For many years I had resolutions and never ever achieved them. Then, I didn't even have any resolution for years.... Last year I finally sat down and wrote a set of resolution, kept to it and achieved all except one.
This year, I am starting early. For a start, I have tendered resignation effective 28th February 2010. I gave very much earlier notice so that my boss could assign someone I can pass knowledge to. Apparently my boss not looking at anyone so I have reviewed my date to 31st December 2009 so I start a brand new 2010.
DO NOT give me offer letters to work yet as I do not want something 9am to 5pm for the moment. I have many people offering me better jobs, better salary, better working hours even when I was still working at XeerSoft, all which I have turned down. I appreciate all the offers, really really appreciate them because good offers are not easy to come by but for the moment I just want to stop working and focus.
My focus will be to finish a great best-selling book (yes, best-selling so supporters, please buy! hihi!) on my liver donation journey and look at properties (and invest, of course!). I can do emceeing whenever I have the opportunity, do some writings and attend seminars and conferences - I have one in Ayutthaya in March (SIGA 2010 here I come) and another in Kuching (Napoleon Hill International Convention) in June.
Resolution Year 2010
Finance
1. START saving and continuously SAVE, SAVE, SAVE! Strictly adhere to my budget which I have set. Be very frugal and consistent!
I have set many many "rules" in my life and this is the only part which I couldn't adhere mainly because I was just too pampered with money and money is never my worry. This year 2010 will be a brand new start for me and I am confident that I can strictly follow my budget. When I can do this (after a whole life unable to do it), it is my greatest success for year 2010 and the new habit which I have formed will follow me for the rest of my life.
2. Acquire at least 3 properties with at least 10% returns, to reach at least RM1,000 in passive income.
3. Put at least 50% of my total income into my Financial Freedom Account every month.
Health
1. Continue to stay healthy with moderate foods, daily exercise, drinking lots of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetable daily and participate in at least one marathon.
I formed this new habit of eating, exercise, drinking lots of water and participate in sports events in year 2009 and will continue to be a habit of life. Need to buck up by eating lots of fruits and vegetables daily.
2. Join groups of friends for at least a hill climbing activity.
Need to be moderate in this as the mercedes wound I have after liver donation cannot cope with hill climbing so vigorously.
Education
1. Study and read existing books and lessons. Master sales, marketing, emceeing, speaking and training skills.
This year I will not spend a single cent on education mainly because I have spent too much and I have lots of books unread, many seminars which I went and I need time to learn, relearn, study and plan existing courses which I have. Existing books and lessons I have are enough to keep me busy for at least another 5 years!
Books/ Courses/ Trainings I want to relearn
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (continuous daily reading)
- Napoleon Hill Science of Success (continuous daily reading)
- Guerrilla Business Intensive by T. Harv Eker (January)
- Sales Dogs and Presentation Skills by Blair Singer (February)
- Internet Marketing by Ewen Chia and Vince Cheng (April)
- all the financial, property investment books by Azizi Ali (March)
Books I want to start reading and finish
- Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices by Peter Drucker
- All biographies I have bought including Barrack Obama, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela
- All Napoleon Hill books
Spiritual and Emotions
1. Meditate at least 10 minutes every morning and at least 30 minutes to an hour when time allows.
2. Practise cosmique and golden ray therapy everyday for health, healing and success.
3. Write my morning pages everyday to squeeze out my thoughts and eventually start a brand new day with brand new spirits and brand new energies!
4. Read Mandino scrolls religiously and consistently gain inspirations from the scrolls.
Relationship
I put this category last but I really want this to be the first.
1. Have time for my Dad and my family - try new recipe(s) every other month for my family. Then by end of 2010 I will already be able to cook at least 6 new dishes.
2. Be confident, love myself, be firmly motivated and to prepare myself to love others.
I have reflected and found out what went wrong in my relationships. I have not been serious in relationships but as I also want to throw all the past experience, I must also start anew and prepare for the best to come. The next guy who comes into my life will be the luckiest because I will prepare myself to love with confident as if I have never get hurt or hurt someone before.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Reflections: Money, Money, Money
As I have promised to post reflections - also to pour out my mind and forget them - and move on with a new life. Now, is towards the end of the year and is time to throw everything out and start a new 2010.
It was one sunny day when I was in my Dad's car at the front passenger seat. As I put on the seat belt, I jumped with excitement and asked Dad to quickly ignite the car and go for a ride. My Dad drew a smile and obliged. "Next time I want a Mercedes, ya.." My Dad will smile again, "Ya, ya... when I strike lottery I will buy one." I was only 3 or 4 years old.
First lesson of money: You can be rich by striking lottery.
Not knowing the family financial situation and being always pampered as the only child in the family, I have always asked for many things in life - toys and books, then the things I wanted got bigger bicycle, motorcycle and then camera, PDA... and now, a big bungalow, a Mercedes C200K, a large collection of Chinese tea, a horse, a yacht, luxury holidays.
Auntie Lena, who brought me up since my parents divorced, was a really good saver. She knew of my Dad's financial situation to try make ends meet and therefore always asked me to save and never try to buy anything extra than needed. Clothes were handed down from my elder cousins so I do not need new clothes.
I remembered throwing tantrum one day before Chinese New Year. I scolded my Dad for always asking if I have studied hard but never asked if I have clothes or things I wanted. Sorry, Dad. I didn't know the situation. My Dad kept quiet as I scolded and cried telling about my feelings. I bet it hurt him, too.
He has been working very very hard as a musician and when karaoke stormed the market, being a band boy was no more the "in" thing. He also study part time to eventually graduate as a Chinese Physician from Guangzhou University, China. Juggling unpredicted job as a musician with no fixed salary, more part time jobs here and there and even studying - I realized now it must be tough for him. Yet, he still fed me through Auntie Lena. It must have difficult for him to take it - a child longing for his love and some material things scolding him in front of whole family when not understanding his financial situation.
Auntie Lena and all other aunties will each buy one set of new clothes for me when Chinese New Year arrives. So, for years I have new sets of clothes to wear, all from my aunts.
Second lesson: Throw tantrum or cry when you need what you want
Auntie Lena's husband, Uncle Phillip was a very quiet man with few words. He worked as a clerk in a school and now retired with pension. He has taught me the first ABC and I still remember how he drew a table with vowels on top row, neatly arranging a, e, i, o and u on each column and all consonants at the first column on the left. He will then write the combination of the vowels and consonants.... as A column meets B row - it is BA and he will teach me how to pronounce that BAaaa - baa baaa black sheep have you any wool~~. From there I learn my first Malay pronunciation. I grew to like Malay more than English in school.
As the income for a clerk was not high, Auntie Lena worked at a restaurant in the morning to make ends meet. She has a son, Colin and she became guardians for my another cousin, Kok Wai and I. So I grew up with two brothers - forgive my manners and graces if they are rated zero.
At times, I suspect that the money is not enough - Auntie Lena will always lament to say that her legs are pain due to constantly standing in the restaurant and how she has exhausted herself just to make more money for the family. Sometimes the family will also have heated arguments about money but as I was young and could not understand, I seldom participate.
I planted a seed in my mind at that time - I want to make a lot of money.
Lesson 3: No money = arguments
When I am older, Auntie Lena slowly taught me to manage my money. She will give me daily allowance so I can buy food in school. Then slowly, weekly allowance and then monthly allowance. Most of the time, I will finish spending the money by mid of the month. I am in the spender quadrant.
"Save your money," Auntie Lena always shouted. "Jimatlah wang untuk masa depan," at school we learn. Yet, my nature - a spender - heard no words such as save or jimat.
Then, in school, my friends and I will talk among ourselves. We were convinced that if you open up your palm, hold your fingers together and bend outwards and if the gap in between your index and middle fingers is big, then you are unlikely to preserve money because money flows through that hole. That very gap in my palm is a big one. Confirmed spender!
Lesson 4: Understanding myself - spender (or now, we always call ourselves the freaking spenders!)
Auntie Lena's words were strong on me....
When you are a committee member in any organizations, NEVER hold the position of a treasurer. If money is lost - how are you going to make up for it?
At school, I have a few rich schoolmates. They have drivers to fetch them to school and I was very close to two - always with them and at times take free rides in their luxury cars.
Auntie Lena will warn, "Don't be so close with them... if one day they have missing money, they will blame you."
Lesson 5: DO NOT associate with money and rich people
All the time we will have the age-old advice - Study hard, get good grades and then get a good job so you make more money. Uncle Phillip has nieces and nephews who are engineers, lawyers and doctor, Chew family has none. Auntie Lena will cry to say we will not be successful.
Lesson 6: Higher position - more money, more success
It was in college that I encountered the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and it took me almost 5 years to change my mindset about money. The more Robert Kiyosaki's books I read, the more I confirm that the lessons I have learnt about money so far are all not true.
I have read, attended classes, read more books and all theory was set in me. I took the first bold step to act instead of just passively learn about money. In 2004, I started investing in shares and learn about shares investment. Then I sold all my shares to buy my first property.
As I bought the property and announced it at family dinner - true enough negative comments poured in. It was already anticipated as Robert Kiyosaki mentioned that free advice is the most dangerous advice.
I still remember very clearly my 4th uncle said that so many people had bad experience with tenants, tenants will spoil the house and you will never get the rental on time. I refuted to say I will still buy this house and confident that what I have learnt will help me manage better.
I have read Azizi Ali's books, attended his classes and get to know about being Millionaire Landlord (one of his book titles). My 4th uncle still claim victory by saying, "GO ahead and try... you will see! You will definitely fail..."
Since I bought the first property in 2006, I only had ONE tenant who is now entering the third year of our rental agreement. Sirilah Raman, an Indian lady cleans the house and takes care of it really very well. She will bank in rental before 28th of every month because RM50 discount is given if you pay rental before 1st of every month - all except one month she was late because she was hospitalized.
Sometimes when I pay maintenance fees for the apartment, I will also pay her water bill. She will also pay my Indah Water bills which I was supposed to pay. We are friends on facebook and we can beer together at times.
My second property, though the tenant did not normally pay on time but he did not owe rental more than 2 months. I will gain extra RM50 per month for his late payments anyway.
First IMPORTANT lesson: DO NOT listen to someone who have not tried doing the things you want to do
As I wanted to buy my third property, my Dad will caution that I am going to fast in investing properties. Too fast? I only have 2 apartments in 3 years! Too fast?
Naturally, I think you will know what I do - ignore mode: ON. I took me some time to think that it is alright to sometimes not listen to elders. You know our culture, we always listen to the elders - what they say is always right. But not in the case of money.
My mom on the other hand, is a risk taker. She is a businesswoman so she will be attempting and trying businesses. My step sister grew up with her and mom already start "grooming" her business skills by encouraging her join a multi-level marketing business at age of 18. My mom then allow her to fully manage the reflexology center that she owns. My third apartment, my mom puts under my sister's name - further teaching her property investment. I really want to see my sister learn the path of street smart, risk taking ways and be smart with money. She must really appreciate what my mom is doing.
Second IMPORTANT lesson: It is OK and ALRIGHT to take risks at times. Only two things can happen when you take risks - you success or you learn.
I figured that in all investments, knowledge is utmost important. I have chosen my vehicle to build my finances - property so I have learnt all the ABC about buying in auctions, renting out and manage as a landlord, refinancing to get money out for more investments.... (not that I am boasting about learning all - I said I learnt all the ABC but not the XYZ yet). There are more to learn.
I attended Millionaire Mind Intensive(MMI) for 2 consecutive years and T. Harv Eker has taught me the most important lessons about money. It really has uprooted all my negativities about money and look at money in a larger scale.
If I have not developed the love of education and learning, I will not be where I am today. I still remember attending free previews and looking at RM5xxx to RM20xxx price tags for courses but I learnt many things from free previews alone. I attended many free previews even as a student in college.
Subsequently, I attended RMxxx courses and this year I attended RMx,xxx courses till I spent more than half my annual salary for courses alone.
Lesson 3: Learning is Important - CHOOSE the course you want to learn and have specialized knowledge in that topic before investing
( would also add that - shun those courses which may not climb you the ladder of your goal - FOCUS on the subject you want - I figured that I spent too much money and in the end did not focus so this year my focus was on marketing and internet marketing )
Surprisingly, this year I fell into the trap of credit cards. I have cut all cards except one. I have over swiped on my card with RM7,000 in red but just adjusted to RM5,000, had another RM7,800 in education debts (took the Napoleon Hill certified trainer course) and finishing my car loan - another RM1,200 but sent my car to repair - a huge sum of RM5,000.
My target is to have zero bad debts by the end of 2009. Yet, bad debts is what I got. So the Law of Attraction says - you will attract everything you think of whether you want it or not. You bet what I will write in my resolution for year 2010. :)
I still have cash in my financial freedom account which I planned to only spend for investments. However, I guess this year I should finish 2009 with a clean sheet. I do not need to worry about money. Money will come and I will completely erase all bad debts by 23rd December 2009, I am very sure of that.
I will start 2010 with a new fresh year with positive financial statement.
Lesson 4: DISCIPLINE is utmost important in keeping the finance in strong state. CONSISTENCY is the brother, PERSISTENCY is the sister... :)
It was one sunny day when I was in my Dad's car at the front passenger seat. As I put on the seat belt, I jumped with excitement and asked Dad to quickly ignite the car and go for a ride. My Dad drew a smile and obliged. "Next time I want a Mercedes, ya.." My Dad will smile again, "Ya, ya... when I strike lottery I will buy one." I was only 3 or 4 years old.
First lesson of money: You can be rich by striking lottery.
Not knowing the family financial situation and being always pampered as the only child in the family, I have always asked for many things in life - toys and books, then the things I wanted got bigger bicycle, motorcycle and then camera, PDA... and now, a big bungalow, a Mercedes C200K, a large collection of Chinese tea, a horse, a yacht, luxury holidays.
Auntie Lena, who brought me up since my parents divorced, was a really good saver. She knew of my Dad's financial situation to try make ends meet and therefore always asked me to save and never try to buy anything extra than needed. Clothes were handed down from my elder cousins so I do not need new clothes.
I remembered throwing tantrum one day before Chinese New Year. I scolded my Dad for always asking if I have studied hard but never asked if I have clothes or things I wanted. Sorry, Dad. I didn't know the situation. My Dad kept quiet as I scolded and cried telling about my feelings. I bet it hurt him, too.
He has been working very very hard as a musician and when karaoke stormed the market, being a band boy was no more the "in" thing. He also study part time to eventually graduate as a Chinese Physician from Guangzhou University, China. Juggling unpredicted job as a musician with no fixed salary, more part time jobs here and there and even studying - I realized now it must be tough for him. Yet, he still fed me through Auntie Lena. It must have difficult for him to take it - a child longing for his love and some material things scolding him in front of whole family when not understanding his financial situation.
Auntie Lena and all other aunties will each buy one set of new clothes for me when Chinese New Year arrives. So, for years I have new sets of clothes to wear, all from my aunts.
Second lesson: Throw tantrum or cry when you need what you want
Auntie Lena's husband, Uncle Phillip was a very quiet man with few words. He worked as a clerk in a school and now retired with pension. He has taught me the first ABC and I still remember how he drew a table with vowels on top row, neatly arranging a, e, i, o and u on each column and all consonants at the first column on the left. He will then write the combination of the vowels and consonants.... as A column meets B row - it is BA and he will teach me how to pronounce that BAaaa - baa baaa black sheep have you any wool~~. From there I learn my first Malay pronunciation. I grew to like Malay more than English in school.
As the income for a clerk was not high, Auntie Lena worked at a restaurant in the morning to make ends meet. She has a son, Colin and she became guardians for my another cousin, Kok Wai and I. So I grew up with two brothers - forgive my manners and graces if they are rated zero.
At times, I suspect that the money is not enough - Auntie Lena will always lament to say that her legs are pain due to constantly standing in the restaurant and how she has exhausted herself just to make more money for the family. Sometimes the family will also have heated arguments about money but as I was young and could not understand, I seldom participate.
I planted a seed in my mind at that time - I want to make a lot of money.
Lesson 3: No money = arguments
When I am older, Auntie Lena slowly taught me to manage my money. She will give me daily allowance so I can buy food in school. Then slowly, weekly allowance and then monthly allowance. Most of the time, I will finish spending the money by mid of the month. I am in the spender quadrant.
"Save your money," Auntie Lena always shouted. "Jimatlah wang untuk masa depan," at school we learn. Yet, my nature - a spender - heard no words such as save or jimat.
Then, in school, my friends and I will talk among ourselves. We were convinced that if you open up your palm, hold your fingers together and bend outwards and if the gap in between your index and middle fingers is big, then you are unlikely to preserve money because money flows through that hole. That very gap in my palm is a big one. Confirmed spender!
Lesson 4: Understanding myself - spender (or now, we always call ourselves the freaking spenders!)
Auntie Lena's words were strong on me....
When you are a committee member in any organizations, NEVER hold the position of a treasurer. If money is lost - how are you going to make up for it?
At school, I have a few rich schoolmates. They have drivers to fetch them to school and I was very close to two - always with them and at times take free rides in their luxury cars.
Auntie Lena will warn, "Don't be so close with them... if one day they have missing money, they will blame you."
Lesson 5: DO NOT associate with money and rich people
All the time we will have the age-old advice - Study hard, get good grades and then get a good job so you make more money. Uncle Phillip has nieces and nephews who are engineers, lawyers and doctor, Chew family has none. Auntie Lena will cry to say we will not be successful.
Lesson 6: Higher position - more money, more success
It was in college that I encountered the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and it took me almost 5 years to change my mindset about money. The more Robert Kiyosaki's books I read, the more I confirm that the lessons I have learnt about money so far are all not true.
I have read, attended classes, read more books and all theory was set in me. I took the first bold step to act instead of just passively learn about money. In 2004, I started investing in shares and learn about shares investment. Then I sold all my shares to buy my first property.
As I bought the property and announced it at family dinner - true enough negative comments poured in. It was already anticipated as Robert Kiyosaki mentioned that free advice is the most dangerous advice.
I still remember very clearly my 4th uncle said that so many people had bad experience with tenants, tenants will spoil the house and you will never get the rental on time. I refuted to say I will still buy this house and confident that what I have learnt will help me manage better.
I have read Azizi Ali's books, attended his classes and get to know about being Millionaire Landlord (one of his book titles). My 4th uncle still claim victory by saying, "GO ahead and try... you will see! You will definitely fail..."
Since I bought the first property in 2006, I only had ONE tenant who is now entering the third year of our rental agreement. Sirilah Raman, an Indian lady cleans the house and takes care of it really very well. She will bank in rental before 28th of every month because RM50 discount is given if you pay rental before 1st of every month - all except one month she was late because she was hospitalized.
Sometimes when I pay maintenance fees for the apartment, I will also pay her water bill. She will also pay my Indah Water bills which I was supposed to pay. We are friends on facebook and we can beer together at times.
My second property, though the tenant did not normally pay on time but he did not owe rental more than 2 months. I will gain extra RM50 per month for his late payments anyway.
First IMPORTANT lesson: DO NOT listen to someone who have not tried doing the things you want to do
As I wanted to buy my third property, my Dad will caution that I am going to fast in investing properties. Too fast? I only have 2 apartments in 3 years! Too fast?
Naturally, I think you will know what I do - ignore mode: ON. I took me some time to think that it is alright to sometimes not listen to elders. You know our culture, we always listen to the elders - what they say is always right. But not in the case of money.
My mom on the other hand, is a risk taker. She is a businesswoman so she will be attempting and trying businesses. My step sister grew up with her and mom already start "grooming" her business skills by encouraging her join a multi-level marketing business at age of 18. My mom then allow her to fully manage the reflexology center that she owns. My third apartment, my mom puts under my sister's name - further teaching her property investment. I really want to see my sister learn the path of street smart, risk taking ways and be smart with money. She must really appreciate what my mom is doing.
Second IMPORTANT lesson: It is OK and ALRIGHT to take risks at times. Only two things can happen when you take risks - you success or you learn.
I figured that in all investments, knowledge is utmost important. I have chosen my vehicle to build my finances - property so I have learnt all the ABC about buying in auctions, renting out and manage as a landlord, refinancing to get money out for more investments.... (not that I am boasting about learning all - I said I learnt all the ABC but not the XYZ yet). There are more to learn.
I attended Millionaire Mind Intensive(MMI) for 2 consecutive years and T. Harv Eker has taught me the most important lessons about money. It really has uprooted all my negativities about money and look at money in a larger scale.
If I have not developed the love of education and learning, I will not be where I am today. I still remember attending free previews and looking at RM5xxx to RM20xxx price tags for courses but I learnt many things from free previews alone. I attended many free previews even as a student in college.
Subsequently, I attended RMxxx courses and this year I attended RMx,xxx courses till I spent more than half my annual salary for courses alone.
Lesson 3: Learning is Important - CHOOSE the course you want to learn and have specialized knowledge in that topic before investing
( would also add that - shun those courses which may not climb you the ladder of your goal - FOCUS on the subject you want - I figured that I spent too much money and in the end did not focus so this year my focus was on marketing and internet marketing )
Surprisingly, this year I fell into the trap of credit cards. I have cut all cards except one. I have over swiped on my card with RM7,000 in red but just adjusted to RM5,000, had another RM7,800 in education debts (took the Napoleon Hill certified trainer course) and finishing my car loan - another RM1,200 but sent my car to repair - a huge sum of RM5,000.
My target is to have zero bad debts by the end of 2009. Yet, bad debts is what I got. So the Law of Attraction says - you will attract everything you think of whether you want it or not. You bet what I will write in my resolution for year 2010. :)
I still have cash in my financial freedom account which I planned to only spend for investments. However, I guess this year I should finish 2009 with a clean sheet. I do not need to worry about money. Money will come and I will completely erase all bad debts by 23rd December 2009, I am very sure of that.
I will start 2010 with a new fresh year with positive financial statement.
Lesson 4: DISCIPLINE is utmost important in keeping the finance in strong state. CONSISTENCY is the brother, PERSISTENCY is the sister... :)
Saturday, November 7, 2009
My Definite Major Purpose
I have found my purpose in life. According to Dr. Napoleon Hill in his Science of Success first published in 1920s, he said that 98% of the people in this world has no directions and no purpose in life. They are the drifters - me included! Drifting without an aim and not knowing what to do in their life.
It took me a lot of time to reflect why I lead the life I have, the lifestyle of the busy, the many organisations I joined and many many many community services which I have served. My aunt was my motivation - she cried and said none of our Chew family will be successful. I think in my generation, when I graduated with honors, I was the only one then to achieve this. My cousin, Kok Foong actually got first class honors from UUM and that actually motivated me to be successful further. Chew family CAN be SUCCESSFUL.
2006 - brought home the Selangor Youth Award, 2008 - the Great Women of Our Time award. My aunt cried to my success! My "dream" or goal or aim has been achieved - that was after 15 years.
So.... what's next? My next dream... being a trainer! A dream started when I first follow my Dad to his trainings. Dad trains MLM members to sell chinese medicines. He is a Chinese Physician and his training was great, clear, concise and always receive ovation. Eventually, in school, I train first aid - following his style - clear, concise, unique to my own and always have humor... and always receive ovation. I have always wanted to be a trainer but I did not have intention to do it until I achieved my first major goal.
It was really God-sent when I met Anas Zubedy - seeking his advice on marketing when I was writing my book. The initial intention of getting marketing ideas and help grew to became a mentor, an idol, a publisher, a writer, an editor (his sister).... He mentioned that I should write what I want to do in my book.
What I want to do? Yeah... what? What I want in life, I know exactly - but what I want to do? Hey, Chew Hoong Ling can't answer this!!
Then 2 weeks later, I started class at the Napoleon Hill Associates certified trainer course. The first chapter was Definite Major Purpose (DMP). Again, what do I want to be and do?
It took me another month to come out with my DMP, write it down concisely and only early this week I have reviewed and refined it.
I figured that I have passion in training, emceeing and speaking - in short I am good at using my mouth la.... I think I'm a good kisser also, want to try? I have passion when speaking to people - I did it many times, my points are always attention capturing. I was the only Chinese lady being invited to speak in Bicara Siswa talk show twice. I can make audience awake. I love to emcee because I get to attend seminars, conferences, meet new people and even get paid for it! My scripts are often well-researched and I really have the ability to connect with audiences. Training - I only done that in school but often being the best first aid trainer in school.
My voice is powerful though a bit rough for a lady. Things happen for a reason. Voice rough due to constant shouts foot drill commands in school for 4 years! I still remember this - I was shouting one day when 2 traffic police passed by the church compound (where we were training foot drill). My Dad has taught me using my stomach energy as he also teaches singing, so I wont strain my throat for shouting for a whole month training for competition.
The 2 policemen looked at me as they rode along the road and the whole team was so worried. "sei lor sei lor (die lor die lor...) Hoong Ling.. the police looking at you," they said. They went off our sights so we continued - I shouted the commands... To our surprise, the policemen turned back and rode their bikes to the church compound. They off the engines and "Apa nih?" one of them asked. The brave Hoong Ling always just tell the truth. My friends were like shivering and I was calm - I have done nothing wrong, what to scared about?
"Ada latihan kawad kaki..." I looked that he has two stripes on his arm and finished the sentence.. "...Korporal" He nodded... his sunglasses covered his eyes and the helmet covered his head so I can't see him clearly. He turned his bike towards the exit and as he left "You punya suara bagus ha!" I smiled. Many guys cannot match my voice for giving commands in foot drill as well. I will get at least 9/10 points if not full mark for "ketua" category in our foot drill markings. My voice is not those loud, ear-piercing lady's voice. Is a unique tone with bass, clear loudness and very concise pronunciation. Even teachers in school were my fans! I am not joking! Ask my friends...
When our trainers asked that we focus on first aid and home nursing, not to focus on marching (foot drill), I refused to listen. According to the trainers, no teams in Teluk Intan can win the marching competition at state level competitions. It was like 10 years ago since winning a prize and trainers said that members in Ipoh were trained by army so they are always much better. I refused to listen because marching was my passion and shouting was my natural ability - the effects of watching army movies and armies during Merdeka parades... :) That year we took home the third placing in marching... doubly :)
So... since I have passion in using my voice, why not develop my goals towards that. This year, towards the 4th quarter I have emceed at least an event a month, mostly on "ang pau" basis but most of them gave big amounts so I should tag my price soon.
OK.... my definite major purpose. Dr. Napoleon Hill said that we should not announce it publicly for people who do not understand us will surely ridicule us and trying to bring us down. I am sure readers of Hoong Ling's blog are not that mean.
My DMP is to be an inspiration to others and continuously create positive spill-over effects in things I do.
Upcoming..... my resolution 2010... yes, I have prepared it in mind - is time to write down soon.
It took me a lot of time to reflect why I lead the life I have, the lifestyle of the busy, the many organisations I joined and many many many community services which I have served. My aunt was my motivation - she cried and said none of our Chew family will be successful. I think in my generation, when I graduated with honors, I was the only one then to achieve this. My cousin, Kok Foong actually got first class honors from UUM and that actually motivated me to be successful further. Chew family CAN be SUCCESSFUL.
2006 - brought home the Selangor Youth Award, 2008 - the Great Women of Our Time award. My aunt cried to my success! My "dream" or goal or aim has been achieved - that was after 15 years.
So.... what's next? My next dream... being a trainer! A dream started when I first follow my Dad to his trainings. Dad trains MLM members to sell chinese medicines. He is a Chinese Physician and his training was great, clear, concise and always receive ovation. Eventually, in school, I train first aid - following his style - clear, concise, unique to my own and always have humor... and always receive ovation. I have always wanted to be a trainer but I did not have intention to do it until I achieved my first major goal.
It was really God-sent when I met Anas Zubedy - seeking his advice on marketing when I was writing my book. The initial intention of getting marketing ideas and help grew to became a mentor, an idol, a publisher, a writer, an editor (his sister).... He mentioned that I should write what I want to do in my book.
What I want to do? Yeah... what? What I want in life, I know exactly - but what I want to do? Hey, Chew Hoong Ling can't answer this!!
Then 2 weeks later, I started class at the Napoleon Hill Associates certified trainer course. The first chapter was Definite Major Purpose (DMP). Again, what do I want to be and do?
It took me another month to come out with my DMP, write it down concisely and only early this week I have reviewed and refined it.
I figured that I have passion in training, emceeing and speaking - in short I am good at using my mouth la.... I think I'm a good kisser also, want to try? I have passion when speaking to people - I did it many times, my points are always attention capturing. I was the only Chinese lady being invited to speak in Bicara Siswa talk show twice. I can make audience awake. I love to emcee because I get to attend seminars, conferences, meet new people and even get paid for it! My scripts are often well-researched and I really have the ability to connect with audiences. Training - I only done that in school but often being the best first aid trainer in school.
My voice is powerful though a bit rough for a lady. Things happen for a reason. Voice rough due to constant shouts foot drill commands in school for 4 years! I still remember this - I was shouting one day when 2 traffic police passed by the church compound (where we were training foot drill). My Dad has taught me using my stomach energy as he also teaches singing, so I wont strain my throat for shouting for a whole month training for competition.
The 2 policemen looked at me as they rode along the road and the whole team was so worried. "sei lor sei lor (die lor die lor...) Hoong Ling.. the police looking at you," they said. They went off our sights so we continued - I shouted the commands... To our surprise, the policemen turned back and rode their bikes to the church compound. They off the engines and "Apa nih?" one of them asked. The brave Hoong Ling always just tell the truth. My friends were like shivering and I was calm - I have done nothing wrong, what to scared about?
"Ada latihan kawad kaki..." I looked that he has two stripes on his arm and finished the sentence.. "...Korporal" He nodded... his sunglasses covered his eyes and the helmet covered his head so I can't see him clearly. He turned his bike towards the exit and as he left "You punya suara bagus ha!" I smiled. Many guys cannot match my voice for giving commands in foot drill as well. I will get at least 9/10 points if not full mark for "ketua" category in our foot drill markings. My voice is not those loud, ear-piercing lady's voice. Is a unique tone with bass, clear loudness and very concise pronunciation. Even teachers in school were my fans! I am not joking! Ask my friends...
When our trainers asked that we focus on first aid and home nursing, not to focus on marching (foot drill), I refused to listen. According to the trainers, no teams in Teluk Intan can win the marching competition at state level competitions. It was like 10 years ago since winning a prize and trainers said that members in Ipoh were trained by army so they are always much better. I refused to listen because marching was my passion and shouting was my natural ability - the effects of watching army movies and armies during Merdeka parades... :) That year we took home the third placing in marching... doubly :)
So... since I have passion in using my voice, why not develop my goals towards that. This year, towards the 4th quarter I have emceed at least an event a month, mostly on "ang pau" basis but most of them gave big amounts so I should tag my price soon.
OK.... my definite major purpose. Dr. Napoleon Hill said that we should not announce it publicly for people who do not understand us will surely ridicule us and trying to bring us down. I am sure readers of Hoong Ling's blog are not that mean.
My DMP is to be an inspiration to others and continuously create positive spill-over effects in things I do.
Upcoming..... my resolution 2010... yes, I have prepared it in mind - is time to write down soon.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Tracking my Resolutions
1. Stop everything, DO NOT start new NGOs and focus on XeerSoft + Pandan Service Centre.
My target to reach RM500,000 in sales and this will be my main focus for year 2009!
Mentioned in November, stopped everything including Pandan Service Centre. Currently made 50% more sales than last year but by end of the year the number will be doubling our sales last year. Talking about economy slow down? What slow down?
2. Focus on organ donation awareness (my nature just cannot stop me from doing community service - I know it. So, if I were to do any community service at all, my focus will be on organ donation awareness)
Yes, really did this! And my focus on organ donation - being interviewed in various news, magazines, radio and even Bernama TV. Many wrote in to request organ donation forms. I hope they signed the pledge.
3. Reflections - recollect myself and know myself better.
NEVER in my life I have reflected so much this year. More reflection posts to come.
Reflections on finance, relationships, health.... stay tuned.
4. Relax - give time to myself for meditation, relax with my place of peace and enjoy with friends and family.
I really have time to relax, doing meditation like 2-3 times a week now.
5. Rejuvenate - housekeeping, room "renovation", house "re-decoration", makeover of my place of peace and wardrobe change-over.
Did redecorated my house, made over the living room - even with a self-made mini BAR TABLE!! Room also redecorated. Previous blogs labeled "Resolutions" should have updated about this.
6. Finance:
I have NEVER run before!!! Ask any of my schoolmates, chances are they tell you I can march (foot drill) but never good in sports although popularity puts me as sports team leader.
So.... everything done and I am satisfied with 2009 apart from the finance part. Must have a strong, number ONE resolution on finance for 2010!!!
My target to reach RM500,000 in sales and this will be my main focus for year 2009!
Mentioned in November, stopped everything including Pandan Service Centre. Currently made 50% more sales than last year but by end of the year the number will be doubling our sales last year. Talking about economy slow down? What slow down?
2. Focus on organ donation awareness (my nature just cannot stop me from doing community service - I know it. So, if I were to do any community service at all, my focus will be on organ donation awareness)
Yes, really did this! And my focus on organ donation - being interviewed in various news, magazines, radio and even Bernama TV. Many wrote in to request organ donation forms. I hope they signed the pledge.
3. Reflections - recollect myself and know myself better.
NEVER in my life I have reflected so much this year. More reflection posts to come.
Reflections on finance, relationships, health.... stay tuned.
4. Relax - give time to myself for meditation, relax with my place of peace and enjoy with friends and family.
I really have time to relax, doing meditation like 2-3 times a week now.
5. Rejuvenate - housekeeping, room "renovation", house "re-decoration", makeover of my place of peace and wardrobe change-over.
Did redecorated my house, made over the living room - even with a self-made mini BAR TABLE!! Room also redecorated. Previous blogs labeled "Resolutions" should have updated about this.
6. Finance:
- Target to reach at least 5 rental properties by end of year 2009 means I must acquire at least 3 properties from now on. Minimum annual returns of 10% and minimum passive income of RM800/month
- Save at least RM1,500/month - no more super dinner/ karaoke outside!
- Control my finances according to my budget
- Self discipline and have records for whole year for my accounts
- ZERO bad debts at end of the year 2009
7. Health:
- Take moderate foods and take care of my health
- Exercise - Jog every other morning as planned
- Participate in at least one walkathon or marathon
I have NEVER run before!!! Ask any of my schoolmates, chances are they tell you I can march (foot drill) but never good in sports although popularity puts me as sports team leader.
8. Relationship:
- To spend time with my family more often - have at least 2 karaoke or social outings among family members
- To spend time with my Dad - cook special meal for him once a month (so I can also test more recipes!), take him out for special dinner once a month
- To spend time with my friends - join ALL outings planned by my close friends and not be labeled the "busiest" person ever anymore
So.... everything done and I am satisfied with 2009 apart from the finance part. Must have a strong, number ONE resolution on finance for 2010!!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Reflections: Why I Serve Others?
I think I did deep reflections on why I serve others more than taking care of myself. I always wonder why people say that "If you do not know how to love yourself, you will not be able to love others." For me, I thought serving others means loving them. I love others therefore I serve. Yet, I knew that I did not love myself enough - I had no time for myself, no health, no money (or little money), no life. But I still can serve and I thought that I loved people much therefore I serve much. I thought that - if you cant do A, then you won't be able to do B - so if I can do B, then A will handle itself!
It was only this year that I discovered that I have not really loved myself enough for the past 29 years. Serving others seem to be an alternative for me to express love, fear, gain freedom and even recognition. Dr. Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich mentioned that there are 10 basic motives of human.
Her words coupled with strong emotions at that time has planted a seed in my mind. "I want to see cry again but this time it will be because we are successful," I told myself.
So let me rectify things and slowly turn into, hopefully, a better person. I appreciate that I am still breathing for me to rectify my life, that I have met my editor Mahani Zubedy for digging me out, appreciate a lot for being able to do what I want to do - writing a book and having the strengths to continue on things I am doing.
No words can be enough to explain thoroughly why I serve but sufficient to have 2 main reasons.
It was only this year that I discovered that I have not really loved myself enough for the past 29 years. Serving others seem to be an alternative for me to express love, fear, gain freedom and even recognition. Dr. Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich mentioned that there are 10 basic motives of human.
The main reason why I serve others was because I came from a broken family - I figured. Having a pair of divorced parents and a strict disciplinarian aunt as my guardian. I figured that I have to seek externally for love. Having good friends and teachers around me was great and their opinions were seek first before I do anything. At home, no one I can talk to regarding my personal problems. My family wanted me to focus on my studies so if I can talk about studies, then it is a conversation. Other than that, I seek opinions from friends and teachers.All in all, 9th basic motive - desire for self-expression and recognition has made much sense in my life.
- desire for self-preservation
- emotion of love
- emotion of fear
- emotion of sex
- desire for life after death
- desire for freedom of body and mind
- desire for revenge
- emotion of hate
- desire for self-expression and recognition
- desire for material gain
- This explains my extrovert nature because I seek externally rather than internally.
- This explains my very unique behaviours, talkative nature and always naughty - I wanted to express and those are ways to do it and I wanted the recognition. 9th basic motive.
- This explains why I always love to be outside rather than at home - but this year I have stayed home more than any years before this. I redecorated my living room and bedroom with the main purpose to stay home more.
- This also explain why I needed words of reaffirmations most of the time and easily influenced by others. I also needed approvals by others. I can tell myself I can do it hundreds of times before I believe I really can do it but it takes only 2-3 people to say that I can do it and I start believing it's true.
- This explains my nature to argue and finds arguments an art - again 9th basic motive - I want to express, recognized and feel cool to win an argument. At times it was just because I wanted to win. I believe this year I have toned down a lot.
Her words coupled with strong emotions at that time has planted a seed in my mind. "I want to see cry again but this time it will be because we are successful," I told myself.
- This explains why I tried to gain positions in many many organizations - and I really proved myself worthy of those positions, not just holding on to them. Positions which I think I could not contribute - I resign very soon.
- This explains why I love recognitions - 2006 Selangor Youth Award, 2008 Great Women of Our Time Award - both these awards, when brought to my aunt, she cried with joy in her eyes. I DID IT!
- This explains why I want to do things in proper ways - I figured successful people always do things the "right" way - which also explains my kiasi (afraid to die) and kiasu (afraid to lose). I can't fail - I must be successful to prove it to my aunt.
- This explains why I seek knowledge - successful people are always very knowledgeable. My highly inquisitive mind makes me learn and learn and learn and never tired of it. This year I have spent close to RM10,000 just to attend courses.
- This explains why I always seek perfections - which has put a lot of pressure and stress to myself till I learnt to relax and understand is OK to be imperfect. We are human anyway.
- This also explains why I serve people - it is because successful people will serve people. In fact, again and again people say "Once I am successful, I will serve others." "Now is not the time yet, I must be successful before serving." "I want to make money first then only join all these NGOs" - so if I can serve, it could be a sense of achievement as if I am already successful.
- I wanted to save a life even if a person not a family member (seeking love externally) because I really love a human kind, not just because he or she is a family member. I thought that if I can love others enough, I will gain love myself
- I deeply feel for the little girl and wanted to give her a lease of life
- Self-expression -I wanted to express my opinions about organ donation and spread the words so more people will pledge organs, and walking the talk is surely a way to do it
- I have never expected the news became a hit with multiple newspaper report, magazines interviews and various media - these "recognitions" has encouraged me to further push organ donation awareness campaigns.
So let me rectify things and slowly turn into, hopefully, a better person. I appreciate that I am still breathing for me to rectify my life, that I have met my editor Mahani Zubedy for digging me out, appreciate a lot for being able to do what I want to do - writing a book and having the strengths to continue on things I am doing.
No words can be enough to explain thoroughly why I serve but sufficient to have 2 main reasons.
Relax, Rejuvenate and Reflections
My resolution this year was to relax, rejuvenate and to reflect - the 3 Rs!
I have been working too hard - for company and the community. Yes, I think I have. The peak was having more than 12 memberships and positions in various community service projects. Major ones include St. John Ambulance Malaysia, Malaysia National Youth Association, Rukun Tetangga in my housing area which I founded, Welfare council of Pandan parliament and various others.
This year, I planned to stop joining more Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Before the major operation I had to part with 60% of my liver to save a child's life, I resigned from almost half of the number of organisations I joined. It gave me lease of life when I felt like a heavy load was removed from my shoulders.
All these while, I carried the sense of responsibility on my shoulders and highest respect to the motto "Service Above Self". Somehow, I have the opinion that if I work extra hard, I will get extra success. But the extra was stress, never have time for myself and family and many times, no money, too because most of the time I spent out of pockets for the community. Well, I do enjoy serving and everytime a successful event was done, all sacrifices seem to pay off. It was fulfilling, rewarding and giving purpose in my life.
I will be back home late nights, my Dad will be out working - he works as a musician at night. By the time I woke up to get to work, my Dad was still sleeping. Day in and day out, even weekends were like that. This routine has not been good for my family relationship. I figure out that I must do something so the resolution to relax, rejuvenate and reflect.
I want to relax - free from worries and senses - sense of responsibility, sense of ownership - each time I feel the organisation is mine I worked my butts off, sense of giving to others - why not give to myself because if I do not know how to love myself how will I love others?
I want to rejuvenate - my shoulders stiffed, my back pain - all these must be treated. I want to exercise and gain back my health. I have low blood pressure, slightly high cholesterol.
I want to reflect - why am I doing these all these while? Why do I care so much for the community, why my service and hearts were put in the community but not myself first? Why am I willing to spend my own money and my most precious time for the community and yet not paid? Why do I have such passion? What do I really want? What should I do next?
I know that I needed to a break. I need to relax myself and spend more time on myself and my Dad and my family as well. My closest cousin stays less than 5km away from my house yet we met only on Chinese New Year at hometown in Teluk Intan. I want to rectify things.
This year I really kept to my resolution. Yes, I did relax, rejuvenate and reflect. Many things changed in my life this year and I am very happy with it. I will soon post all my reflections on different topics in life.
One great thing that I ever thought will help too much in my reflections - writing a book on my liver donation journey. I never thought writing a book will bring me out. Yes, bring myself out and also think and reflect. I have written my book describing the journey yet my editor, Kak Mahani Zubedy wanted to dig inside me. She will ask question like WHY do I avoid reality because certain parts of the book mentioned that. She will ask WHY do I think that the Lee family spent money on my medical tests and that being the reason I can't decline the transplant at first.
All her questions let me think as I rewrite the book now. I needed to think deep, bring myself out in order to answer those questions. I believe this book is not just a journey to save An Qi, but a journey to save myself - by understanding myself better, knowing myself better and of course to love myself more.
I will soon post discoveries of myself. :)
I have been working too hard - for company and the community. Yes, I think I have. The peak was having more than 12 memberships and positions in various community service projects. Major ones include St. John Ambulance Malaysia, Malaysia National Youth Association, Rukun Tetangga in my housing area which I founded, Welfare council of Pandan parliament and various others.
This year, I planned to stop joining more Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Before the major operation I had to part with 60% of my liver to save a child's life, I resigned from almost half of the number of organisations I joined. It gave me lease of life when I felt like a heavy load was removed from my shoulders.
All these while, I carried the sense of responsibility on my shoulders and highest respect to the motto "Service Above Self". Somehow, I have the opinion that if I work extra hard, I will get extra success. But the extra was stress, never have time for myself and family and many times, no money, too because most of the time I spent out of pockets for the community. Well, I do enjoy serving and everytime a successful event was done, all sacrifices seem to pay off. It was fulfilling, rewarding and giving purpose in my life.
I will be back home late nights, my Dad will be out working - he works as a musician at night. By the time I woke up to get to work, my Dad was still sleeping. Day in and day out, even weekends were like that. This routine has not been good for my family relationship. I figure out that I must do something so the resolution to relax, rejuvenate and reflect.
I want to relax - free from worries and senses - sense of responsibility, sense of ownership - each time I feel the organisation is mine I worked my butts off, sense of giving to others - why not give to myself because if I do not know how to love myself how will I love others?
I want to rejuvenate - my shoulders stiffed, my back pain - all these must be treated. I want to exercise and gain back my health. I have low blood pressure, slightly high cholesterol.
I want to reflect - why am I doing these all these while? Why do I care so much for the community, why my service and hearts were put in the community but not myself first? Why am I willing to spend my own money and my most precious time for the community and yet not paid? Why do I have such passion? What do I really want? What should I do next?
I know that I needed to a break. I need to relax myself and spend more time on myself and my Dad and my family as well. My closest cousin stays less than 5km away from my house yet we met only on Chinese New Year at hometown in Teluk Intan. I want to rectify things.
This year I really kept to my resolution. Yes, I did relax, rejuvenate and reflect. Many things changed in my life this year and I am very happy with it. I will soon post all my reflections on different topics in life.
One great thing that I ever thought will help too much in my reflections - writing a book on my liver donation journey. I never thought writing a book will bring me out. Yes, bring myself out and also think and reflect. I have written my book describing the journey yet my editor, Kak Mahani Zubedy wanted to dig inside me. She will ask question like WHY do I avoid reality because certain parts of the book mentioned that. She will ask WHY do I think that the Lee family spent money on my medical tests and that being the reason I can't decline the transplant at first.
All her questions let me think as I rewrite the book now. I needed to think deep, bring myself out in order to answer those questions. I believe this book is not just a journey to save An Qi, but a journey to save myself - by understanding myself better, knowing myself better and of course to love myself more.
I will soon post discoveries of myself. :)
Monday, October 26, 2009
My November Calendar Looks Like This
My November calendar looks like this. I have updated my live calendar at my website, click Hoong Ling's calendar. It is easier for my friends to make arrangements for gatherings, dinners or any get-togethers. Yes, my website has now spotted a new look! Do have a visit.
Apart from DAILY morning and night activities I have set to discipline myself, I have weekend activities, mostly classes; flying to Jakarta for a wedding dinner and a half-marathon at Penang bridge to go. DAILY activities including morning exercise, study and learning, meditation, concentration exercises, book writing (yes, still writing), daily appreciation and financial records. WEEKLY activities I have set aside time for friends and family members, too but November month will miss those as my schedule is full! Luckily I have made up the "loss" of opportunities with family by cooking for them for few weeks now.
Agreeing to the half marathon on 22nd November 2009 was the deadliest - return tickets to Penang booked, marathon registered, hotel booked. All these, forgetting 21st November is the reunion dinner on board Fuji Maru for alumni of South East Asian Youths Program (SSEAYP) - gotta miss it! Alas, 23rd-26th November will be having youth camp under the Napoleon Hill Associates, too.
Interesting November and I am looking forward for it.
I demand of myself consistency and discipline to follow whatever that has been planned. I will do it and I MUST DO IT.
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