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.

Accomplishing Stuff in the First 10 Months of 2017

10 months of 2017 have passed. We are now in the final 2 months of the year.

As with the years prior to 2017, I ask myself,

"What have you accomplished this year that you have not before?" (Yes, I talk to myself all the time in this way)

So here we go:

1) Married my One and Only, met so many familiar faces at our wedding AND got the keys to our new home in April

2) First Church Camp as a married couple in June

3) First overseas mission trip in end June - early July

4) Spoke for the first time at the Association of Professional Speakers Singapore (APTS) in end August

5) Did my first assembly talk in a school in mid September

6) Incorporated my first company in mid - end September

7) Presented at my first overseas conference (Professional Development Conference 2017 in Yangon) in end September

8) Held the first physical copy of The Introvert Teacher in early October

9) Exhibited in my first Gem Fair, gave 4 talks related to gemstones, and met many new people in end October

All in all, I'd say this is a pretty hard year to beat in terms of accomplishments. And the best part? There are still two whole months to go, to get more things done.

Right now, I'm planning the book launch for The Introvert Teacher as well as workshops for Loupin Jewels, apart from an overseas trip, all before the year is out!

Very exciting stuff! I am thankful for all that has happened this year and all that is about to happen soon. Thank you for being a part of it!

As March Comes Marching In

It feels like almost yesterday that it was January!

And yet, the calendar isn't lying. It's already the 1st week of March! It's already the 3rd month of the year 2017!

Time passes really quickly when your mind is occupied.

I have managed to keep up many of the habits and incremental goals that I began in January, though I have slipped up on a couple of them. Well, now that it's almost the 2nd quarter of the year, I'm going to have to review them and make updates and changes.

I started this initiative of listing down habits to keep because of a series of videos I watched on Valuetainment, a YouTube channel by Patrick Bet-David that teaches entrepreneurship and gives exercises and advice on getting your own life in order. 

A key point about this channel that I appreciate deeply is how straight-talking Patrick, the host of the channel, is. He doesn't mince words and tells you straight in the face what you need to do if you intend on running a business properly. It's not about motivation and pep talks - it's about real-life examples and how-to's.

If you haven't heard of them, I highly recommend that you get to watching as soon as possible!

An Interesting Opportunity Came Up

A few weeks ago, a trainer friend was looking for someone to be a part of a 4-person panel for a discussion on entrepreneurship and business management matters.

This panel discussion would be held on 1 Feb at NYP (tomorrow) and, curiously enough, the school specified that the panelists need to have a background in chemistry / biology. 

Since I was available, fit the criteria, and found it interesting, I offered to join the panel. A few days ago, my trainer friend informed me that I was successfully selected, so I'm off to NYP tomorrow.

Just in time too! Projects from schools are starting to pour in and, if this event were to be held too much later, I may not be available to participate in it.

This will be an excellent opportunity to share a little wisdom (through hard knocks) and some experiences with brilliant young minds. I foresee a fruitful session ahead and hope to continue to be of service to the organising committee of such events in the future.

Image from discover-nyp.blogspot.sg