Do you truly want to be successful? November 30, 2009

I recently attended a 2 day Internet Marketing seminar in the City with my close buddy. Initially I was very pessimistic and doubtful about the Quality of the information, presenters and the learning I would receive from this ‘free’ seminar. I even wanted to pull out from it last minute, until my buddy offered to drive me to the event.

I was actually blown away from it and I even invested in a $3000 Online Coaching course! This seminar also opened my eyes to the possibilities of doing business via the Internet like never before. It has also made me a few new friends and opened a few doors for future networking. Have you ever experienced a situation in your life (similar to mine) where you thought it would end up bad but it turned out for the better, plus it became an impetus that changed the course of your life?

It reminds me of the saying…’If you want a different result…try doing something different’. We all are fearful and unsure of anything new, risky, untested, uncommon and unknown. That is why less than 1% of all population in any country have truly tasted REAL SUCCESS! (and at times real failure as well). Think of it this way, there can only be 1 Tiger Woods, 1 Mother Theresa, 1 Billy Graham, 1 Martin Luther King Jr., 1 Suu Kyi, 1 Nelson Mandela, 1 Gandhi, 1 Obama, 1 U2 and 1 Oprah. What makes them stand out from the crowd to become an Icon in their field?

I’d like to say that with all their individual strengths, they all also shared a common thread; they all had a Heart to Believe and the Resilience to Go Against the Flow!

I believe 2010 will be a Defining Year in my life…Why? It’s because I have a DREAM and the DRIVE within me to become ALL that I am intended to be! The only person stopping me right now is the one facing me every morning in the mirror. If you don’t believe me…try it…

Exercise: Think about a Hairy Audacious Goal (or Dream) that you are “fearful” to achieve…

Answer: For some, it’s to Quit their Job, for others it’s to start a Business, yet for some it would be to go back to do an MBA or a PhD…and yet for others is to challenge their Fear over Something or Someone.

Challenge: Will you give yourself the authority to LIVE OUT this Goal (Dream) and be Free to decide your Destiny without anyone (including yourself) stopping you?

Forget about the planning and the step by step process for a moment. You will find yourself rationalizing…if you don’t make a decision today. Do you truly want to be successful? I challenge you to say YES!!!…try it and I guarantee you…2010 and beyond…will never be the same.

 

Take one more step…contact Coach Mel today…for a Free 20mins Coaching Skype Call and he will work with you to take a step forward >> to Live Your Dream! Go to www.dvcoaching.com or write to mel@dvcoaching.com

No Time to… June 18, 2009

Do you think we are actually progressing in our modern life here on earth? Well…in my opinion…it’s a mixed yes and no…for me.

We can fly around world in a few days, buy something from e-bay and get that sent to your doorstep in X-press mail, communicate to a person with an sms in a few seconds (that includes twitter/facebook)…but then again we don’t have time to write long “hand-written” letter anymore, we can multi-task eating dinner/talking to our partner/watching t.v/feeding your child and reading a mag all at once!

We are also prone to having short-term relationships, short conversations, short answers to questions, short emails/sms (using acronyms), short memories, short tempers, short patience at the fast food joint, short church services and a whole lot more!

I came across this wonderful email and I laughed my head off…it’s a scenario if sms was available in Moses’ time…then the 10 Commandments would look something like this;

1. no1 b4 me. srsly.

2. dnt wrshp pix/idols

3. no omg’s

4. no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)

5. pos ok – ur m&d r cool

6. dnt kill ppl

7. :-X only w/ m8

8. dnt steal

9. dnt lie re: bf

10. dnt ogle ur bf’s m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.

M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl.

Did you get that? If you didn’t then perhaps you are still a Backward-techy Baby Boomer trying to understand what sms-es are all about. But seriously, apart from the good Christian message about the Laws (above)…we are all kinda stuck doing life in this very individualistic, self-absorbing, no-time-for-anything-more-than-3-minutes-world!

Imagine if God were to treat us like that…and if we wanted to ask him for a Blessing or Prayer request…He would say, “hmmm…why don’t you please take a number and queue up!”

- Selah (Rest)

Just got back from watching the new movie YEAR ONE (Jack Black)…and it was hilarious. Amidst the story and wacky comedy…was a message, “we’ve gotta find our true self in the midst of all the busyness and to make a real difference”.

As I coach people of all ages and nationalities, I begin to realize that under all the make-up and pretense (that we sometimes have to put up to protect who we really are)…there is that fragile, confused, sensitive, plain-old man and woman! Every single one “almost” identical to each other to the point we are all warm-blooded, courteous/kind, with the ability to smile and laugh…and just wanting/needing some direction, attention, love and affection.

My advice to you today…is to STOP…to take time…to make time…and live your time here on earth to the “Best” of your ability…sharing, laughing, adoring, singing, giving, affirming, forgiving, dancing, dreaming, living and loving!

No time??? Think again…please use it wisely, before it runs out.

The Best and the Beast April 16, 2009

It’s April and we are in the midst of Autumn…it is simply beautiful to watch Nature takes it course. The economic scenario bears similar resemblance…as the Southern Hemisphere gets ready for Winter, the scenario according to economists will be looking much worst.

Boosting Confidence and Throwing Government Stimulus to the Public (as in Australia) can only have a short-term effect but the longer trend will prevail. Just as Nature must take it’s course…so must the economy. Companies that have been prudent making wise, long-term decisions in good times will stand a better chance at making it to the end of this gloomy cycle. But what else can be done?

I believe a Downturn or a Personal Crisis in Life will only bring out the Best and the Beast in people! What holds true to the end is not just the accumulated wealth, skills/knowledge base or structured processes (even though I believe they do play a part)…the Key is the Strength of the Core Values that Leads to a Way of Life!

What is driving a Company? I used to work for Johnson and Johnson (ASEAN) and I remember the Strong Internal CREDO that each J&J staff must hold true at work and with all external parties. One Key Value was the Strong Appreciation of People/Staff and their Overall Growth/Welfare. I believe companies like a J&J will continue to grow and as a pivotal company way into the 21st Century. Why? They are bound by Strong Values and more importantly Live by them!

Companies that crack under pressure during this Great Recession (we’ve just seen a few with many MORE coming…like the Car Companies, Consulting Firms, Banks, etc)…have only themselves to blame! I believe their Values got “screwed-up” along the way and they forgot their real reason for existence (besides just making lotsa money).

As a Certified Professional Coach, I hold true to the Code of Ethics with the International Coach Federation (ICF). As a Born Again Christian, I hold true to all Truth from the Living Word of GOD for my life! That’s me…what about you?

What are your Values, your Credo? What do you think makes “YOU”? When things don’t seem to go the way it should be for your life and the world around you…how will you act, react, respond?

The decisions you make today according or against your true Values will make OR break your future! It’s high time to re-evaluate our lives and Values and then persevere with Passion to Live our Dream…(not others). And don’t wait till the Recession is over or when the next Bright and Sunny season comes…Begin today!

Taking Risks March 27, 2009

How does the word “Risk” sit in your mind? Too dangerous? Well, how does it make you feel? Unsure, Uncertain?

We all react differently in situations and when it comes to taking risks…some of us would shy away from it, whilst others simply thrive on it! (Risk Averse vs. Risk Taker) Have you ever wondered why this is so? I believe we are all wired differently but more importantly there is another more prevailing reason.

There is a direct correlation between the amount of Risk Taken and the amount of Return Expected. Financial Analysts will tell you that Risks = Return (Higher Risks = Higher Returns and vice versa). However…having lead a couple of businesses and lectured in Project Management, I have come to the conclusion that the key in Risk Taking is; “mastering the art of managing risks better”. It is true – Risk is not a wild animal that cannot be tamed!

In fact, making “everyday” decisions in our life involves Risks! But because these decisions are “trivial and small”…we simply don’t think about it…as it becomes second nature and routine – driving to work, cooking a meal in the kitchen, taking a shower. If you really think about it…you could possibly get injured doing any of the above 3 examples! (Did I hear a light bulb moment there?)

So what happens to us when it comes to “NON-everyday” decisions? Why do we just STOP at our tracks and become cautious…numb…and stuck? Is it Fear? Is it Not Knowing the Outcome? Is it simply a Lack of Self-Belief? Well…don’t fret; it happens to the best of us.

Let me share some quick “What-2-do Strategies” when faced with a Risky Moment or Decision Point…

• Get Relevant (More) Information
• Evaluate the What-Ifs
  
• Talk to an Expert (Others who have done it…Well)
• Stay away from Dream-Killers (in the form of Negative people, etc)
  
• Set Clear Objectives and Goals
• Check your “Action” Barriers (e.g.: a Bad Past Experience?)
• Project the End-Benefits in your Mind
  
• Get Clarity of Heart (Linked with your Passions)
  
• Believe in Yourself (and Your Ability)

Incidentally, today I bought a 1999 Saab 9-5 car…it was a Risk, especially when the whole world around me says to get a Japanese badged car which is more reliable, ya-da…ya-da…ya-da. I chose this car after much evaluation and going through the above Strategies. And now I dare say I have “peace in my mind and heart” that this is the Best Choice given my budget, needs and my love (vs. fear) of owning a Continental car.

Have you ever taken any risks in your life?

As one saying goes “If you win, you will be happy; If you lose, you will be wise. Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained.”

I challenge you today…if you are at a Crossroad of an apparent Risky/Critical Decision…be Bold and Look Risk in the Eye…and say “BRING IT ON!” (of course, please do your ground-work looking at the Strategies above).

If still uncertain, you can always call me up and I can Coach you to Believe in Yourself! (and you’ll be glad to know that I have done this many a times and have been very successfully too) ; )

Go on…take that Risk today!

Get On Your Boots February 28, 2009

No Line on the Horizon is U2’s latest studio album that was just released in Australia today. I’ve been a U2 fan since 1984 when The Joshua Tree won the Grammy for Album of the Year. It was a sad day for me as Michael Jackson (my Idol then) lost out on the award but that was also a dawning of a new day = a new revelation as I was introduced to a 4 man band (2 Catholics and 2 Protestants) from Dublin, Ireland. They were and still are an inspiration to me as their music/lyrics enthused me to begin writing songs and my love journey with the acoustic guitar.

Have you ever had a moment in your life when things looked dim and ugly (at the start) but turned out for the better later? I guess my U2 experience was something just like that, for me. In fact…every day we live can be a moment of awakening and opportunity to Dream, Live and Make the Best out of what we’ve got. I guess we’ve gotta sometimes look at a situation with eyes wide open and with a different/new perspective too!

My “new career” as a Coach has helped me realize what I truly desire to do…that is to “help ordinary people reach their potential and live extraordinarily!” We all have a choice to make…whether we live this life on the inside or get outside the borders of our comfort and complacency.

Every one of us can participate and make an impact in the life we live…if only we step out and Get on Your Boots! The 1st single from U2’s latest album celebrates our Uniqueness and the “Sound” that we make…but it will only make a relevant change in our life and the life of others, when we put on the Boots and Step OUT!

Are you waiting for something to happen or will you say yes and make it happen?

“You don’t know how beautiful you are…Let me in the sound…Meet me in the sound…Get on your boots” – Bono

90 years…and still going strong January 2, 2009

Rolihlahla was Nelson Mandela’s first name which meant, “pulling down the branch of a tree” or “trouble maker”…what a powerful name for a powerful trouble maker. I say that with much respect and admiration, for without his trouble making ways…we might not have experienced a liberated South Africa!

Now at a graceful age of 90 years, Mandela is considered a living legend and is a man that has seen many things in his long, hard fought life. He has taught us many lessons in life…Perseverance/Hope (27 years in jail), Forgiveness (still seeing the Good in others) and Living a Dream (Seeing his people set free!). Prison teaches many things to a person and for Mandela it changed his life…from a young emotional, headstrong, easily stung person to a calm, balanced and disciplined man.

And…if I were to ever live to 90, I would want to see these few things come to pass;

• China, India, Brazil leading the economy as the next superpowers (why not?)
• Communism completely eradicated (YES, YES, YES) and perhaps…
• A One World government (sharing and equalizing wealth across all people groups)

As for “my own world”…

• Australia (my chosen country to live in) become truly liberated – embracing of all cultures without prejudice
• Coaching (Life, Business, etc) be accepted and practiced across the globe and in all sectors
• The Gospel of Jesus Christ being preached to every tongue and tribe

What would be your vision…if you lived to 90?

Anyway, the story does not end with Mandela…this portion comes from a recent Time Magazine feature on his life and he shared his 8 Lessons of Leadership which I want to leave with you;

1. Courage is not the absence of fear – it’s inspiring others to move beyond it!
2. Lead from the front – but don’t leave your base behind
3. Lead from the back – and let others believe they are in front
4. Know your enemy – and learn about their favorite sport
5. Keep your friends close – and your rivals even closer
6. Appearances matter – and remember to smile
7. Nothing is Black or White*
8. Quitting is leading too

Truly, nothing is Black or White*…today we have a Newly elected Black President in the White House in the United States of America. That is groundbreaking/fantastic news and sends a truckload of positive vibes that the world is changing and “anything is possible”. We always need to challenge the norm and ask the question “why not”?

In Coaching…it is the same, with the quiver of Affirmation that Obama (and I’m sure Mandela) would ask us all to resound…it is not a No…but a Big “YES WE CAN!”

2009 will be a year of change…and 2009 will be your year to Shine if you passionately believe it with all your heart!

Global Economic Crisis… October 28, 2008

Over the last 2 months, we have seen a glimpse of the near future. And I’m not wanting to sound like a Gloom/Doom Prophet, but I believe we are heading towards a future that looks a little bleak (to say the least). Living in Australia (over the last 3 years) has been great with a minor exception now; the infamous AUD$ has dropped by 40% vs. the USD$ over this short period! Amazingly sad and simply unbelievable.

I guess the question is…“so what do we do now?”

Do we cease all we do and simply watch the daily news on the financial crisis…like a terminal patient just waiting for his/her “time”…or do we crawl into our Caves and plan for the similar Y2K scare of the past…or do we sit back and watch with fear/disbelief…have you thought about it?

The economic situation is bound to hit you sooner or later…so the more prepared you are…the better! Preparation takes time and thought…but the simplest 1st step that you can do is to “take stock” of your weekly/monthly Revenue vs. Expenses and begin taking steps/discipline to cut back! (now vs. later).

Another good step is to re-evaluate the Need vs. Want in your spending…especially with the Christmas Shopping period arriving. There are many things you can do to be more prudent (free up cash-flow, buy precious metals/gold, invest in blue chip “rock-steady” companies, rent vs. buy a house, research the historical lessons of the past, talk to a financial planner, sell unwanted items on ebay, become close friends with a banker, pray more, etc).

This Economic season is also a chance for us to think with a New Perspective…yes, be sensitive (don’t listen) to everything the News/Media bombards you with. Challenge it! I’m sure you are aware by now, that Negative Press and Doom News are always the Top News of every-day…after all, they are the Money spinners!

There is a Chinese Character for the word “CRISIS” which is a good analogy (for times like these) to help us consider how we frame things/events, we experience in our life. The 2 words that “come together” to make the word CRISES is DANGER and OPPORTUNITY. Of course, it is wrong to equate these into a simple mathematical equation but the fact of the matter is; in every Crisis…there is Danger and there are Opportunities as well!

As a Coach, I would challenge and enthuse my Clients to always think and look at life in a POSITIVE light. Research has shown that the more people look at their lives Positively and look at their Strengths (vs. Weaknesses)…their lives will abound and excel. Strengths-based Development has proven to Boost employee productivity and engagement and increase organizational performance!

In closing, what will you be thinking…feeling…trying…and doing differently in these days of Crisis, Danger and Opportunity?

It’s Time for a REVOLUTION September 1, 2008

I am currently collating my thoughts/ideas (into a framework) for my upcoming book project on Coaching + Culture. I believe this book will challenge our Perspective on life and how we view things around us…I’m just so thrilled and excited to about it!

I simply love working on little projects like this and what a better way than to launch into this New Project IN a New Season. Yes…today is the first day of Spring in Australia! Life abounds and everything is just “buzzing” with fresh enthusiasm.

Have you ever thought of doing little projects for yourself? Ever had a yearning to just do/try something different? To Paint an Oil Portrait, Write an Article, Cook Indian, Build a Cubby House, Go Back to University, Share a Meal with a Stranger, Begin to Love Again, Take a 1 year Caravan Vacation, Work Overseas?

I believe we are all called to Live Boldly/Loudly and Challenge/Explore All Boundaries…after all, we have just this ONE Life to Live! What will you want to be remembered by? Precious Seconds are clicking away. It’s time for a Revolution.

Why Revolution? Because Evolution takes too long. I believe we have allowed things to evolve around us and have become accustomed/complacent to the acceptable change that happens (slow interest rate and inflation climbs, etc). Only a Revolution can bring Change (Long/Life Lasting Change!).

Yes, we also ought to know the Motivation behind the Change and have the Perseverance/Heart to Stick to the Change. And the Change can happen from every facet of our life…how we Think, Treat Others, Share Life, Perceive, Respect, Love…etc. If everyone of us plays our part, the World would fast become a much better place to live in.

It’s Time for a REVOLUTION…will you be part of it?

Will you choose to do something “different” in/for your life…this year…this season…this month…today?

Good Morning China! August 28, 2008

The Beijing Olympics 080808 has come and gone…but what has that left behind for you? For me, many memorable & precious moments plus the feelings of pride, amazement and some deep insights.

Why Pride? Well even though I was not born in China, I come from a Chinese heritage (my ancestors were from China) who later immigrated to Malaysia for a better life. I guess that is what I’m doing for my next generation, here in Australia. I was very proud to see how the Chinese carried out such a efficiently and magnificently run Games! Every little and intricate detail was not spared. This does also reflect how everywhere you go…there is a Chinese doing business and doing it successfully!

Why Amazement? From the Specially Designed Venues (Bird’s Nest, Bubble, etc), to the Fantastic Opening / Closing ceremonies to the Warmth and Support of the Chinese spectators…I believe almost everyone who visited China (Media, Participants, Visitors) would certainly echo how well they were received and treated. It’s probably the best Games yet…in my opinion.

What Deep Insights? Hmmm…there are just too many. Here are just a few;

• Hello World…Behold Modern China!
• Welcome All “We are Open for Business”
• Size Matters (whatever you do, China can do it better and cheaper)
• Excellence is the New Black
• Trustworthy and Consistency (is Back)
• Success is Sweeter and Bountiful

How does this relate to Coaching? Just touching on one point…”Perception can be changed when a New Perspective is Envisioned“. Not too long ago, China was considered as the country that could produce Everything and Anything but there was a Big Question on its Quality and Consistency. Just look at China today…she has truly “woken up” to become a Super-Duper Power of the New Millenium. The Economic World will continue to turn because of China.

Every one of us have the same opportunity to begin our day (or week, project, season, relationship, etc) with a New Perspective. Does the sun need to shine brightly in the morning in order for us to have a good day? Where are you today concerning that?

And so…what will you say? “Good Morning (with a smile)” or Good %#!*^ Morning?????” What will your choice be today?

Winter…Spring…Summer or Fall? July 28, 2008

We are right smack into Winter now (being Southern Hemisphere) and I just feel like being lazy and simply do nothing! So tempted to crawl back into bed and stay in my PJ’s all day long. This is also a season where the sun does not come out too often and heavy dark clouds gloom with threats of possible downpour.

Funnily, the seasons remind me (so much) of how we “perceive” our daily life to be. Dull, Draggy, Stressful, Busy, Tiring, Never-ending Work…instead of Fun, Fulfilling, Wrapped with Passion & Drive and Meaningful. Imagine if ALL of us worked with that New Perspective…Our economy would see a double digit GDP growth overnight!!

If you are feeling like you are in the “middle of Winter” at work and life (home, family, friends)…it’s time to stop and take a temperature check.

Figuratively, I guess that is why some people “run away” from the Cold during Winter and into a Tropical Climate Country for a Holiday. But Objectively, that’s like a person running away from the issues of life. In reality…we must FACE Life vs. making excuses or grumbling or even denying the issues at hand. 

Ask yourself, what season would you really prefer to be in? If it were me, I would trade Winter with Spring or Summer any time. Then…

• Begin by moving your heart and mind…towards that New Season
• Visualize ALL you enjoy about that New Season! 
• Speak New Truths into your spirit…example “I will enjoy work today by positively impacting 1 Colleague today” or “I will love my family as they are, because life is short”.

It does not matter what season you are in, the situation and circumstance surrounding you cannot force you to become/experience, what you choose not to be/feel. So decide today…the choice is yours. 

Put on your Tanning Lotion and have the time of your life! ; )