of how much visualization could help to bring you to your goals. However, visualizing your dreams without taking any actions is just as good as useless, if you know what I mean here.

The third element is time management. We often complain of not having enough time. I’m a very good example of that. I have always wished that I have 36 hours a day…but come to think of it, 24 hours is actually enough. It’s just a matter of doing some time management homework, which is prioritization. List down the important things you need to do each day, prioritize and do them in order. The next element is self-management. This includes continuous improvement, read (you must read a lot to improve yourself!) and believe in yourself (this is a very powerful tool in your mind!). I guess I don’t need to elaborate much on those three factors. I’ll leave you with three quotes for this part.

"Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave" by Prophet Muhammad

“When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly”

“What matters most is how you see yourself, not how others see you!”

The fifth element is values. This part is all about the integrity, hardwork and teamwork needed in the workforce. The sixth element, which is very important, is the paradigm shift. “Do you want to survive?” That question leads you to paradigm shift, if your answer is yes. The speaker placed a lot of emphasis on this part but I’ll just make it precise and concise. All you need to do here is to CHANGE! For the sake of surviving in the concrete jungle, we need to change instead of just following the flow, following the crowd, without knowing where it leads us. Dare to be different and break the norm. Think out of the box and challenge yourself to do things that appear impossible to others. Change and go ahead by opening your new pair of eyes (change the way you see things) to spot the countless “hidden” opportunities and seize them!

Next, it’s financial management. I have not much of problem dealing with this part as I’ve been consistently reading a few personal financial management books for the past two years. Anyway, just thought of sharing with you what the NLP guru said. According to a recent survey, most of those who filed for bankruptcy were those under age 30. And the reasons were poor financial planning and credit card debts. The solutions are preventing one from using credit cards (better still if you don’t have one) and start the habit of savings in order to be financially independent. Each month, you should set aside “The Untouchable 10%” of your salary before you start spending on something else.

I started the savings habit about five months ago, keeping 1/3 of my monthly allowance aside. I will definitely continue this habit as each time I see so much of money, I’ll start to smile from ear to ear! Haha. This practice is not meant to turn you into a greedy monster but with just a mere RM155 (this is just an example, not the amount of money I'm saving) of savings each month (assuming you’re 20 years old now), you’ll be a millionaire by the time you reach 55, assuming an annual return of 12%. I know it’s still a long way to go to reach 55 but how much is RM155 to you? If you’re paying or saving more, you could achieve one million net worth in a shorter period! And, let’s not forget that we still haven’t included other passive incomes like rentals from your tenants, commissions or part-time jobs. Think of it. It’s your money! Whether you want to grow it or not, it’s definitely none of my business but why should you lose out just because you didn’t start a savings / investment strategy earlier? (Erk, I can’t talk much on this even though I would love to share some more ideas but if you’re interested, just contact me! We could talk about it! Haha)

The final element is stress management. Stress has a great linkage with the deterioration of health conditions. As shown in the movie Patch Adams, the laughter therapy really works. So try to laugh as much as you can! Haha. That sounds a bit silly now…but if laughter could brighten up your day, why not? And last but not least, under this element, we should never-never-never give up. Try to think of yourself as a baby. You should start learning everything just like a baby. The difference is you will learn more and it is much easier because when you were still a baby, did you say, “I can’t walk!” or “I can’t do it” when your mother encouraged you to walk the first few steps? Now apply that same learning concept in anything you do and I’m sure you’ll love the new you!

Wow. I’ve probably spoken typed too much. Hope you didn’t fall asleep while reading what I wrote up there…haha…only if there’s anyone reading this blog of course! Anyways, one last message before signing off. No matter what, you must always believe in yourself and NEVER say, “I can’t do it” before trying something because that negative message is only in your mind. If you can control the way your mind thinks, it’s good enough to take you a few steps further…only if there’s action taken!

Cheers!

Along the journey, I stopped to take a breather….and pondered upon important things…

Yesterday, I came back to Uni with an indescribable mood. I was not in a bad mood, but was feeling a bit out, more towards confusion. Over these three years, this place has become a great hideout in times when I really want to be left alone...the time when I need some quiet moments to ponder over certain things. I’ve grown and changed, and experienced a lot of things since the first day I got here. All of a sudden, it dawned on me that I only have approximately ten weeks left and I won’t be staying here anymore. I used to hate this place, but now, I know I’ve gotten used to my personal space here and I’m definitely going to miss this part of my life.

Nothing can make me happier than seeing cheerful faces around at the big hall yesterday. It was that grand event again. My Uni holds two convocation ceremonies in a year and this is the second one. As expected, thousands of happy faces could be seen. Hundreds of Masters and Degree holders (students from certain faculties including mine) received their scroll of honour and I was there to share my seniors’ happiness and pride.

The grand event itself has truly reminded me of what I’ve always wanted. The definition of success may differ from one individual to another but I know what my personal definition is and what it takes to achieve the ultimate goal. It’s not just a mere paper qualification. It’s not just about getting a Degree or more qualifications or hold high positions in a company. It’s more about dreams. What I’ve always dreamed of and the satisfaction derived from being able to achieve those dreams with my own effort – now, I call that a success.

We often get upset over certain things done or said by loved ones but I think I’ve gotten numb to that already. It doesn’t mean I’ve turned into a cold-blooded bitch, but I guess it’s better for me to put those negative and unwanted feelings of disappointments, confusion and sadness behind me while I rev up my engine and accelerate to reach my dreams. Each of us has different targets in life. On my part, it’s a simple scenario that I’m the only person walking down this path to get to my dreams. Whether there’s anyone with similar dreams or not, it is still my own personal journey to where and who I want to be. The presence of spectators is definitely not a necessity. So who cares about bystanders, supporters or even naysayers? Get a life. Mind your own business and look at where you’re heading!

When I was younger, I’ve always wanted to apply for the Asean Scholarship but I didn’t have the guts to even try. Now, I really regret that I was more of a coward back then. I missed the opportunity to fast-forward and transport myself nearer to my dreams. I missed another opportunity when I was convinced that my STPM result wasn’t good (It really wasn’t impressive enough!) and I didn’t even try to apply for a placement at the two prestigious universities I set my eyes upon since young. Well, I’m not complaining about the past or focusing on my regrets but I’ve actually learned a very important lesson. I don’t want to miss any chances anymore. I may not get a place in those things I mentioned above even if I had sent in applications but at least, I tried! I should have tried and not made myself a coward!

Now, I just hope that I won’t miss any more opportunities coming my way and will definitely give it a try, and the quote of “no harm trying” will continue to accompany me. If I get it, it’s a bonus and I’ll be happy. If I don’t get it, at least I give it a try and won’t regret later. Well, maybe it’s obvious that life is all about trials and errors. If I don’t try something, I wouldn’t know whether I could make it or not. If there were no blunders, we wouldn’t even think of making improvements.

At present, it seems that I’ve got another thing to ponder upon. I actually have many opportunities right in front of me now, but my problem is which of these will be the right one? Which of these will help in getting me a step nearer to my dreams? Which of these is aligned to my journey and I don’t have to deviate from the planned path?

How a poisonous mouth stabs you in the heart

The title says it all. It hurts very much, especially when that person is someone you really love. Someone who has stayed with you in your entire life. 23 years is not a short period of time!

Why is it that I always have to tolerate and bear with that person's venomous words? I always try my best to be considerate, putting other people's concerns and priorities ahead of me, always trying to please people around me... only to get hurt in the end. Now please tell me that is stupid!

I was wondering...maybe, just maybe, this could be one of the solid reasons why I want to work elsewhere so badly. I'm really tired of all that. I don't want to get into yet another argument just because of small matters.

I don't know why but it seems so difficult to blog this problem out...but there's another thing I don't understand. If you love someone very much, aren't you supposed to accept that person's mindsets, principles, beliefs, plans, etc.? I'm not being calculative but why is it that I can compromise on so many things but that person can't?

Ouch! My heart hurts...

A picture paints a thousand words

Ever since receiving chocs from that male course mate (let's call him Choc Stalker for easy reference), I've become very sensitive and aware of the things he does. Well, I'm still not interested in that poor guy (will never happen also) but seriously, it's scary when a friend suddenly turns into a stalker. The whole situation became worse when rumours about us started to circulate amongst students within the faculty! Gahhh...

It is so damn irritating when course mates (even strangers) started asking "Where is he?" or "Why aren't you with him?" and other similar annoying questions each time they see me. I really don't get it. I wonder which idiot started the grapevine. I'll definitely cook that person alive if I ever find out who's the culprit behind all these nonsense!

Previously, I've tried many silly ways to reject, avoid or just to show a simple "NO" to stalkers or the non-qualified ones. The stupid methods include changing my hp number, getting Bro to act as my "bf", saying vulgarities just because that person hates rude girls, putting on thick makeup just because that person hates girls with pancake on their faces, spreading false gossips about myself, giving lame excuses, blocking that person on my MSN list (I've already blocked the Choc Stalker!), etc. Out of desperation, I did all those funny yet silly things before, but I reckon this time, I really need to do something different. After all, Choc Stalker is still a friend and I don't want to do any immature things just to show that I'm not interested. That's just plain stupid.

This time, I'm using a simple way. Just a picture. As the saying goes, a picture paints a thousand words. With just a picture or photo of me and another friend (In fact, it has been modified! Thanks to Photoshop), I managed to alleviate a big problem. What will people think when they see a photo of a guy and a girl on the hp's screen and also in the girl's wallet? HAha. This sounds crazy to me but it really works!

Oops. I actually modified the photo without my friend's permission. Much to my surprise, he likes the photo and it really looks so real, just like a typical "bf-gf" pic! Looks matching too. Now, the pic will appear in another place - his hp's screen. Wahahaa.

Beee-Zeee weeks ahead

I'm getting busier and busier each day. With only about eight weeks or so left for this semester before the final exams start, it's really a tad suffocating. Well, I'm not complaining. Having to complete my FYP by week 13, another two big assignments, five workshops, and a few more exams crammed in these eight weeks can really make me become gila any time soon....but what could make me happier than to receive calls from prospective employers?

Haha. I attended an informal interview conducted by a big company the other day before CNY. Now, I'm just waiting for its second interview. While being occupied with piles of work, it's definitely great to receive yet another call for interview from another big company. Hehe. I know this sounds crazy as there is no sign of employment yet but come to think of it, this isn't really that bad for a final semester student huh?

Damn. I must admit that it really feels damn good to be wanted by prospective employers even before graduation. Hehe. Now, I really hope that everything goes on well just as planned.

Stepping stones...

It's been a while since I last talked about dreams. Just like anyone else, sometimes it is really difficult to keep the burning desires alive in you. Thanks to naysayers, peer pressures, family and personal obligations, unforeseen circumstances, etc. All the while, it feels as though there will always be something blocking your path, especially when you're trying so hard to relive your passion.

You possibly think too much for others until you've forgotten about your own self. You can never please everyone around you. Of course I can't be so self-centered and think for the benefit of my own self only but I guess I really need a balance in that sense. A win/win solution for every situation is definitely the ideal way to ensure a balance for myself and any other parties involved. Now that the passion is back again, I seriously want to pursue my dreams.

The journey of a thousand miles starts with small little steps. It may take years to reach the destination but the journey itself is just as important to develop who I'm going to be before I could finally reach there. The journey could be a bumpy ride, but with great enthusiasm, I know I could make it there. The destination is never limited to a certain place. It is all about the distance, the furthest you can go and also the effort you put in just to materialise those dreams. So it is best not to put a limit to your dreams. After all, knowledge is a lifelong thing. Learning just never stops even after getting a Degree.

It's great to relive the old passion and burning desires in me. Thank you, my friend (You know who you are). Just hope that by treading the same route, our journey would be a lot smoother. *Cheers* :)