Re-connecting in 2024

For the past 2 years, I’ve been generally focused on work-related things.

Now that I’m mostly familiar with workflow and tasks needed where I work, I don’t need as long of a runway for projects as I used to.

This frees up some time and brainspace for me, which is great!

In the coming quarters of the year, I intend to start re-connecting with communities and individuals that I’ve not managed to keep in constant contact with.

It will start slow - attending events and dropping messages here and there - but I believe that it will be worth it.

Hoping to meet you soon at an upcoming event or activity!

Time-based Planning vs Event-based Planning. Is One Better Than The Other?

Timelines don't make a whole lot of sense to me.

I get that planning for the future usually requires some sort of base to build the plan on.

And the default seems to be a linear view of time dotted with sequential milestones.

I, like most people I know, grew up with this understanding and use of timelines.

Time-based linear schedules while in school, when you go on overseas travel tours ("We'll meet here in 1 hour!"), or when you try to plan your days / weeks out.

And they are easy to use both because they are ubiquitous, understood by most people, and straightforward (note the use of 'straight' and 'forward').

The issue I've always had with timelines is that, once they project a certain distance into the future, there are practically no guarantees that any of it will pan out "as planned".

Perhaps it's my disposition towards going with the flow or my preference to observe that leads me to plan my life around events as opposed to time.

And I know that it's not an easy concept to "get" for people who've always planned around time.

I suppose I'll have to dig a bit deeper and elaborate on this some time in the near future, because it isn't something I've explored that much yet.

If you have any thoughts on this, I'd love to hear from you.

Attending the 142nd Meeting of the Association of Professional Trainers (APTS)

The 142nd Association of Professional Trainers (APTS) meeting 2 days ago was quite a blast.

We had, for the 1st time, two emcees - Eugene Seah and Jude Lim - who decided to adopt a cross-talk style, to a... rather interesting effect.

Our President, Mr. David Lee, shared his experiences and thoughts with us during his opening address - something I always look forward to.

Then, we had our first speaker - Alvin Lim, who taught us about Risk Management.

He took us through the types of risks that we, as trainers, often come across:

Strategic Risks, Compliance Risks, Operational Risks, Financial Risks, and Reputation Risks

After that, he reminded us that we could do 5 things when it comes to risks:

1) Accept them
2) Reduce them
3) Share them
4) Transfer them
5) Avoid them

(5) is a common response, but never a long-term solution.

After a short break, we had Mike Li sharing what he suggested is The World's Biggest Problem.

Through an audience poll, and some research he had done, many people think that global warming is The World's Biggest Problem.

Well, it certainly keeps me up at night, especially during the past few sweltering days.

Without spoiling what I thought was an excellent TED-style talk, I will share just one key takeaway from it:

The Mediocre Are Always At Their Best.

Now, that's a statement for the ages.

Thank you, Alvin and Mike, for sharing some truly thought-provoking points.

I look forward to your next events!

Thank You For Being Part of My 2017

As 2017 draws to a close, I would like to thank all the incredible people I've met this past year.

Whether it was at a Trainers' Synergy gathering, a SG100 meet-up, an APTS meeting, an Introverts' Network get-together, or the numerous workshops, conferences and events I attended or participated in this year, I was glad to meet you.

Thank you for sharing your experience and for being so generous with your time.

Some of you I met during mission trips, church events (especially our recently concluded stage production - Close Quarters) and church services.

Thank you for demonstrating the love and grace of our Lord, for doing what you do in God's service, and for being a part of the body of Christ. 

I would like to specially thank you who were at my wedding, my speaking engagements, as well as my book launch. 

Thank you for being there to show your support, love and care.

To you whom I have known for years, thank you for your friendship. We may not have been able to meet as often as we'd like, but know that you hold a place in my heart.

As we dive into 2018, I wish you clear direction, excellent opportunities and endless delights.

Thank you for being part of my 2017. I look forward to journeying with you in 2018.