Maniolas

Chinkee Tan One of the most frequently asked questions I received from my speaking engagement is, “How can I become successful in life?” This is a fact: people who are goal-oriented, determined, persevering, skilled, and focused are the ones who achieve the goals they have set for themselves. We all know that these intangibles are essentials if one is to accomplish a certain task, may it be big or small, long-term or short-term. We all get it. These people are so determined and so focused that sometimes we ask ourselves “Don’t these people get a breather?” or “Where do they get all that energy? Wherever they got it, I want one too!” I can tell you with authority because I am speaking based on my personal experience. When I work, it is as if there is no tomorrow! However, although all the “go go go!” and “hoorahs!” are needed to achieve success, it is also important to understand that busyness can be damaging in certain circumstances. While being goal-oriented and being preoccupied almost 24/7 is noteworthy, we should also pause and ask ourselves: when did busyness become a core value? Some people feel that busyness is the new cool. If you have so much in your plate and your schedule is always full with different activities and work-related agendas, we feel that we are actually, and always getting somewhere. But before we praise ourselves for being so preoccupied with so many things, let us stop and ask ourselves a few Read More …

Chinkee Tan Let’s say you were suddenly promoted, or you have a new gadget, or perhaps something really good happened to you. Then from out of the blue, here comes this person who is suddenly full of praises for you, “Wow, man you’re so lucky! Don’t forget to share your blessings with me, okay! After all, you and I go a long way!” Or maybe you have been in these situations: “Hi, I want to offer you these really great products. I’m sure you can afford my terms. C’mon, let’s have coffee.” “I’m so embarrassed. We haven’t seen each other in a while, but I really need some money. I don’t know who else to turn to for help.” “Wow, you’re a manager now. Imagine, you were just a rank and file officer? Maybe you can squeeze in an opening for me?” Bottom line is, you haven’t seen each other or even talked to each other in a very, very long time…hey, you’re not even sure if you ever became friends but you clearly remember when he would belittle your skills in front of others and won’t even lift a finger to help you in your times of need. This is what you call a “user friendly people”. People like them are like “mushrooms”, they sudden show up when they have something to gain from you, but when they don’t need you anymore then they quickly disappear. What are the signs that a person is a fair-weathered friend?   PRESENT Read More …