“How many 10 years do you have in your life?” that’s a famous quote by a nothing-to-lose character from a Hong Kong series that many adore recently…
Indeed, the answer is only too obvious to each and every one of us. 10 years of anyone’s life is pricelessly substantial.
Something important happened in my life 10 years ago today, I was called (admitted) to the Malaysian Bar in front of my family and friends. I can still remember going to the Hospital thereafter in my full attire to share my joy and happiness with my Grandfather who only very recently passed away to a better place.
Also coincidentally, I was actually with my mover (who moves my call) this morning just like that faithful morning 10 years ago…
YES, I have just completed my 10th year as a practising lawyer.
In the process, I have also become a Husband (to my lovely wife, Joanne) and a “multitasking” Entrepreneur that enjoy the whole spectrum of role diversity that include interestingly, main Actor in a 30 seconds TV Commercial, Publicist that planned out the new product launches above the line, multilingual Emcee for live events and activities locally and overseas, Music Author that collect royalty from time to time, Copywriter that do creative scripts and video concepts, invited Speaker on technical and non-technical themes in different languages, Columnist in newspapers and magazines in different languages (again), Director of organisation of international stature, Strategist to certain dot coms, Developer of certain important business award of recognition and to most recently a Radio Deejay commenting on current affairs and very soon football (bring it on, Bafana-Bafana) in Mandarin!
In these Three Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Something days (mostly as a lawyer), I have learned some valuable lessons that continued to serve me moving forward, here are the 1st 10 that comes to my mind:
1. No promise without DELIVERY
Keep to your words. You are only as good your last gig!
Exceed expectation or over deliver is only a desire, you must learn to meet it to the dot first!
2. You can lose a battle, but WIN the WAR
Never lose sight of your target, remember why you are in the war in the first place!
Losing is part of the award winning strategy.
Sometimes, the best way forward is to take a step back. You can see your target clearer and start moving again. Remember, VISION needs distance!
3. Mistake is only made TWICE
Mistake made the first time is the best learning opportunity.
Do not expect different result by doing the same thing again and again – it’s insanity!
You can make mistake but you are NEVER a mistake.
4. GIVE before you take
Be the CHANGE that you want to see in the World – For things to change, I must change FIRST! That’s the easiest.
When you give other a chance; you are actually giving one to yourself!
Enjoy the surprises when you have no expectation. I called it “Miracles”.
5. Recognise your LIMITS and work on it!
If there is no end, there can be no beginning.
“Mortality made everything more beautiful” said Achilles.
Do it while you can; there is time for everything!
6. If there is only so much thing you can do, DO IT then!
Work within your resources and so be it.
The worst failure of all is not trying. In fact, you can never try – you either do it or you don’t!
7. When you cannot do justice to yourself, you cannot do justice to other!
You can only help others to the extent that you know how to ask for the same help yourself.
Love yourself FIRST.
8. There is no need to win the WORLD, you only need to win your FANS!
You are like a magnet; you attract those with the right magnetic field. Serve them well, in fact pamper them if you can.
Never burn bridges; never close a door!
9. There is never 100%, ACT as soon as you can and deal with it as it comes!
Adjust along the way; your driving everyday is a great reminder of this message.
There is never a straight line; as long as you reach the destination.
10. COMPLETE what you have started!
In fact, start with the end in mind! This made completing it easier.
Trust me, you will never know until the finish line.
What NOW? It’s time to start making some babies! I have a lot to tell them!
Chris Tan aka “The Green Sugar Merchant”
28 April 2010
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