Sunday, October 03, 2010

nothing by chance. only by focus and discipline.

A whirlwind of social activities & a very focused approach to my trading these past 2-3 weeks since Bali means I have not had much chance to reflect & ponder. And I turn 31 tomorrow. But 2 seemingly disparate occurrences struck & sticks.

MM Lee's wife passed away yesterday. And I find myself tearing a little at that realization and felt very bad for the big man of Singapore. A sinking feeling when you are out having coffee with friends sucks. Reading today's papers tribute to Mrs Lee .. basically I felt even worse but touched. Behind all that glamor of being THE Mrs Lee was a lot of hard work, dedication, focus, strength and faith.

Then I sat down and watched an interview programme with Singapore Airlines' CEO, and marveled at the company's relentless focus on its product & operations. Never letting it down is an understatement. The effort that goes into all operational aspects to ensure greatness, is exceptional.

Mrs Lee did not live her life by accident or serendipity. SIA did not become great by chance. Whatever curve-balls life threw, they continue ploughing ahead, as best as they can. Focused, dedicated and discipline with a huge dose of faith & trust.

Makes me wonder about my life and approach.
And my own failings. And my role in my environment.

What is it that people say? It is not work that is hard, it is the discipline that is hard. And what is it they also say? People do not have problems with dreams and vision. They have a problem with focus and bringing it to fruit.

And what is it that sticks today, before 31 beckons?
I do not have a problem with dreams and visions. I dream bigger dreams than all my friends, more than they know. Perhaps only my sisters have bigger dreams than I do. Dreaming was done in my 20s. Now is about bringing intangible thoughts to reality.

And for that, I need to be better.
Better than who I am, more than what I should be.
Curve-balls I cannot anticipate, but I can deal. Focused and relentless. Disciplined and with faith.