In his relentless pursuit of external markers of success, he often fell prey to the allure of materialism, social recognition, and external validation, mistakenly believing that these fleeting gratifications held the key to lasting happiness. However, the truth was, true fulfilment and contentment often remained elusive when fixated solely on external acquisitions and worldly accolades.
He was once a driven young executive consumed by ambition, striving for success in the corporate world. He worked tirelessly, sacrificing his personal life and health in pursuit of his goals. He achieved a measure of success, being headhunted to lead a startup funded by the Economic Development Board of Singapore and the Korean Government early in his career. His trajectory soared further as he transitioned into the corporate world, carving out a prominent position in multinational corporations. Despite garnering recognition through numerous management achievements and sales awards, and closing deals worth over $100 million, an unsettling void lingered within. True happiness remained elusive.
Driven by an insatiable thirst for excellence, he was a relentless perfectionist, pushing himself to the limits of his endurance. His workaholic nature consumed him, leaving little room for anything else. While ambition is essential for success, it must be balanced with personal well-being. Convinced of his own invincibility, he relentlessly pursued his ambition, aiming to reach the pinnacle of success. Yes, his career blossomed as he reached the top not once but many times as the best-performing person in the company. Success became a habit and a demand. Unfortunately, though, the harsh reality struck in 2009 when he received the devastating news of a cancer diagnosis.
The news of his cancer diagnosis was a stark slap in his face, shattering the illusion of his invulnerability and forcing him to confront the fragility of life. This sudden wake-up call served as a pivotal moment, jolting him out of his relentless pursuit of external validation and material success. It was a moment of profound clarity, a realization that true happiness and fulfillment were not to be found in the ephemeral buzz of external accolades but rather within the depths of personal fulfillment and a life lived in balance. Nothing matters anymore if he cannot even take care of himself. He shifted his priorities and focused on treatment for his cancer.
Amidst the challenging treatment, he also sought refuge in the teachings of Buddhism, finding solace and guidance in its profound wisdom. Buddhism illuminated his path towards a more ethical, mindful, and compassionate way of life. Embracing the principles of non-attachment, non-violence, and right livelihood, he strove to navigate life with integrity, respect for others, and a commitment to making positive impacts. Mindfulness practices like meditation became his anchor, cultivating inner peace, sharpening his focus, and guiding him towards wiser choices. Compassion blossomed within him, fostering empathy, understanding, and a deep-seated desire to serve others. He learned to cherish the present moment, embracing each day as an opportunity for personal growth and self-transformation.
His approach to his career underwent a profound transformation, shifting from seeking external validation to finding contentment in the simple joys of life, the meaningful connections he forged with others, and the profound satisfaction of making a positive difference in the world. Often, he would lend a helping hand whenever he could, hoping that such kindness would be reciprocated in the future. Even if such reciprocation did not materialize, the act of assisting others served as a priceless learning experience, allowing him to step into their shoes and empathize with their struggles.
His personal life underwent a parallel transformation, embracing the simple joys that had long been overlooked. He found immense satisfaction in the warmth of the sun caressing his skin, the infectious laughter of loved ones, and the soulful melodies that flowed from his trusty guitar. With newfound appreciation, he savored his morning coffee, transforming the mundane ritual into a moment of mindfulness and self-care. He ventured into the embrace of nature, reconnecting with the breathtaking beauty that surrounded him. He seized opportunities to travel the world, immersing himself in diverse cultures and forging connections with people from all walks of life. He cherished moments with loved ones, nurturing their bonds through meaningful conversations and shared experiences.
These seemingly small changes had a profound impact on his happiness. He felt more grounded, connected, and fulfilled. He was not uptight or stressed about situations, as he chose to focus on things he could control rather than things he could not. As his inner well-being blossomed, he found that he was more optimistic, creative, and productive. Positive opportunities came his way, and his relationships deepened.
His journey of self-discovery and focus on happiness led him to achieve his long-held dream of working in overseas countries, including Bangkok, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. He uprooted himself to embrace the thrill of working in an international environment, expanding his horizons and gaining valuable insights into diverse cultures. He also embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure, bootstrapping three startups: a PMD company in Singapore, a cryptocurrency exchange in the Philippines, and a consultancy firm specializing in market expansion and development in China and Southeast Asia. These ventures fueled his passion for innovation and problem-solving, allowing him to make a tangible impact on the world around him. Alongside these endeavors, he actively mentored and supported young entrepreneurs from Nanyang Polytechnic, sharing his knowledge and experience to foster their growth and resilience. He found great satisfaction in nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit.
This year, he embarked on a daily writing journey on LinkedIn, sharing his insights and experiences in sales, entrepreneurship, and management, while offering unbiased perspectives on the China market and culture. Through these endeavors, he discovered a deeper sense of purpose, fulfillment, and connection, not only with the world around him but also with his own aspirations and passions. He is propelling forward again with another startup that focuses on learning. He is also embarking on a new startup in China, and the program aims to provide these overseas young scholars with firsthand insights into the dynamic business environment of China, fostering cross-cultural understanding and professional development through company visits, exchange programs, educational sessions with entrepreneurs, work attachments, and cultural activities.
As we fast forward to the remaining days of 2023, he learned to embrace his imperfections and accept himself unconditionally. He discovered that true happiness arises not from an insatiable pursuit of perfection but from the profound acceptance of our own unique flaws and blemishes. He is also thrilled to share that he has been cancer-free since 2013.
To his fellow seekers of inner peace, the quest for happiness is an ongoing journey, not a predetermined destination. It is about cultivating an attitude of gratitude, practicing mindfulness, and fully immersing ourselves in the present moment. It is about nurturing meaningful connections with others and making a positive impact on the world.
Each individual is a remarkable tapestry woven with threads of uniqueness. They are not meant to imitate the stories of others but to craft their own narratives with authenticity and passion. Focus on what ignites your passion and fuels your motivation, and success will follow naturally.
If you find yourself lacking true happiness in your current state, please do not despair. There lies within you a path to inner fulfillment that awaits your exploration. Nurture your inner self, cultivate happiness from within, and you will attract success, enrich your life, and leave a legacy of positivity that will touch the world.