Share Your Superheroes
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We all have people who have influenced us, who have made a difference in our lives. Some of mine are listed here.
Squidoo has organized a really cool contest, meant to honor these people. Make lenses on your everyday superheroes, and stand to win $500 for a charity of your choice.
It’s a great way to thank those who have made a difference in your life, and contribute to charity at the same time.
Who are your everyday superheroes? Here’s a chance for you to thank and acknowledge them.
[?]Tags: charity, contribute, inspiration, People, squidoo, superheroes
It’s not (just) about providing good content
May 16, 2008 People
Image via Wikipedia
I haven’t done these short posts - that mainly reiterate what someone else has said - in a while. But I figured, this was a really important point worth making (Mitch, hope you don’t mind me ‘hijacking’ your post).
Mitch Joel (who you really should be reading, if you aren’t already) recently wrote about Seth Godin. It’s a really good post, worth reading. In it, he writes about Seth Godin’s speaking style.
After Seth’s keynote this morning, I reviewed the notes that I was taking (which, for the record, I do on my BlackBerry) and I had a huge realization. The notes had nothing to do with what he was saying and everything to do with a fistful of creative sparks that were inspired by what he was saying. Stuff I need to get doing… now.
That’s a great lesson.
It’s not just about providing good content - in your blogs, speeches, whatever. It’s about how you inspire people, what ideas you give.
How are you inspiring people through your conversations?
Tags: conversations, inspiration, mitch joel, seth godin, speeches
Most Valuable Player
May 8, 2008 Uncategorized
Image via WikipediaSo, Kobe Bryant has finally gotten the MVP award.
I’ve always been a fan of Kobe - he’s got the ability to do things that nobody else can. And I think he definitely deserves to have gotten the MVP award.
I couldn’t agree more with most of the analyses about his win. It’s not just about being the best player individually. Statistics-wise, Kobe’s probably been one of the best (if not the best) for a couple of years now. But it’s only this season that he’s really stepped up as a team player, and made the rest of his team better.
And that’s what it’s all about. Being the most valuable player isn’t necessarily about being the best. It’s about being the most valuable. And the most valuable is about his importance to the team. Making his team mates better is an important part of that.
The same applies in any sort of team - a school, a business organization, any team/group you’re part of. It’s not just about your performance. It’s about how well you can inspire and bring out the best in others.
How are you bringing out the best in the people around you?
Tags: individual, inspiration, Kobe Bryant, MVP, team work
Sunday Shortlist #3
Jan 6, 2008 Uncategorized
Here’s the first Sunday Shortlist of 2008.
Web-based Ways To Make A Difference - TEDBlog
A good collection of links from the folks at TED. Web tools to help you make a difference in 2008, and make the new year count.
The World Question Center 2008 - Edge
Even the greatest thinkers change their minds at times. Edge asks some of the brightest minds of today what they’ve changed their minds about in 2007. A good collection of thoughts, that will no doubt get you thinking as well.
Creation Based Thinking - Steli Efti: The Supercool Principal
A short post, just two quotes and a joke, but something that we should all think about. As 2008 starts, it’s a great encouragement to create our own future.
Is School Wasting Your Money - Scott H Young
Scott H Young asks the question of whether school is wasting your money. A good comparison of formal education and self-learning.
The Rise of Comic Book Education - Kevin Carroll Katalyst Blog
I love seeing new developments and innovations in education, and this is one of them. Great to see education opening up to new ideas.
If you’ve come across an interesting page/site that you want to share, feel free to email me or add a comment. I’ll be glad to take a look at it and share it. Self promotion is accepted as well.
Tags: education, inspiration, make a difference, Sunday Shortlist
I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for…
Nov 22, 2007 Uncategorized
I’ve been tagged by Chris Brogan for this meme:
“Who had a big influence on you and how did that affect the direction of your life or career?“
We don’t have Thanksgiving here in Singapore, but I think this is an awesome meme, and I’m honored to be included. Thanks Chris - but more on that later. I’m always up for promoting others, and for writing about relationships. So, here’s the people who’ve influenced me, and who have changed my life. If not for you guys, I truly wouldn’t be who I am today.
My mum - Kind of obvious. She’s always been supportive of what I’ve done, even when it’s way out of the norm and really risky. Like quitting school. She’s given me enough space to explore the things I’m interested in, while teaching me good principles for life.
Simin - One of the most (if not the most) important people in my life. Yes, we’ve had disagreements and fights and all. But she’s always been one of the brightest sparks in my life, making me laugh, and just being a great friend. She was the main inspiration behind my temper improving, and basically, I became a better person because of her.
Samantha Wong - She’s always been there for me. Whenever I’ve been down, I could turn to her. She’s someone who I can talk to about anything. The times with her have kept me going in some of my lowest points in life, and ultimately to get out of those points. [edit: for those of you who might know her, no, this does not refer to the Samantha Wong from NUS High.]
Kai Hui - If not for her, I might not even be alive right now. Literally. When I was really at one of my lowest points (even toying with the idea of suicide - I don’t think I would have done it, but it was on my mind), she pulled me out of it.
Grace Huang - One of the first true friends I had, who I could really open up to and count on. She’s been my friend longer than anyone else, and even until now, I know I can count on her. Helps me to keep my head on straight and not get too emotional when stuff happens, and has been a great reminder that some friendships can last the distance, and that there are people who really will always be there.
Lihsia - I’ve blogged about her before a few times, I think. She’s been a huge encouragement and support, and an awesome inspiration. One of the smartest people I have the honor of knowing personally, having her as a friend has helped improved the way I think. When I first started this blog, she was my sounding board for a lot of my ideas, and she helped me sort out my thoughts for my first posts. More than that, on a personal level, she’s someone who I can trust, someone who’s always been willing to listen. A truly great friend.
Joshua Chan - He’s one guy I look up to a lot, and someone who’s influenced the way I think. He was more or less the one who cemented my opinion of the formal education system (that it’s broken). Great with words, always witty and often controversial, he was the first person who got me to start thinking about breaking out of the status quo.
Wei Min - Keyboardist and musician extraordinaire. He was the one who pushed me forward in my keyboard playing, and in my musicianship in general. He was a great encouragement, giving me good tips, and being harsh enough when required. Awesome musician, even more amazing mentor.
Natalie Yeo - My group leader in my first Megalife camp, and a great inspiration ever since. Haven’t really talked much in recent months, but she always helped me keep my eyes on God, no matter the circumstance. Even just seeing the way she lives her life is a great encouragement. She kept me firm in my Christian walk whenever I felt like giving up.
Chris Brogan - I emailed him for suggestions when I first started this blog, and I’m really glad I did. He gave me great advice, and even went on to promote and link to my blog. And he’s continued being a great encouragement - including me in memes like this, inviting me to PodCamp Boston 2 (and helping me in getting there), among others.
And last, but definitely not least….You - Yes, I know this sounds cliche. But without you guys, my awesome readers, this blog wouldn’t have lasted this long. Your encouragement has really kept me going, pushing me to continue posting, and to keep trying to write better posts. Your comments have thoughts keep me on my feet. Your own blogs give me inspiration and ideas to write about. So, thank you, all of you.
What about you? Who are your influences? Feel free to consider yourself tagged by me if you think it’s a worthwhile topic. Or you can share here in the comments. Specifically, I want to tag Sarah Deutsch, Jean Browman, Kabren, Tom O’Leary, Lynn, Esther.
[?]Tags: impact, inspiration, life, People, purpose, relationships
Protests in KL
Nov 12, 2007 Uncategorized
Yesterday, tens of thousands of people gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to demand electoral reforms. The government had refused to grant a permit for the gathering, and as such, it was considered illegal. Tear gas was used by police to disperse the protesters. You can read more on the story here.
I found out about this from one of my friends, Lihsia (who I’ve mentioned here before). It’s really close to home for her, being a Malaysian herself, and here’s what she has to say about it:
“I like my country in this way- there’s some sort of courage I admire in these people that you’ll probably never see in Singapore. I like that there are Malaysians who care enough about their country to try and do something about it, even if it means risking arrest and their lives etc. I like that thousands of people stood there and demanded their right to a proper democracy, even when the police were firing water jets and chemicals at them. There’s something inspiring about all of this.”
There’s no way I could have written it any better, and there’s really nothing for me to add.
Just a thought for you guys. Would you have had that courage, and cared enough, to stand up against the powers that be if you were them?
[?]Tags: courage, inspiration, taking a stand
Daryl Peach: 2007 World Pool Champion
Nov 11, 2007 Uncategorized
Congratulations to Daryl Peach, the 2007 World Pool Champion. He beat Roberto Gomez 17-15 in an amazing final. I know I posted in general about the World Pool Championships earlier, but today I just want to discuss the final.
I’ll start with Gomez, the losing finalist. He had played brilliantly throughout the tournament, but just seemed to choke in the end. He was playing much more conservatively than normal. It just wasn’t his own game. If you ask me, that’s one of the main reasons he lost. He didn’t stick to what he was good at. Ultimately, he just wasn’t himself. And he payed the price for that.
Peach, on the other hand, more or less stuck to his game. He didn’t really try anything too fancy. He just stuck to his calm, calculated game. And it paid off. That’s what his game has been all about throughout the week. It wasn’t about making the great, unbelievable, highlight-reel shots. It was just about making the best decisions consistently, doing the simple things well. That’s what got him to the final. Yes, he can do the highlight-reel shots (like the bank in the final rack), but his main game was always about percentages and decisions.
Above all, though, it was the mental strength that won the championship for him. I think the perfect example was the second last rack, with Peach leading 16-15. Gomez came to the table on the 9, and missed what would normally have been a simple shot. Daryl Peach came back and potted it, and went on to win the championship. That summed up the difference in composure and mental strength perfectly. Both players had their ups and downs over the matches, but Daryl Peach managed to maintain focus more than his opponent, and didn’t let it get to him. And that’s why he won.
There’s so much all of us can learn from that. You’ll have a higher chance of success if you stick to your game, and just be yourself, as Gomez’s loss shows us. And Peach showed us the value of good decision making, focusing on what we have and the power of mental strength.
Daryl himself summed it up perfectly after the game, “I haven’t got the most ability and there are lots of players with more talent than me but I just used my head and tried to focus on what I’ve got.”
How do you maintain your focus on your ability, and not get thrown off by circumstance?
[?]Tags: be yourself, decisions, focus, inspiration, lessons, mental strength, play
