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Unveiling the Path to Excellence: My Journey (so far…)

person in yellow and black backpack walking on green grass field under cloudy blue sky during daytime

“Empowering leaders isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Join me on a journey where potential meets purpose.”

Hello, fellow seekers of growth and inspiration!

Today, I invite you to join me on a personal journey—a journey shaped by a passion for transformation, a commitment to excellence, and a deep-seated belief in the power of coaching and mentoring. Welcome to my world, where every interaction is an opportunity for growth.

In the heart of every journey lies a story—a story of passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Allow me to share with you the tale of Dion—a tale woven with threads of inspiration, challenges overcome, and lives transformed.

Imagine a young dreamer, filled with a thirst for knowledge and a hunger to make a difference. That dreamer was me—Dion. From the very beginning, I knew that my path was not to follow the ordinary, but to carve out a legacy of impact and empowerment.

As I embarked on the journey of training, coaching and mentoring, I discovered a profound calling—to be a beacon of light for those seeking transformation. From the bustling streets of local communities to the boardrooms of international corporations, I witnessed the power of coaching to unlock hidden potentials and ignite the flames of greatness.

Every coaching session became a canvas for inspiration, a stage for growth, and a sanctuary for self-discovery. I felt the thrill of witnessing leaders embrace their true potential, break free from limitations, and soar to new heights of success.

But my journey didn’t stop there. It led me to the corridors of learning, where I pursued a Master of Business Administration degree with a fervor for knowledge that burned brightly within. This pursuit was not just about acquiring a degree—it was about deepening my understanding, honing my skills, and preparing myself to be a catalyst for change.

Venturing into the realms of consulting, project, and event management, I found myself immersed in the vibrant landscapes of Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. Here, amidst diverse cultures and dynamic environments, I learned the art of adaptation, the power of connection, and the beauty of embracing differences.

My experiences working with leaders from more than 80 countries became the heart and soul of my journey. Each interaction, each collaboration, was a testament to the universality of human potential and the transformative power of coaching.

Awards and accolades came as acknowledgments of my dedication and commitment. The Dell Effective Leadership Award and the Dell Vice President Award stand as reminders of the impact of dedicated work and unwavering passion.

But beyond the titles and accolades lies a deeper truth—a truth rooted in the core of my being. I am here not just as a trainer, coach, mentor, or consultant. I am here as a guardian of dreams, a nurturer of aspirations, and a guide on the path to greatness.

My journey has been one of joy, of challenges embraced, and of lives touched. Through my influential blog, worldofhabits.com, and the value-driven talk show, TIK4TIPs (together with my mentor, friend and business partner), I continue to share insights, stories, and strategies for personal and organisational growth.

As I stand here today, my heart brims with gratitude for the journey that has brought me to this moment. The journey of Dion —a journey of empowerment, transformation, and the unwavering belief in the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Join me, dear reader, as we embark on a new chapter together. Together, let’s unveil the path to excellence, one story, one transformation, at a time.

“Join me on a quest to uncover the extraordinary within, to redefine success, and to create a legacy of impact.”

“Your habits, your future!”

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Embarking on a Year-End Odyssey: Unveiling the Chronicles of Dion’s Journey (thus far)

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hello there, fellow explorers of life’s intricate tapestry! As the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of reflection upon the passing year (though we still have more than a month to go), I find myself delving into the treasure trove of insights gifted to me by five close friends and my astute daughter. This journey, akin to a literary odyssey, unfolds through a year-end feedback and questionnaire, revealing the nuanced shades of my character and aspirations. So, join me as we navigate through the twists and turns, discovering the peaks of strengths, valleys of potential improvements, and the vast landscapes of my passions and values. It’s not just a reflection; it’s an expedition into the essence of a life well-lived.

Strengths:

  1. Lifelong Learner: The joy of acquiring new knowledge and skills is not a mere habit; it’s a celebration of curiosity and growth.
  2. Empathetic and Helpful: The capacity to understand and offer a helping hand showcases the richness of a heart attuned to the needs of others.
  3. Mindfulness: Being present in the moment, appreciating the journey as much as the destination—a conscious choice that colors the canvas of life.
  4. Resilient: Setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones, lessons etched in the fabric of a resilient spirit.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. R&R – Reflection and Refinement: As we traverse the roadmap of my growth, the call for reflection and refinement emerges as a theme, reminding us of the beauty in slowing down.
  2. Adaptability: The ability to gracefully navigate through challenging human interactions is an unexplored terrain waiting to be conquered.
  3. Expressing Thoughts: The landscape of unspoken thoughts can sometimes overshadow the fertile ground of open expression.

Communication Style: My communication style is an intricate dance—a harmonious blend of relaxation, ease, and confident articulation. Yet, the odyssey lies in the quest for balance, where self-advocacy meets a consideration for others.

Appreciated Personality Traits: Optimism, open-mindedness, and humor are the compass points guiding this journey. A helpful and easygoing demeanor becomes the warm breeze that propels the vessel forward.

Potential Irritants: Miraculously, the map seems to have few markers for irritants. A hint of excessive trust and the nocturnal melody of snores are the gentle undulations in the otherwise serene landscape.

Conflict Resolution Style: In the turbulent waters of conflict, my vessel maintains an unwavering calmness. The compass points towards solutions, prioritising resolution over dwelling in the tempest’s negative emotions.

Passions and Excitements: The landscape is adorned with my passions—a thirst for learning, the joy of human capital development, the thrill of culinary adventures, and the wanderlust that accompanies travel.

Core Values: The compass of decision-making is guided by the principles of continuous learning, family, appreciation, respect, humility, and integrity—a constellation of values that lights the way.

Approach to Life: My approach to life mirrors a purpose-driven and service-oriented mindset. The compass points towards continuous learning and personal development, recognising the journey’s significance.

Biggest Fear or Insecurity: As we delve into the depths, we encounter the fear of not listening to the heart’s whispers and the shadows cast by financial constraints—a reminder of the vulnerability inherent in the human experience.

Barriers to Full Potential: The terrain of unmet expectations, family commitments, sporadic self-doubt, and an overreliance on others presents itself. The journey invites a recalibration, a reassessment of the path ahead.

Legacy and Aspirations: As the odyssey nears its zenith, I aspire to be remembered for positive impacts on leadership development, values-driven leadership, and positive change in communities. Whether it’s being a master trainer legend or simply leaving behind memories of kindness and impact, the legacy is a beacon guiding the journey.

As we conclude this year-end odyssey, the tapestry of my life unfolds as a vibrant mosaic of strengths, growth opportunities, passions, and aspirations. The road ahead is paved with the imprints of lessons learned and the anticipation of uncharted territories. Here’s to the odyssey of my journey—a narrative that continues to weave itself into the grand tapestry of life.

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.” – Nido Qubein

“Your habits, your future!”

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Embracing Transformation: Lessons from “The Earned Life” by Marshall Goldsmith

“We are living an earned life when the choices, risks, and effort we make in each moment align with an overarching purpose in our lives, regardless of the eventual outcome.”

Today, I want to share my learning journey through the pages of “The Earned Life” by the insightful Marshall Goldsmith. So, grab a cup of your favourite brew, settle in, and let’s embark on this inspiring and life-altering experience.

Good Moments:

First and foremost, let me share with you the beautiful moments I’ve experienced while immersing myself in this profound book. Marshall’s wisdom is akin to a guiding light that leads us through the intricate labyrinth of life. His words resonate with a clarity that makes you feel like you’re engaged in a heart-to-heart conversation with a mentor and a friend. This book not only offers insight but a fresh perspective on the idea of what it means to truly earn a life of profound meaning, purpose, and boundless fulfilment.

Not so Good Moments:

Of course, it’s not always a path strewn with rose petals and sunshine. There have been moments when I’ve recognised the Herculean challenge it can be to let go of old habits and embrace new ones. Marshall’s insights often serve as a mirror, reflecting the ingrained behaviours that might be holding us back. Acknowledging these tendencies can be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s precisely these moments of realisation that pave the way for growth. After all, personal growth isn’t always a smooth ride, right?

Personal Growth and Gratitude:

My journey through the pages of “The Earned Life” has been nothing short of an awakening. It’s been a voyage of self-discovery, unearthing the patterns in my life and the behaviours that might need a tweak. It’s a humbling experience, recognising that we all have room for improvement. I’m profoundly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a respected coach and author. It’s a privilege to have access to Marshall’s wisdom, and I can’t help but express gratitude for the transformation it has initiated within me.

Key Takeaways:

As I reflect on this profound reading journey, I’ve identified some priceless lessons that I’m eager to carry forward:

Daily Self-Reflection
Marshall’s advice on daily questions for self-reflection is a game-changer. It’s the small, consistent steps that pave the way for monumental personal growth.

Behavioural Change
Embracing change is a significant aspect of the “Earned Life.” It’s about consciously choosing behaviors that align with your goals and values, making every moment count.

Helping Others
Marshall’s emphasis on contributing to the lives of those around us is a gentle reminder that a life well-earned involves making a positive impact on the world.

Future Goals:

So, what’s next? I’m excited to integrate these profound learnings into the fabric of my daily life. I plan to cultivate the habit of self-reflection, committing to purposeful behavioural change each day. Additionally, I aspire to extend my gratitude by helping and making a positive impact on others, just as Marshall recommends. This is not just a set of goals; it’s a pledge to lead a life that’s truly earned.

In closing, I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow from “The Earned Life” by Marshall Goldsmith. It’s not just a book; it’s a companion on our life’s journey toward a more meaningful and earned existence. So, I wholeheartedly encourage you to pick it up if you haven’t already. Here’s to learning, growing, and embracing the wisdom that helps us lead a life we’ve genuinely earned, one moment at a time.

Marshall Goldsmith’s wisdom is an endless source of inspiration. As he beautifully puts it, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.”

May we all choose growth, and may our earned lives be a testament to the transformation that’s possible when we dare to embrace change and live with purpose. Cheers to a journey of meaningful transformations and to Marshall Goldsmith for being a guiding light on this path of profound personal development!

“Your habits, your future!”

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Navigating Virtual Meetings

“The eyes are the windows to the soul.” – Traditional Proverb

If you’ve ever found yourself in the world of virtual meetings, you know it’s a whole different ballgame. As we lead our teams through these virtual realms, one thing often gets overlooked – eye contact. Let’s dive into this essential aspect of virtual leadership, sharing some experiences, both good and bad, along the way.

The Good Moments:

Firstly, let’s appreciate the power of making eye contact through a screen. It’s a game-changer. When you lock eyes with your team members during a virtual meeting, you instantly establish a connection that transcends physical distances. It’s a nod of acknowledgment, a signal that you’re truly present, and a boost for team morale.

The Bad Moments:

Now, onto the challenges. We’ve all been there, right? You’re leading a virtual meeting, and you can’t help but notice your team’s eyes darting everywhere but at the camera. It’s frustrating, and it makes you feel like you’re talking to a room of ghosts. Lack of eye contact can lead to miscommunication, disengagement, and a sense of detachment among team members.

Personal Growth and Gratitude:

Reflecting on these experiences, I’ve come to realize that as leaders, we’re all on a learning journey. Acknowledging our own shortcomings and areas for growth is a sign of maturity and self-awareness. I’m grateful for the opportunity to adapt and improve my virtual leadership skills.

Tips for Effective Virtual Meetings:

So, how can we lead virtual meetings effectively with eye contact in mind?

  1. Camera Awareness: Start by being aware of your own camera. Position it at eye level and look directly into it when speaking. Your team will appreciate the direct connection.
  2. Encourage Participation: Encourage team members to turn on their cameras and make eye contact as well. Create a culture where everyone feels comfortable doing so.
  3. Engage Actively: Use team members’ names during the meeting to engage them personally. This simple act shows you’re paying attention and fosters a sense of inclusivity.
  4. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one or small group check-ins with team members to maintain a personal connection.
  5. Feedback Loop: Ask for feedback on your virtual leadership. Your team’s insights can be invaluable for improvement.

Looking Ahead:

In the ever-evolving world of virtual work, we have to adapt and grow. Our journey as virtual leaders will have its ups and downs, but acknowledging our areas of improvement and embracing change is the way forward. Let’s continue to make eye contact, even through the screens, and lead our teams with authenticity and connection.

As we embark on this virtual leadership adventure, remember, it’s not about the miles between us; it’s about the moments we create together. Happy leading, and here’s to stronger connections and more engaged teams in the virtual world!

“Enjoy the journey and try to get better every day. And don’t lose the passion and the love for what you do.” – Nadia Comaneci

“Your habits, your future!”

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My favourite sayings

Recently I found a booklet that I printed in 2011 and the title I gave the booklet was, “The Journey is the Reward.”

There are articles and collection of writings that I have written/collected over the early years.

This is the first few pages and I will transfer everything from the booklet into this blog site.

Sayings – My favourites

These are the sayings/phrases that kept me positive and having the drive to move forward to finish what I have started.

Live and laugh… laugh and live

Problems are only temporary

Make the decisions and manage them

Respect is earned not yearned (for it)

Practice servant leadership, serve and be served in return

Attitude of gratitude determines your altitude

Perfect practice makes perfect

Teamwork makes the dream work

Together everyone achieves miracles

Vision without action is merely a dream, action without vision is a waste of time

Get yourself ready for the opportunities – they do not come with a BANG… you need to grab them!

Leadership by example and seek to understand the situation

Customers are not always rights, and they need to be treated right

Pay attention to details and the rest will take care of themselves

Life is a reflection, you attract who you are!

Do not complain… take action… get moving and move nearer to your success rather than being idle and waiting for things to happen!

Never despair… just pray!

God has given me more than I need, I am rich…

“Your habits, your future!”

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My 2022 reflections

Happy New Year 2023! I know the first month is almost up… better be late than never, right?

Not that I am giving any excuses nor protecting myself… I completed my reflections before the year ended. I was contemplating whether I should post them or not… anyway, after some time thinking about it, here it goes…

What moments were good this past year?

  • Getting a new job, learning new things (Degreed, Confluence, projects)
  • Going for business trips
  • Winning prizes; vouchers during family day and teambuilding
  • Able to witness my daughter’s graduation
  • My own MBA graduation
  • Getting my bonuses
  • Able to invest in various instruments/providers
  • Did my medical check-up and overall the result was good
  • Able to buy gifts for my loved ones
  • Able to repair my car; having spare cash

What moments were bad this past year?

  • Infected by Covid-19
  • Experiencing credit card scams
  • Black out during medical check-up (failure to draw blood from both my arms, only after 4 attempts)
  • Got cheated of RM10 by Asia Wash – car wash on the final day of the year

What things did you do right?

  • Work Projects (got my job confirmation from it)
  • Passing my MBA
  • Investments
  • Not spending unnecessarily
  • Handmade noodles and tortillas

What mistakes did you make?

  • No major mistakes; just failure to refrain from eating supper (from time to time)
  • Not consistent in exercising

How did you grow as a person?

  • Ability to face disappointment
  • Having the patience to deal with disappointments

How would you have done things differently?

  • Being consistent with exercise
  • To be more vocal and able to challenge my line manager
  • To call/see mom and dad more frequently

What are you grateful for?

  • That I am able to wake up daily
  • My wife and two kids
  • Having a job to provide for my family
  • Able to learn new things
  • Able to have both my parents around
  • Got my MBA degree
  • Able to eat and enjoy good food
  • Having me time

What can you learn more about to make yourself better?

  • Meditation
  • Speak and write
  • Dealing with difficult people

What are your goals and resolutions you plan to achieve next year?

  • To be leaner and lighter (physically)
  • To practice meditation and be mindful (mentally)
  • To serve God and His people (spiritually)
  • To be consistent and a better leader (personally)
  • To continue investing (financially)

What are some actions you can do to improve next year?

  • Being able to strategise and be more big picture
  • Not to be affected by other people’s actions/feedback/criticism
  • Communicate assertively

Final thoughts on 2022

Overall 2022, was an interesting year of new journey and experience. I got a new job, moved into a new place (relocated myself for work in KL), business trip to Cyprus, graduated from WOU for MBA and new work challenges… I praise God for His blessings and guidance.

I pray that 2023 will be a fruitful and meaningful year for my family and me. God please let us be in Your favour, continue to bless us with your grace and mercy. And I know You have a grand plan for me and You are preparing me for Your plan.

Hallelujah! 

“Your Habits, Your Future!”

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Before I forget…

A lot things happening in the past months and I have to get back in shape (exercise, writing and pursuing my hobbies…)

Two topics that I would like to write about and cannot find the time to expand on the points… I will park the points and notes here for reference when I want to write about them.

Notes #1:

Life is what meaning you put to it. Fake rules, perception and ideas.

e.g. Rat race – it is when you believe what you are doing is not meaningful.

What if in the so called rat race… some one benefitted from what you are doing? The person gets meaning of life because of you? Even if it’s a rat race based on other people’s perception… the more important thing (to me) is how you see yourself in the things you are doing… your acts, behaviour… service… who are you doing it for?

Notes #2:

About travelling… travel comfortable; clothing, travel pillow, refreshment kit…

Drink lots of water, sleep well, eat well, exercise… mental wellness.

Airport transfer; book, music, plan for work (if it’s business trip), plan for the trip…

That’s all for now…

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Interesting project and learning

“You’ve probably got a device on you that can shoot decent video, so what’s stopping you?” – Steve Garfield

Last weekend, I went to do short video production with a good and talented friend of mine. The actual video was only a 1-minute video and the video shooting took four -(4) hours (not counting the pre-planning and editing of the video). Now I realise that creating content is not as easy as it seems.

12 Top Production | ideas | funny, memes, funny pictures

Anyhow, when my friend shared with me the edited video, my first reaction to watching myself in action… was to laugh at myself and at the same time, be impressed with what he had done with the video. Well done brother!

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What I have learned from this mini-project?

Planning is vital – no matter how we like the outcome to be natural or spontaneous, there has to be a planning element to make the video production a success. The overall concept and theme, the storyboard and some of the points to be covered as the message of the video.

Rehearsal is a must – I trust that the whole video shooting can take a shorter time if I were to rehearse it well before the shooting session. I thought it was going to be easy and took it for granted. Now that I have learned. One needs to rehearse, rehearse and rehearse to get the right feel and outcome.

Materials or I believe it is called assets need to be prepared – for the video editing to be of good quality, the assets have to be of high quality as well. Other photos, pictures, videos, scripts, and the design have to be shared/provided to the video editor for the video production to be great.

Trust your team – for me, this is the most important factor and if we are going to get our team to do it, we need to trust them fully to get the job done. We do not have to micro-manage the job nor chase after them. When they have less pressure from us, they are more creative.

Have fun with the journey – another important factor to consider in a video production project. Laugh, be curious, experiment, go with the flow… be happy.

Well, I have this belief that no matter what we do, there will be some who will not be agreeable to our concept or outcome. Anyway, just do it anyway and experience the journey.

“Your habits, your future!”

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What have I done so far?

“Enjoy the journey and try to get better every day. And don’t lose the passion and the love for what you do.” – Nadia Comaneci

Started a new chapter in my life’s journey, since January 2022. Relocated to another state in February 2022 and what have I done since I started in this new organisation?

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  1. Middle management programme
    Initially there was a request for about 5 newly promoted team leaders (middle managers) from one of the stakeholders, and that triggered me to come up with a programme to help support the transitioning of individual contributors to people managers. Then I shared the programme with my line manager, she liked the idea and brought up a good point, “why not we benefit more than one department with this programme?” We then launched this programme for the whole organisation and the same programme done for the head office as well.

    What I have learnt from doing this programme (in this organisation and I believe in most organisations as well), many will be excited initially and it takes a lot of encouragement to ensure the participants are consistent in their participation.
  2. Office library
    Leaders are readers… hence setting up the library is part of learning and development for everyone in the organisation. I am happy that my line manager agreed to most of the books recommended and added some of her list as well. We have decided to have 36 titles and will grow the library with more titles as we go along. In the process of getting the books, I had to work with at least three -(3) different book providers for this project. As this project is led by the head office, we need to have standardised look and feel as well.

    What I have learnt from doing this project, communication and patience is key when dealing with different people (with different perspectives and expectations).
  3. Quarterly projects and KPIs
    During my probation (I am happy that I got my confirmation), I had my probation goals and in this quarter, I have new projects (measurable KPIs) that I will need to achieve. Apart from business as usual (BAU), I have additional project goals to achieve. Interesting system when I first entered the data for the project goals.

    What I have learnt from this event, some projects have more weightage than others. There is a need to collaborate with other departments to achieve the project goals. It will be easier to achieve with the support of the team.

“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself. “– Søren Kierkegaard

I truly believe that it will be exciting times ahead, as long as my purpose remains the same. As a mentor of mine mentioned to me, “needs may change, purpose remains the same…” which is relevant to me at the moment.

For your information, there are more than three -(3) things / events that I am handling right now, stay tuned for more great updates to come.

Have fun and enjoy the journey.

“Your habits, your future!”

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Have you done your best?

“Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.” – Og Mandino

45 Best You Da Best Memes – You're The Best Meme – Boom Sumo

I have been reflecting and whenever I have a chat with my kids, especially when it comes to their school assessments, tests, exams… the one question that I will ask them… “Have you done your best?”

I believe that… “Victory is knowing that you have done your best, if you have done your best, you have won!“

And at times, I may forget and being critical to myself… with the outcomes that I have gotten, be it work, studies or personal… I need to be reminded on the question… “Have I done my best?”

Based on the knowledge, skills, experience and exposure that I have had… and if I have given my all, the best that I can… then I will learn from the results, then do better the next time. Or I can have the following options:

  1. Consult my inner circle and get some ideas (before, during and after) about the project that I am embarking in.
  2. Talk to my mentor(s) and coach(es) to gain some insights and discoveries.
  3. Do additional research with the time (according to the due date) that I have on the project.
  4. Ask more questions to myself, i.e., “What questions have I not asked?” “What can I do differently?” “What would this person ______ do?” “What have I not done yet?”
  5. Pray and meditate to get some inspiration, ideas and wisdom…
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And at times, I realised that, that is the best I can do… thus I need to let go and let God.

All I can do is to put in my best effort with the time and resources that I have (to be resourceful)… and whatever the outcome is… it’s a feedback… and I can use the feedback to my future advantage, to be a better version and work towards to direction I want.

“Have you done your best?”

“Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.” – Don Miguel Ruiz

“Your habits, your future!”