SiewKwan.com

In The Pursuit of Happiness

2009-04-15T16:17:00.001+08:00

A very good reminder for all of us .......

A Blog Posted by Singapore's Youngest Millionaire, Adam Khoo

Some of you may already know that I travel around the region pretty frequently, having to visit and conduct seminars at my offices in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Suzhou (China). I am in the airport almost every other week so I get to bump into many people who have attended my seminars or have read my books.

Recently, someone came up to me on a plane to KL and looked rather shocked. He asked, 'How come a millionaire like you is travelling economy?' My reply was, 'That's why I am a millionaire. ' He still looked pretty confused. This again confirms that greatest lie ever told about wealth (which I wrote about in my latest book 'Secrets of Self Made Millionaires' ). Many people have been brainwashed to think that millionaires have to wear Gucci, Hugo Boss, Rolex, and sit on first class in air travel. This is why so many people never become rich because the moment that earn more money, they think that it is only natural that they spend more, putting them back to square one.

The truth is that most self-made millionaires are frugal and only spend on what is necessary and of value. That is why they are able to accumulate and multiply their wealth so much faster. Over the last 7 years, I have saved about 80% of my income while today I save only about 60% (because I have my wife, mother, 2 maids, 2 kids, etc. to support). Still, it is way above most people who save 10% of their income (if they are lucky). I refuse to buy a first class ticket or to buy a $300 shirt because I think that it is a complete waste of money. However, I happily pay $1,300 to send my 2-year old daughter to Julia Gabriel Speech and Drama without thinking twice.

When I joined the YEO (Young Entrepreneur' s Organization) a few years back (YEO is an exclusive club open to those who are under 40 and make over $1m a year in their own business) I discovered that those who were self-made thought like me. Many of them with net worths well over $5m, travelled economy class and some even drove Toyota's and Nissans (not Audis, Mercs, BMWs).

I noticed that it was only those who never had to work hard to build their own wealth (there were also a few ministers' and tycoons' sons in the club) who spent like there was no tomorrow. Somehow, when you did not have to build everything from scratch, you do not really value money. This is precisely the reason why a family's wealth (no matter how much) rarely lasts past the third generation. Thank God my rich dad (oh no! I sound like Kiyosaki) foresaw this terrible possibility
and refused to give me a cent to start my business.

Then some people ask me, 'What is the point in making so much money if you don't enjoy it?' The thing is that I don't really find happiness in buying branded clothes, jewellery or sitting first class. Even if buying something makes me happy it is only for a while, it does not last. Material happiness never lasts, it just give you a quick fix. After a while you feel lousy again and have to buy the next thing which you think will make you happy. I always think that if you need
material things to make you happy, then you live a pretty sad and unfulfilled life.

Instead, what make ME happy is when I see my children laughing and playing and learning so fast. What makes me happy is when I see by companies and trainers reaching more and more people every year in so many more countries. What makes me really happy is when I read all the emails about how my books and seminars have touched and inspired someone's life. What makes me really happy is reading all your wonderful posts about how this BLOG is inspiring you. This happiness makes me feel really good for a long time, much much more than what a Rolex would do for me.

I think the point I want to put across is that happiness must come from doing your life's work (be in teaching, building homes, designing, trading, winning tournaments etc.) and the money that comes is only a by-product. If you hate what you are doing and rely on the money you earn to make you happy by buying stuff, then I think that you are living a life of meaningless.

Business Logic at its Best !!!

2008-05-26T17:28:00.000+08:00

Father: "I want you to marry a girl of my choice"
Son: "I will choose my own bride!"
Father: "But the girl is Bill Gates's daughter."
Son: "Well, in that case...ok"

Next Father approaches Bill Gates.
Father: "I have a husband for your daughter."
Bill Gates: "But my daughter is too young to marry!"
Father: "But this young man is a vice-president of the World Bank"
Bill Gates: "Ah, in that case...ok"

Finally Father goes to see the president of the World Bank
Father: "I have a young man to be recommended as a vice-president."
President: "But I already have more vice- presidents than I need!"
Father: "But this young man is Bill Gates's son-in-law."
President: "Ah, in that case...ok"

This is how business is done!!

Moral: Even if we have nothing, we can get Anything. But our attitude should be positive .

Golden Rules in Choosing Your Life Partner

2008-01-02T15:53:00.000+08:00

A relationship coach lays out his 5 golden rules for evaluating the prospects of long-term success.When it comes to making the decision about choosing a life partner, no one wants to make a mistake. Yet, with a divorce rate of close to 50 percent, it appears that many are making serious mistakes in their approach to finding Mr/Ms Right! If you ask most couples who are engaged why they're getting married, they'll say: "We're in love." I believe this is the #1 mistake people make when they date.

Choosing a life partner should never be based on love (alone).
Though this may sound not politically correct, there's a profound truth here. Love (alone) is not the basis for getting married. Rather, love is the result of a good marriage. When the other ingredients are right, then the love will come.Let me say it again: You can't build a lifetime relationship on love alone. You need a lot more.

Here are five questions you must ask yourself if you're serious about finding and keeping a life partner.

QUESTION #1: Do we share a common life purpose?

Why is this so important?

Let me put it this way: If you're married for 20 or 30 years, that's a long time to live with someone.What do you plan to do with each other all that time? Travel, eat and jog together? You need to share something deeper and more meaningful. You need a common life purpose.

Two things can happen in a marriage. You can grow together, or you can grow apart. 50 percent of the people out there are growing apart. To make a marriage work, you need to know what you want out of life - bottom line - and marry someone who wants the same thing.

QUESTION #2: Do I feel safe expressing my feelings and thoughts with this person?

This question goes to the core of the quality of your relationship.
Feeling safe means you can communicate openly with this person. The basis of having good communication is trust! i.e. trust that I won't get "punished" or hurt for expressing my honest thoughts and feelings.
A colleague of mine defines an abusive person as someone with whom you feel afraid to express your thoughts and feelings. Be honest with yourself on this one. Make sure you feel emotionally safe with the person you plan to marry.

QUESTION #3: Is he/she a mensch?

A mensch is someone who is a refined and sensitive person.
How can you test? Here are some suggestions.
1. Do they work on personal growth on a regular basis?
2. Are they serious about improving themselves?
A teacher of mine defines a good person as "someone who is always striving to be good and do the right thing". So, ask about your significant other: What do they do with their time? Is this person materialistic? Usually, a materialistic person is not someone whose top priority is character refinement. There are essentially two types of people in the world: People who are dedicated to personal growth and people who are dedicated to seeking comfort. Someone whose goal in life is to be comfortable will put personal comfort ahead of doing the right thing. You need to know that before walking down the aisle.

QUESTION #4:How does he/she treat other people?

The one most important thing that makes any relationship work is the ability to give. By giving, we mean the ability to give another person pleasure.
Ask: Is this someone who enjoys giving pleasure to others or are they wrapped up in themselves and self-absorbed? To measure this, think about the following:
1. How do they treat people whom they do not have to be nice to, such as waiters, bus boys, taxi drivers, etc?
2. How do they treat parents and siblings ? Do they have gratitude and appreciation?
3. Do they show respect? If they don't have gratitude for the people who have given them everything, you cannot expect that they'll have gratitude for you - who can't do nearly as much for them!
4. Do they gossip and speak badly about others? Someone who gossips cannot be someone who loves others. You can be sure that someone who treats others poorly, will eventually treat you poorly as well.

QUESTION #5: Is there anything I'm hoping to change about this person after we're married?

Too many people make the mistake of marrying someone with the intention of trying to "improve" them after they're married. As a colleague of mine puts it, "You can probably expect someone to change after marriage ... for the worse! "If you cannot fully accept this person the way they are now, then you are not ready to marry them. In conclusion, dating doesn't have to be difficult and treacherous. The key is to try leading a little more with your head and less with your heart.It pays to be as objective as possible when you are dating, to be sure to ask questions that will help you get to the key issues. Falling in love is a great feeling, but when you wake up with a ring on your finger, you don't want to find yourself in trouble because you didn't do your homework.

--

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I'VE MET THE PERSON I SHOULD MARRY?

The choice of a marriage partner should not be based on "I get a warm, wonderful feeling whenever we're together and I want to have that warm wonderful feeling forever, so let's go get married". Feelings, as we have discussed, have no logic on their own. They need to be acknowledged, of course, but they need considerable assistance from your brain.
Marriage means choosing the person you will spend the rest of your life with. This, as you may have guessed, is a very long time to spend with one person. This person will live with you, eat meals with you, sleep with you and go on vacation with you. More important yet, this person will share your children. You need to choose wisely. The decision should not be made based on feelings alone. You need to ask yourself some tough questions. The decisions have to be made on solid considerations.

Will this person be a good partner?
Is she mature enough to put her own selfish desires aside to look out for what is best for the family? Is he prepared to be a good provider? What is his track record? Is he responsible enough to get a good job and keep it?

Will this person be a good parent?
Can you stand the thought of your children turning out exactly like this person? They will, you know. Children spend a lot of time with their parents and consequently pick up many or most of their parents' character traits. You had better like your spouse's traits a lot because you will be seeing them again in your children. If something were to happen to you, would you completely trust this person, alone, with the task of raising and forming your children? This is not a pleasant thought, but it is an important consideration. Not everyone dies at a ripe old age with great grandchildren gathered around the bed. Sometimes a parent dies and leaves young children in the care of the other parent. If you feel that you would need to be around to correct or lessen this person's influence on your children, then you are considering the wrong person.

Does this person share your faith in God?
God does not give us children so that we can mould them into the coolest, most popular people in school. We need to raise them believing in God. It is tough to do that if only one parent believes.Saying "This is right and that is wrong, and I want you to ignore Mommy until you are thirty-five" does not work. Small children ask about eight million questions in a single day. The answers to those questions go a long way toward forming the kind of adults they will become. Who will be answering those questions for your children?

Does this person you are marrying have sexual self-control?
Single people sometimes have this idea that marriage is just some kind of lifelong sex festival and that as long as they have each other, they will never be tempted by other people. Wrong! There are many times in every marriage when one partner or the other is sexually unavailable - illness, the last months of pregnancy, travel. There are also times when spouses, just get on each others' nerves. At times like this, other people can seem very appealing. That can be dangerous, because there are plenty of very attractive people out there who are willing to make themselves available to married men and women. Do you want someone who has never said "no" to sex? If he is not good at saying "no" at eighteen, it won't be different at forty. Do you want to worry about whether or not your Spouse is being faithful?

These are very important questions, and if you are not comfortable with all of the answers, you should definitely not marry this person. None if this is to say that feelings play no role at all in a marriage decision. You don't have to, "Well, I suppose that you would make a good spouse and parent, so even though I don't particularly like you I guess I'll marry you'. You need to be happy and excited about the prospect of spending your life with someone. Your brain however must acknowledge that this person as a good choice.

Don't listen to your heart alone nor your head alone. Wait until your heart and head agree.

Stock Trading Tips !

2007-11-22T13:11:00.000+08:00

Something interesting that I received. Enjoy it.

A young and pretty lady posted this on a popular forum,

Title: What should I do to marry a rich guy?

I'm going to be honest of what I'm going to say here. I'm 25 this year. I'm very pretty, have style and good taste. I wish to marry a guy with $500k annual salary or above. You might say that I'm greedy, but an annual salary of $1M is considered only as middle class in NewYork. My requirement is not high. Is there anyone in this forum who has an income of $500k annual salary? Are you all married? I wanted to ask: what should I do to marry rich persons like you? Among those I've dated, the richest is $250k annual income, and it seems that this is my upper limit. If someone is going to move into high cost residential area on the west of New York City Garden (?), $250k annual income is not enough.

I'm here humbly to ask a few questions:

1) Where do most rich bachelors hang out? (Please list down the names and addresses of bars, restaurant, gym)
2) Which age group should I target?
3) Why most wives of the riches is only average-looking? I've met a few girls who doesn't have looks and are not interesting, but they are able to marry rich guys
4) How do you decide who can be your wife, and who can only be your girlfriend? (my target now is to get married)

Ms. Pretty

Here's a reply from a Wall Street Financial guy:

Dear Ms. Pretty,

I have read your post with great interest. Guess there are lots of girls out there who have similar questions like yours. Please allow me to analyze your situation as a professional investor. My annual incomeis more than $500k, which meets your requirement, so I hope everyone believes that I'm not wasting time here.

From the standpoint of a business person, it is a bad decision to marry you. The answer is very simple, so let me explain. Put the details aside, what you're trying to do is an exchange of "beauty" and"money": Person A provides beauty, and Person B pays for it, fair and square. However, there's a deadly problem here, your beauty will fade, but my money will not be gone without any good reason. The fact is, my income might increase from year to year, but you can't be prettier year after year. Hence from the viewpoint of economics, I am an appreciation asset, and you are a depreciation asset. It's not just normal depreciation, but exponential depreciation. If that is your only asset, your value will be much worried 10 years later.

By the terms we use in Wall Street, every trading has a position, dating with you is also a "trading position". If the trade value dropped we will sell it and it is not a good idea to keep it for longterm & same goes with the marriage that you wanted. It might be cruel to say this, but in order to make a wiser decision any assets with great depreciation value will be sold or "leased". Anyone with over $500k annual income is not a fool; we would only date you, but will not marry you. I would advice that you forget looking for any clues to marry a rich guy. And by the way, you could make yourself to become a rich person with $500k annual income. This has better chance than finding a rich fool.

Hope this reply helps. If you are interested in "leasing" services, do contact me.

signed,
J.P. Morgan

Six Quick Tips to Build Charisma

2007-10-11T13:34:00.000+08:00

by Karla Brandau

"Charisma is the intangible that makes people want to follow you, to be around you, to be influenced by you."
-- Roger Dawson

Each person is born ethnocentric, or believing that other people and events revolve around them which is generally true for the first few years of a child's life. The focus of activity for a growing child is inward. Some people carry this inward, self-focus into adulthood. These people, so overly concerned with their own well being in a self-centered way, never learn the secrets of influence. Successful people, who want to have the power of persuasion, turn their circle of activity and interest outward. They expand their centers to be as conscious of the world around them as they are of themselves. They develop what we call, charisma.

Charisma means you have learned to:

1. Act with credibility. Those who are inconsistent in their behavior repel people while those who are consistent in their behavior draw people to them. To be influential, have integrity. Speak up for what you believe, then act accordingly.

Gerry Spence, one of America's greatest trial lawyers, said, "One can stand as the greatest orator the world has known, possess the quickest mind, employ the cleverest psychology, and have mastered all the technical devices of argument, but if one is not credible one might just as well preach to the pelicans."

2. Be interested. Be truly interested in the other person. Treat him or her as the most important person you'll interact with that day - a VIP, Very Important Person. Smile at them, not just for a brief, dutiful second, but for a magical two or three seconds.

When you smile, lean toward the person a little, and think in your mind, "I like you. You are a great individual. I want to get to know you better." You'll be amazed at the connection and trust that will occur.

3. Extend respect. A few interaction skills that make a big difference to a respectful atmosphere in your organization include not interrupting conversations, asking if the person has time to talk, and listening to ideas.

Remember not to be in such a know-it-all position or in such a hurry that you finish other people's sentences. Be sure to comment on their ideas to let them know you have really been listening, not just waiting for them to take a breath so you can jump in with your agenda.

4. Deliver sincere compliments. People you work with do care what you think about them. They appreciate your mentioning their good work. When you do recognize them, be specific in your compliments.

Refrain from saying in an off-handed manner, "Oh, great work, Donna." Make it more personal: "Donna, that is the best research that has come across my desk in the last six months. Excellent work."

5. Accept sincere compliments. If a colleague comments, "Good presentation. " Refrain from saying, "Oh, it was nothing." If a friend says, "Nice suit," don't reply, "This old thing? I've had it for years."

Deflecting a compliment often draws unwanted attention and belittles both you and the person offering the compliment. Just say,"Thank you." You'll be pleased with how gracious you become.

6. State what you are FOR, not AGAINST. People don't like nor do they cooperate with people who they think are against them. When you are against something, the person thinks you are against them personally. Once you voice your opposition to another person's idea, you become part of the problem. It's as if a war has started with each of you fighting to be right.

When you are for something, you begin focusing on the potential for positive change. You start the process of collaboration. You become a powerful person.

Try This.....

2007-10-01T15:42:00.000+08:00

When you click on the link below, A series of about 12 pictures will come up , click on a photo that you like in that category. Just continue to keep picking the pics that appeal to you after reading the category. At the end it will give you a profile of yourself ...

These are my results:-

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

How Much $$$$$ Are You Worth?

2007-09-02T13:30:00.000+08:00

Have you been thinking about putting yourself up for sale lately? Ever wonder how much money you could get on the open human market? HumanForSale.com will attempt to place a value on your life using a variety of criteria in 4 basic facets of life. Among the criteria used include athletic ability, education level, income, amount of exercise, weight, and sense of humor. This is obviously a very subjective matter and is not intended and does not claim to be scientifically accurate. The more honestly you answer the questions, the more realistic the dollar value returned will be.

Risk Taking

2007-08-13T14:52:00.000+08:00

by Steve Arterburn

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

I’m convinced that life without risk isn’t much of a life. There’s a certain comfort in predictability. But it’s the kind of comfort you don’t find when you’re moving and growing. It’s the comfort you find in hibernation.

If you’ve followed sports or been around athletes, you know that an athlete regularly stretches his muscles to the point where they burn. Otherwise these muscles become inflexible, unresponsive, and easily fatigued. The same is true with your soul. It must be regularly stretched. Failure to do so gives you comfort in the short term, but ultimately leaves you emotionally and spiritually unfit.

Connecting, loving, and pursuing dreams, all require risk and energy! Yes, you’ll be stretched to the point of discomfort. Yes, you may experience some hurt and disappointment. But these are far better alternatives than the loneliness, boredom, and quiet desperation that accompany a life without risk.

“You’ve got to go out on a limb sometimes because that’s where the fruit is.” - Will Rogers (1879-1935)

Which SuperHero are You?

2007-06-28T11:12:00.000+08:00

Your results:
You are Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman		85%
Green Lantern		85%
Superman		75%
Supergirl		75%
Hulk		75%
Catwoman		75%
The Flash		60%
Robin		52%
Batman		50%
Iron Man		50%
Spider-Man		40%

You are a beautiful princess
with great strength of character.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

What Business Most Suitable for Me?

2007-06-24T14:27:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I went to the EAP Business Opportunity Fair and my friend passed me this:

Power of Numbers & Its Energy

After some calculation of my birthdate, they come out with this:

My Character:
Very optimistic and open minded. Loves to look nice. Very civilized. Intelligent, alertness and sensitive. Knows when and how to attack and defend. Good at winning one’s heart. Do things very fast and capable with their work but not in details. He/she doesn’t take care of his subordinates. Outwardly, looks tough but soft inside. An emotional person. Not many friends and lonely in the later part of life. Luck comes during the middle age – 35 years and above.

Traits of Individuals:
Talkative, attract backstabbers without knowledge. A person who has an eye for investment, lead to success. Strong planner that believes in his or her own principle, leads to achieve goals. Plan with principles but will lead to success. Big spender, invest in a hasty manner but lead to success. Hard work would be appreciated, men supporters, supporters giving pressure.

Suitable Career:
Real Estate, Financial Center, Pottery, Antique Shop, Consultancy, Accounting, Funeral, Church, Gemstone, Marble, Fortuneteller, Feng Shui Consultant,Contractor, Mining, Charity, Builder, Share & Security Broker, Architect, Gardener, Farmer.

And I belong to the WOOD ELEMENT:
a. Look at the EARTH business/career. It is BEST for you. Go for it!
b. WATER. It is good too. 2nd option.
c. WOOD. It is all right. 3rd option.
d. FIRE. You are and “asset” to the business/career, but you will be “exhausted” at the end of the day.
e. You will FAIL in the METAL business/career. Do not venture.

OK, so I look at the EARTH business/career:
Real Estate, Financial Center, Pottery, Antique Shop, Consultancy, Accounting, Funeral, Church, Gemstone, Marble, Fortuneteller, Feng Shui Consultant, Contractor, Mining, Charity, Builder, Share & Security Broker, Architect, Gardener, Farmer.

Now I know I’m potentially a Fortuneteller, an Astrologist, Palmist and Fengshui Practitioner!

2nd option, WATER:
Service Based Business, Hospitality Management, Tourism, Pub, Trading, MLM company, Internet Business, Water filter business, Money Changer, Maids Agency, Supply of Labor business, Human Resource Management, Insurance Agency, Travel Agency, Sea food business, Shipping, TV station, Radio Station, Plumbing Work.

WOW! Now I know all the things I’m doing now are only the 2nd best for me!

Anyway, I got a lot more things that I can do!

WOOD, my primary school time ambition:
Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist, Professor, Lecturer, Herbalist, Medical Related field, Education Institution like Kindergarten, College, Library, Woodcraft, Clothing, Bookshop, Gardening Business, Landscaping.

But somehow I think Kindergarten & gardening business are not bad.

FIRE. Interesting but exhausting:
E & E Engineer, Computer Programmer, Restaurant, Designer, Movie Maker, Beauty Therapist, Pilot, Psychologist, Journalist, Chef, Multimedia, Departmental Store, Accessories Shop, News & Magazine Business.

METAL, Luckily I’ve never thought of doing these before:
Lawyer, Judge, Scientist, Researcher, Stock Broker, Police, Goldsmith, Transportation business, Security Guard Business, Supply of Military equipment, Exercise equipment.

Wow, I’ve learnt what I should be concentrating on and putting more effort in it!

Watch out for the biggest competitor of World of Feng Shui, soon :D ;)

The Story of Ah Kau

2007-06-18T12:40:00.000+08:00

Dear Friends,

Something to ponder.

Ah Kau is a guy who sells newspaper every morning next to your apartment, and you are one of his daily regular customers. Before dashing off to your office every day, you will go to his small stall and buy The Star newspaper. Wearing a newly pressed shirt, a tie, and a pair of Clarks shoes, you grab a copy of The Star, pay RM1.20 and exchange smiles with Ah Kau and greet him.

"Apa macam Ah Kau ini hari? Bisnes ada baik?"

The normal greeting like you do every day. Yes, Ah Kau doesn't speak English. He speaks Chinese and knows a little bit of Malay. He speaks a little bit of Malay but with a very thick Chinese accent.

"Biasa saja! ini bisnes aa, kadang kadang baik, kadang kadang tada untung."

"Biasalah hidup. Kadang kadang ok, kadang kadang tak ok." You give Ah Kau a pat on the back. You smile and walk away and get into your car. You start the engine and start driving to your office, a multinational semiconductor company located in a premier industrial area. You are a young and promising finance executive and the future looks bright for you.

A year goes by and things look pretty good on the track. You decide to marry your fiance and have your new wife moves in to your place. Both of you feel happy because you can save more money as the two of you will be sharing one apartment and can live as one.

Ah Kau is still selling the newspaper as usual. Sometimes in the morning your wife gets the newspaper from Ah Kau instead of you.

A year later a child comes along, and you decide to buy and move into a newly developed condominium just across the street. This place is bigger so it will be perfectly fit for the 3 of you. But since both of you are working, you decide to get a maid to take of the household and your kid.

By this time you're offered a managerial job from another multinational; the remuneration package offered is much better in terms of the pay, contractual bonus, medical benefits, ESOS scheme and a few others which make it impossible for you to decline. So you join this company happily.

You get busier. You realize that you spend less and less time with your family. When your department is busy preparing for the next audit, your working hours become more and more ridiculous. Any internal issues arising in the office means you'll be
stuck in the office until 8 or 9 pm. Sometimes, during the weekend, you'll spend
your time in your office, buried under paper works and documentation' s, instead of taking your family for a walk in the park.

One morning, on your way to get your copy of The Star, you realized that Ah Kau is no longer in his stall. So is his rundown motorbike. Instead, there's another young Chinese guy at the stall.

"What happen to Ah Kau?" You ask out of curiosity.

"Oh, he is still around, but he is no longer taking care of this stall as he has opened up a new grocery shop down town. I am running this newspaper stall for him."

"Ok." you smile. You feel happy for Ah Kau. At last he manages to improve his life.

Your normal life continues. A year passes by and at the end of your company's fiscal year, you're rewarded for your effort with a 5 months bonus pay-out by your employer. Wow. Now that is a very handsome reward. You feel your effort has been equally compensated. To celebrate, you decide that it's time to trade your 5-year old Proton Wira to the latest Honda Civic model. It won't be much a problem to you to get a loan scheme from the bank as your pay slip will provide you an easy gateway to access financial help from any bank.

One day, the hardest reality of life hits you right on the face. The company that you've been working for years announces that they're moving their business to China for cost and competitive reason and has asked you to find a job somewhere else. "What?"

You scream out cold. "I got a lot of liabilities on the card! Who's gonna pay for my mortgage? My car? My credit card? My gym fees? My bills?" You yell like there's no way out.

This is the first time you feel let down by your own employer. All your hard work seems to go up on the smoke. You feel sick. You now hate your company. On the way home, you stopped by at a mamak restaurant for a cup of teh tarik while pondering about your
future. Alone.

Suddenly you saw this new, shiny BMW 3 series being parked nearby. And to your surprise, it was Ah Kau. Yes, Ah Kau who used to sell newspapers nearby your old apartment. "What happened to old Ah Kau?" You whisper to your self.

Ah Kau still recognizes you, and sit next to you, and shared his story.

To make it short, Ah Kau had accumulated his money from selling newspapers to open more stalls, one after another. Every new stall is run by his workers so that he focused on
opening more and more stalls, which in turn give him more and more money. Over the years, he had accumulated enough cash to open up new grocery store while at the same time buying more assets to grow his wealth. And his current wealth and success is achieved without any loan or financial help from banks and other financial institutions.

There you go. That's the story. While Ah Kau is set to become financially free, you're back to where you're started before. Ground zero .

Before leaving, Ah Kau gives you a familiar quote,

" Biasalah hidup. Kadang kadang ok, kadang kadang tak ok."

He gives you a pat on the back and walks away.

In reality, if you're observant enough, there are a lot of Ah Kaus out there, that you will see every day and every where you go. The names are different, but inside them is every character of Ah Kau. They might be Uncle Dorai, Ah Chong, Pak Abu, Makcik Gemuk, Pak Man nasi lemak or others.

They look to be struggling on the surface, but if you look carefully and compare with you life, many of them are living with little or no liabilities. They ride an old kapcai bike. They live in an old rundown house. They don't have credit card to swipe. They wear a 10-year old shirt and short. No new, shiny Toyota Harrier. In short, their living means are far below than yours. But what you don't realize is that many of them can save more money than yours, and over the years generate enough money to expand their business, or invest in properties. Their asset columns are much thicker than that of yours.

So the next time you see Ah Kaus, never look down on them, and never under estimate them. Or else you're up for a harsh reality lesson.

CORPORATE LESSONS

2007-05-31T15:18:00.000+08:00

Here’s three lessons from large corporations to help you survive changes.

CORPORATE LESSON 1

A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day.
A small rabbit saw the crow, and asked him,
"Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?”
The crow answered: "Sure, why not.”
So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested.
All of a sudden, a fox appeared, Jumped on the rabbit... and ate it.

The morals of this story is:
To be sitting doing nothing, you must be sitting very very high up

CORPORATE LESSON 2

A turkey was chatting with a bull.
"I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey,
"but I haven't got the energy.”
"Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull.
They're packed with nutrients.
"The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it actually gave him enough strength to reach the first branch of the tree.
The next day, after eating more dung, he reached the second branch.
Finally after a fortnight, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree
Soon he was spotted by a farmer Who promptly shot the turkey out of the tree.

The morals of this story is:
Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there

CORPORATE LESSON 3

A little bird was flying south for the winter.
It was so cold, the bird froze and fell to the ground in a large field.
While it was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on it.
As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, it began to realise how warm it was.
The dung was actually thawing him out!
He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.
Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him!

The morals of this story are:
1) Not everyone who drops shit on you is your enemy.
2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
3) And when you're in deep shit, keep your mouth shut

Very Meaningful... enjoy it my dear friends..

2006-06-13T09:49:00.000+08:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Don't be too good I will miss you.
Don't be too caring, I might like you. Don't be too Sweet, I might fall for you. It's hard for me to love you when you won't love me after all...

Bottom-line : A person who makes me love him is actually a person who loves me more than I love him.
________________x________________________x_____________

If someone comes into your life and becomes a part of you but for some reasons he couldn't stay, don't cry too much... Just be glad that your paths crossed and; somehow he made you happy even for a while.

Bottom-line :Time will tell. if he's yours he will surely come back.
________________x________________________x__________

Don't throw your back to love when it's already in front of you. Don't drive it away from you because if you do, someday you'll think again why you let love fly away when it was once residing next to you.

Bottom-line : Treasure the one who loves you! It's not easy to find a person who loves you. It's always more valuable to have a sincere heart.
________________x________________________x_____________

The greatest regrets in our lives are the risks we did not take. If you think something will make you. happy, GO FOR IT. Remember that we pass this way only once.

Bottom-line : Time doesn't wait. If you think you might have found the right one, treasure the person, don't let that person get away. Don't let fear hold You back. Give it a try else you might regret later..."No one other than ourselves know what can truly make us happy."
________________x________________________x_____________

"Two tear drops were floating down the river. One teardrop said to the other, "I'm the teardrop of a girl who loved a man and lost him. Who are you?" ..."I'm the teardrop of the man who regrets letting a girl go..."

Bottom-line : Nobody will sympathize with a person who constantly lets chances pass by without making any efforts to salvage them. We normally don't realize how important our loved and close ones are until they leave us, and then we start regretting, which results in misery. Lost time is NEVER gained again

Even impossible says... I - M - POSSIBLE!!!

Are You Sexy?

2006-05-17T11:37:00.000+08:00

GET A PIECE OF PAPER AND NUMBER IT 1-11 (NO CHEATING) SEE YOUR RESULTS BELOW:
WHEN YOU SEND IT ON PUT YOUR SCORE IN THE SUBJECT BAR.

1. WHAT SHADE OF HAIR DO YOU HAVE?
a) Dark
b) Light

2. OUT ON A DATE WOULD YOU WANT TO:
a) Go to a party?
b) Go out to eat?

3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR OUT OF:
a) Baby-Pink
b) Yellow
c) Baby-Blue
d) Turquoise

4. PICK YOUR FAVOURITE HOBBY OUT OF:
a) Surfing
b) Skate-Boarding
c) Skiing

5. IF YOU COULD PICK A STORE OUT OF THE FOLLOWING, WHICH WOULD IT BE?a) Louie Vuitton
b) coach
c) againt all odds

6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACEOUT OF THE FOLLOWING?
a) hawaii
b) London
c) florida

7. IN THE SUMMER WOULD YOU RATHER GO TO:
a) The Beach?
b) Somewhere Cooler?

8. WHAT IS YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH?
a) January
b) February
c) March
d) April
e) May
f) June
g) July
h) August
i) September
j) October
k) November
l) December

9. WOULD YOU RATHER:
a) Chill at home
b) Go out with friends

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE INSTRUMENT OUT OF:
a) Guitar
b) Bass guitar
c) Drums
d) The Triangle

11) NAME A PERSON OF THE OPPOSITE SEX
====NOW MAKE A WISH!===

**ANSWERS**
1. a- dark= sexy [5points] b- light = sweet [2 points]
2. a- go to a party = playful [2 points] b- go out to eat = romantic [5 points]
3. a- baby-pink = cute [2] b- yellow = loud [3] c- baby-blue= cool [5] d- turquoise = sexy [5]
4. a- surfing = active [2] b- skateboarding = determined [2] c- skiing = daring [5]
5. a) Louie Vuitton=tasteful[7] b) coach=laid back[2] c) against all odds=stylish[5]
6. a)Hawaii=you like being around people [2] b)London=You are quiet, and like the cold [2] c)Florida= You like to party! [5]
7. a- beach = tan, likes the sun [5] b- somewhere cooler = pale and original [2]
8. a) January = popular [5] b) February lovely [2] c) March = loud [2] d) April = playful [5] e) May = happy [5] f) June = chills a lot [5] g) July = smooth [2] h) August = fun [5] I) September = quiet [2] j) October = out-going [2] k) November = pimpin' it [5] l) December = warm [2]
9. a- home = quiet, romantic [5] b- go out with friends = crazy[5]
10. a - guitar = eye-catching [5] b - bass-guitar = mellow [2] c - Drums = loud [2] d - Triangle = crazy [5]
11. This person will fall in love with you!

SCORES!!!!
UP TO 20 = Not so Sexy
21-35 = Rather sexy
36+ = Too Sexy for this Test!!!!