Tea Time Lessons

Today, although I haven't spent much time in front of my laptop doing 'real work', I considered it time well spent. I met up with two boys from my junior college for lunch. Vincent started his own web solutions company. Willie started his own film production company. That said, Willie shared with me some stories of him starting out, the stage I see myself at right now. Then you learn from your mistakes, pick yourself up and move on. He's able to give me some good advice 'cos he's got that 3 year start before me. It's very inspiring to talk to people who are more experienced than you, and care enough to share learning lessons.

Then, I had coffee with Alex who just got back from the Himalayas. He shared that while climbing the mountains for 3-weeks, he realized the importance of having a goal in mind. On days he didn't set a goal for himself, his focus was always on his tired mind and body. He'd questioned his ability on finishing off the final miles of the day. But on days with that end in mind, he'd trek more efficiently. Plus it's always doubly sweet to reach your destination. In the trip, he reflected on his goals in life and found three. I told him I know what I want from life, but I don't have any goals.

I wouldn't set my goals to be rich, because being rich doesn't make me any happier. It's good to have money, but I'm already so happy right now. I can make money with Bryan now, spend quality time with him and my family, catch up with my friends and have full control of my day. So it doesn't make sense for me to set a goal like, "I want to make a million before I turn 30".

I'd rather set a goal like, "I want to be the best person I can be, intellectually and in terms of personality, so I can be a pillar of support to people I care about". That'll make me happy. I told him one of my goals I think I'd like to have in life is to remove people from poverty conditions. But problem is, if I have that extra $1,000 to spend, there's a higher probability that I'd either give it to my parents, or I'd go for a trip. Isn't it better to fund your parents a holiday, since they've taken such good care of you in your whole life? Maybe to some, that's selfish. But I always feel that I haven't given enough to my parents. They give to me so unconditionally and if there's anyone I'd like to take care of first, that'll be my parents. That's one of the biggest tug-of-war with myself. I thought of dedicating time to impart a skill or knowledge, so the sufferings can remove themselves from poverty conditions. But to those really in need, they're starving and are looking for their next meal. No energy for skill learning at all. So what to do?

Alex said most people have their grand ideas in the showers. But few action upon it after they dry themselves. I can sit there and ponder for all I like, but I'm still not doing what I think I'd like to be doing. So since I'd like to see myself value-adding somewhere in the world, I just emailed some non-profit organizations in Singapore to see how I can start by doing a bit first. At least, that's a start. If you can't give $1 when you've $100, what makes you think you can give a thousand when you've million? I'll start small somewhere.

{image from weheartit}