Friday, 28 August 2009

Don't worry

I just had a business associate say this to me: don't worry i've got your back on this.

The amount of relief that gave me was unmeasureable. I actually doubted her for a moment. Known to be a tough, straight-talking and no-nonsense worker, she's not the easiest person to work with. Especially if you are afraid of tough, straight-talking and no-nonsense people, like I am. And she works for me! When a contract seemed like it was falling apart, one of my biggest worry was now how do I handle the pressure from the people I'm supposed to pay.

But I guess that's the thing about straight-talkers. They say it as it is, the good and the bad. And in this case, it seems to transcend into their loyalties. They stick with you, through the good and the bad. Oh in case you are worried for me about the contract, it's okay, not the end of the world. We are playing wait and see for now.

I am learning so much since starting up the company a year ago. Self development, self management, people management. So much. I feel improved too. While my errors and short-comings have been put into the spotlight more than a few times, my strengths and dare i say, hidden, potentials have surfaced too. I never knew I had it in me. I am tip-toeing across unchartered territory, and it's exciting. And for now, I survive another day, knowing that someone's got my back.

Sunday, 2 August 2009

Yasmin Ahmad 1958 - 2009

What a loss for our country. This is a Malaysian we can be proud of.

This video of Yasmin's talk is a 15-minute gem absolutely packed full of life's lessons, both through what she said, and through the way she projects herself. And there are her adverts, of course; her visions of a multiracial Malaysia. I envy Sharifah Amani, to have had such a wonderful mentor in life, and to have had the chance to know this person's heart.



1) Charisma. That separates great people from others.

2) Know your Book. And know other Books. Expand your knowledge and learn from all that religion and philosophies have to teach you.

3) Take in criticism, but don't let them put you down.

4) Have a sense of humour, about life and its challenges.

5) Be passionate.

6) Read. Read a lot. It'll make you a richer person.

7) If you have power, if you are 'bigger' than others, it is your responsibility to care for those smaller.

8) If you want to create something and insist on it being 'yours'; all it can be is limited to as big as you are - which is extremely insignificant, in the greater scheme of things. Let go of the ego, step back and observe - only then can things be greater than who you are.

9) Humility. To remove as much self-arrogance as you can.

10) Be a part of something bigger than who you are.

Everything she did, was for her dream of a peaceful and harmonious Malaysia, where our race and religion are not barriers to how we love each other. To leave this earth with that kind of legacy, I think she can rest in peace.

The Love of Tan Hong Ming, by Yasmin Ahmad