MYKAD MYKOMIK!

WARNING: a M'sian Insider Comic:-D

Mega plans to optimize our new-little-bluey-identification-card certainly are a buzz few years back- commencing with its utilization in airports, governments are definitely looking into benchmarking it as a smart, multipurpose, multipossiblities, multi...multi....Nissan (though not very influential in the market nowadays) concluded it has something to do with SHIFT_ the future!

If You Don’t Fall, You Aren’t Getting Better.

There's an article that I felt compelled to repost.
It's an article where Darren Hardy; having 8 titles to his name: Publisher, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author, Investor, Advisor, Mentor and Human; shared insights of the August issue of his Success Magazine.

Support Success Magazine at http://www.successmagazine.com/ !!!

Why Bother Sharing? Because this is what really matters.

________________... No Pain, No Gain

My dad taught me to snow ski when I was 6 years old. By the time I was 8, I was skiing on my own. At the end of a full ski day, I eagerly announced, “Dad, I didn’t fall once all day!” My dad replied, “If you didn’t fall, you didn’t get any better.”

What? This was the opposite response I was expecting and hoping for. The bewildered look on my face compelled him to elaborate, “If you are going to get better, you have to push yourself. If you push yourself, you are going to fall.”

My dad was a former university football coach, so we had a full Olympic standard weight set in our garage. On the wall he had painted, “No Pain, No Gain.” To build bigger muscles, you have to inflict pain on them, literally tearing down the fibers of the muscles and bringing them to the point of failure. That’s actually the goal. Then in recovery, the fibers will rebuild bigger and stronger than they were before. Building a muscle is a lot like the process of building success in life.

Courtesy of http://www.cafepress.com

I owe much of the success I have been able to achieve to my dad and this philosophy. My dad taught me it was not only OK to fail, but it was proof you were improving.

I never saw setbacks, obstacles, rejection or even pain as things to avoid; rather, they were markers on the journey toward greatness and should be appreciated, even celebrated.

This issue is packed full of real-life examples of those who, because of obstacles and setbacks, became stronger and, ultimately, more successful.

• Les Brown, who was

TAKE THE GREATER POSSIBILITIES!

Build your worth by giving more value to others.

Today by Dr. John Demartini instead; a personal favourite and he just stroke the chord with this one. Why write the same thing when someone just told it better than you right?

No matter what service you’d love to provide for the world, there is a way for you to be paid to do it. Any service. To maximize the potential you have to serve from your highest values and be handsomely (or beautifully) paid in return, it’s wise to consider transforming what you think about yourself and your financial opportunities.

Support Art! at http://www.comicartcollective.com/detail.cfm?page=A77F02C5-3048-77F0-11EB5186455965F6

Thinking like an entrepreneur—taking initiative, consciously balancing risk and reward, and managing resources—will give you a huge advantage in being able to build a great financial fortune doing what you love. This mind-set helps you maximize your time and talent to make a bigger impact on the world.

____________________...
InnoSparks 2010 BLOG SERIES: 002



For those who happened to be around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
YOU should be well aware of another upcoming entrepreneurial advocacy feat
-the Inaugural InnoSparks Entrepreneurship Challenge 2010!!!

http://secouncil.blogspot.com

This will be your third of a blog series marching up till your event next Friday, 15th October 2010.

Here's you'll get your sneak peek on what you'll be expecting in your SEGi's first intervarsity entrepreneurship feat.

Here's a tribute to the Youth Entrepreneurship segment of your event:

Let’s say, for example, that you’re a musician who’s in a band with a few friends. Currently, you practice together twice a week in the evenings. About every other weekend, the band plays at a local bar where you’re paid per hour for the time you’re onstage. These gigs are the band’s only source of income for the present moment.

How could you take the band to the next level? And how else might you get paid for the value you provide? To start, in addition to your hourly rate for performances, you could book new venues where you’d also charge people at the door. And to bring in a larger audience, you could distribute flyers and send e-mails to all of your friends and family letting them know the upcoming dates you’ll be playing. In this manner, you’re using your time and networks much more efficiently.

While you’re performing, you could record the show and then sell the CDs, or you could give them away to generate even more interest. You might think about creating a product or promotional tool for your band as well. You could, for example, set up a Website with an online store for customers to buy your CDs or download digital files. This is where you’d start to generate some revenue without needing your physical presence to make it happen. Having a continually increasing fan base—driven by word of mouth and access to your music even when you’re not performing—could also provide an incentive for every band member to take his or her musical skills to the next level.

By thinking like an entrepreneur and treating your band like an innovative business model, you’d be doing almost exactly the same thing as you were previously when you were earning only on a time-for-money basis, except you’d be utilizing your resources to increase not only your income but also your social recognition and status.

Here’s another scenario: Let’s say you’re currently a student. What are the possibilities? When I was attending the University of Houston, I used to tutor. And when I was in graduate school, I used to “present” classes six or seven nights a week, teaching whatever I had learned earlier that day. This helped me pay for most of my education. I made enough money to cover my accommodations, textbooks, and study resources—almost everything I needed! The opportunity I created also made me more self-confident and taught me how to promote myself, which has no doubt assisted me in building the recognition that I have today.

Perhaps you’ll decide to start tutoring other students in your own classes, and help them understand the topics that you’ve already mastered. But let’s take it a step further. Why not tutor more than one student at a time and perhaps form a group? Why not tutor online, offering your services to people who aren’t even on the same campus as you?

Courtesy of http://evelayn.blogspot.com

WALL STREET 2 REVIEW: IS GREED GOOD?

Managed to get to the cinema a day after its premiere.
The fact that I'm that I'm able to make time for that surprised even me.

This is one of my peak seasons...yeah,

and yet making time for hangouts in between is completely Legal!

"Someone reminded me I once said that Greed is Good.

Now it seems it's Legal."

-Gordon Gekko @Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Emerging from a lengthy prison stint, Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) finds himself on the outside of a world he once dominated. Looking to repair his damaged relationship with his daughter Winnie (Carrie Mulligan), Gekko forms an alliance with her fiancé Jacob (Shia LaBeouf), and Jacob begins to see him as a father figure. BUT the question is can Jacob & Winnie trust him or more precisely- can they afford to?

____________________...
InnoSparks 2010 BLOG SERIES: 001



For those who happened to be around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
YOU should be well aware of another upcoming entrepreneurial advocacy feat
-the Inaugural InnoSparks Entrepreneurship Challenge 2010!!!

http://secouncil.blogspot.com

This will be your second of a blog series marching up till your event next Friday, 15th October 2010.

Here's you'll get your sneak peek on what you'll be expecting in your SEGi's first intervarsity entrepreneurship feat.

Here's a tribute to the Wealth Intelligence segment of your event:

WALL STREET 2 REVIEW: IS GREED GOOD?

"He’s not who you think he is, Jake. He will hurt us."
-Winnie Gekko @Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

When times are hard and people change, will true love remains the same?

When greed gets in the way of our conscience, we must choose either one.

Notice I didn't said when Money gets in the way of our conscience.....I said Greed! *Why you ask!*

"If you’re not making real enemies,
you’re not making real money."
-Bretton James @Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Is Money the Root of All Evil?
OR
Is "the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10)"?

Ponder.

As you're listening to me I would love to invite you to join me in this brainstorming and you're assured it will only take you a minute- a worthy minute!

Imagine if there's a sale of kitchen utensils in a nearby supermarket and you; being the discount- hawk; you rushed to the scene only to grab a new kitchen knife that promises it will make your dinner preparation a wonder.

BUT the following day, you read the newspaper- a psychopath armed with the same 'wonder knife' you bought....stabbed your neighbour across the street.

If you're smart, you should have now know where I'm going with this and if you have not figure it out trust me it's just a matter of glancing the next sentence!

Has the Knife commited a crime or has the Man commited a crime?
Is the Knife evil or is the Man evil?

Just like the Knife, Money is a tool to get what we want. The more we have the more it's easier to achieve what we want; it's a middle man.

BUT it's the user who determines what cause will the tool be utilized for

-to fund a monastery or to fund a murder.

Money expands the Man's capacity to realize his desire.

INNOSPARKS 2010 BLOG SERIES: 000

InnoSparks 2010 BLOG SERIES: 000



For those who happened to be around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
YOU should be well aware of another upcoming entrepreneurial advocacy feat
-the Inaugural InnoSparks Entrepreneurship Challenge 2010!!!

http://secouncil.blogspot.com

This will be your first of a blog series marching up till your event next Friday, 15th October 2010.

Here's you'll get your sneak peek on what you'll be expecting in your SEGi's first intervarsity entrepreneurship feat.

Here's what I got to say about InnoSparks 2010:

TABLE FOR TWO

[An InnoSparks Presidential Foreword]

A bank officer once got stuck in McDonald’s during a morning downpour.

And it just happened that we shared a table.

Sipping on her hot coffee, she would talk about how terrible and unfair was her bank to her.

Soon, the generic opener came- so if you were given a chance, what would you love to do everyday? She showed me her pre-booked near zero fares AirAsia’s travel plans and her slated adventures.

Suddenly, the solemn persona brightened as she described her travels around Southeast Asia meeting new people and describing places; I; as a history-expert never knew. She told me her friends chickened out from booking tickets a year ahead due to their work schedule- she told me we have to commit to what we want- dare to make time and explore. Yet it’s the same person who explained she preferred to keep low profile in her bank, just does the minimum required and she still has a housing loan to pay- so that’s it.

‘It's the heart afraid of breaking; that never learns to dance.
It's the dream afraid of waking; that never takes the chance.’

-The Rose @Bette Midler

Take a moment and ask yourself what is an ‘Entrepreneur’?

Is it someone who initiated a start-up? The gal who championed the fund raiser for saving the neglected children? Is it purely monetary based or is there such a thing called a ‘higher cause’? Then, what is the difference between entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship? If you answer any of the above, then high five folks! *laughs*

But NO. That’s not the ultimate answer. Entrepreneurship is more of a lifestyle than a job. If you’ve tried it, you should have now concurred with me. It’s about facing rejection after rejection by strangers saying you’re too young, too useless and totally ‘please go home and study kid’. It’s about having the courage to challenge the norm and courage to speak to a crowd and courage to do it day after day. It’s about following your Dharma, your personal mission, your obsession.

‘There's a bright light shining inside you. It shines out through your eyes.
Don't drown it away, don't be afraid, don't hide. Let it shine.’

- Shine @Plain White T’s

In the end it’s not the mountain we conquer but ourselves as Edmund Hillary said; and it’s not the mountain that makes you the happiest but yourself as I testified. What could the bank officer be if she dares to defy, stand up and be counted? What could you have done differently if you were her? Have you done all that you could with all that you’ve?

That we shall leave to you, Entrepreneur!

***Welcome aboard to the inaugural

InnoSparks Entrepreneurship Challenge 2010!!!***

STAND UP & BE COUNTED!

[Initial Publication in http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=116764551710509]
Stay tuned for your Full E-book Copy by Summer 2011.

A student of mine told me about her fear of speaking up.
Because her command of English is self-proclaimed ' total DISASTER!!!'
[actually her confidence level is worst. and yet she never discussed that!!!]
So great is her fear that I recalled Public Speaking being the No.1 Fear.
Greater than Death itself. Oh yeah.

Ever found yourself in the same shoes?
Ever found yourself walking up to a guy or gal you like but went speechless?
Ever found yourself practising all nite for a presentation but screwed up the moment you stand up?
Ever found yourself looking at all those 'Naturals' and wonder why they're born luckier?

The Only Prison is Fear and The Only Freedom is Freedom from Fear.
-Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese Prime Minister-in-Captive and Nobel Prize '91 Winner.

Have you ever been told that keeping your damn mouth shut, doing all your homework and never question the authority are the secrets to a good & stable life? I bet you do.
Good news is: SO AM I. *laughs*

The problem isn't the formula. It's the objective itself: Good & stable life.
This is a myth.
Do you believe keeping your mouth shut will earn you the most beloved student award?
Do you believe never questioning the authority will earn you respect?
Do you believe merely a strings of 21 As will land you a top job?
Do you believe a job will translate into financial security for you to start a family?
Do you believe starting a family is only meant to continue your generation?
Do you believe your your cash-in-fixed deposits will guarantee your retirement?
And your kids confirmed will insure your 'golden' days?
And ultimately the cycle is to arrive at your grave 'safely, untested'?

Fall Seven Times, Stand Up Eight.
-Japanese Proverb

I used to have tremendous fear of people.
Fear of speaking to authorities, to strangers, to even a small group.
Fear of standing out, being the limelight.
Fear of publicity. Stupid low profile humility.
Fear of standing in front of the class & lead.

WHY? Inferiority Complex. I just cannot see how I'm better than others in any way, especially when they could be smarter, older (always been because I skipped primary four for primary five! hence hanging out with seniors all the way:-), richer, more experienced, more good looking, have more toys, more famous, bigger and bolder.

The last time I was called to come forward to present a Science answer in my tuition centre; considering the tutor acknowledged I'm the bright student of the class; I trembled, I gave excuse of going to the washroom first, I felt the world was falling, I stuttered, I trembled more, I became an overnite joke for students from various schools in Selangor and Federal Territory and most importantly- I simultaneously presented an incorrect answer!

It's easy then for me to believe that the stage was never meant for me- when I flopped any attempt of story-telling in primary school, voted the quietest kid in the block (any acquaintance of mine can testify how silent and ignorant I'm then), never had any significant co-curricular achievements, failed to communicate with my just started home tuition parents- especially when you're in T-shirts and shorts!, got into a tense relationship with my then ex and my parents thought I'm heading to be some doctors, engineers or get a job behind the desk.

Courage is not the absence of fear;
but rather the judgement that what you want is more important than what you fear.
-Ambrose Redmoon, Quicksilver Folk Rock Band's Manager [Paraphrased]

BUT the judgement that I want to be able to communicate is more important than my fear of people.
BUT the judgement that I want to master my spoken English is more important than my fear of others' laughter.
BUT the judgement that I too want to stand up and be counted is more important than my fear of rejection.

And YES people will reject you. Big time.
My Dad; he's a very very responsible dad- love him; being realistic said that to achieve my dream to be a public speaker is a one-in-a-million possibility. Because that's the amount of individuals that inherited such a flair and talent.
The girl sat next to me told me this- can you kindly speak back in Cantonese, stop pretending to speak English!

Hurts? Duh. But so what.
My opinion of myself is more important than even my family opinion of myself.
People are of their best intentions but not your right inspiration.
I bet your NO.1 challenge is what other people think of you, dont you feel so?
Love people but never care what they think about you. Period.

When your voice and vision in the inside is more profound than the opinion and influence on your outside, you begin to master your life.
-Dr. John Demartini, Doctor of Chiropractic [Paraphrased]

I began to study whatever materials I could get my hands on and my heart on- observed good presenters in schools, seeked out mentors who can guide me, watched my favourite sitcom characters on TV's pronounciations, viewed great orators on Youtube possibly a gazzillion times, understanding religions, philosophies and whatever branches there are in psychology, devoted myself to co-curriculars, work and networking, forced myself a target of talking to strangers eg. 100/month- so better start talking to everyone sitting beside you in bus and the one holding that book and the one enjoying her Baskin Robbins- all social classes, gender and age and various other awesome stuffs.
Whatever in the previous five lines possibly took me years.

In the end, you can't just copy someone and spurt out some technique you heard or taught and expect to be a natural, right?
Exactly. Because that's not you.
It's not the technique- memorization. It's the perspective you live your life.

But how to bridge the Transformation?
Here lies my best loved secret- share with you next time:-)

Every Master is once a Disaster.
-T. Harv Eker, Founder of Peak Potential Trainings

Well, there's a happy ending to my story.
Without having to fast forward till today.

I delivered a speech in Zushi-Kaisei High School; on behalf of my society in a first-of-its-kind cultural exchange programme we organized to Japan.
I was invited to be MC for other societies' Annual General Meetings.
I was promoted in a way I never imagined- Chairman, President, Secretary, Treasurer, EXCO, Ambassador..I could form a list.
Business, financial, relationship, personal whatever....the quality of your life depends on the quality of your communication *nod, nod*

Later, I joined my first national public speaking competition.
I got into the semis. Only.
When the finalists were announced, awared of those who were crying- I just can't.
I wonder why.

I now knew:
It's not the mountain we conquered. But ourselves.
-Sir Edmund Hillary, 1st Conqueror of Mount Everest

And it's not the mountain that makes you the happiest. It's yourself.
And my dad for the first time witnessed my performance on the stage; commanding the attention of the floor. He's at awe.
He deducted maybe I should be a public speaker after all!

Stand Up & Be Counted!
Terrence Tan Wing Hong
Educator Extraordinaire
& Everyday FEAR Fighter.