Office Politics

1. Be tactful in speaking. Phrase something in a nice way instead of being so straight to the point. ~K's advice

What have I noticed in the company?
1. Observe the political culture. I need to play the game in. I need to know how influence and politics work here. Analyze the political landscape and align my self with people who can help me.

2. Observe how my manager and peers do things. Follow the good examples. I.e: Read widely and share the knowledge with the sales team and colleagues.

3. Proactively setup appointments using outlook to discuss issues. Good preparation will impress managers. Good background knowledge and people contacts will help. ~A's advice

4. Speak when required with a point to make, with a benefit and a fact/ example. Learn to communicate persuasively. Adjust your message for different audiences. ~K's advice

5. Do not sit back and do nothing. Do things that will impress your manager. Colleagues are around to help you. Contribute to make their efforts better and a team effort.  ~A's advice

6. Be able to prioritize your work. ~K's advice

7. Try to have allies across the board. I should be able to work well and stay neutral.

8. Never show your temper. Keep calm and cool. Weigh the possibilities before confronting. Speak to a trusted mentor to be sure I am in the right.

9. Do not be afraid to toot my own horn. If no one knows of my good work, I will not get the opportunity to win. What are my accomplishments the past 4 months? Can I highlight that to my boss?

10. Learn to trust, but keep my defenses up against competitive co-workers. Keep an eye for office turmoil that can affect me. Keeping a watchful eye on colleagues who delight in my demise.

11. Do not complain.

12. Focus on product. Practice. ~ A's advice

Resignation

Resignation (noun)

1. the act of resigning.

2. a formal statement, document, etc., stating that one gives up an office, position, etc.

3. an accepting, unresisting attitude, state, etc.; submission; acquiescence:

to meet one's fate with resignation.

Slice quote

"But our imagination can also be a source of unnecessary distress and can cause needless strife with others. This is when our thoughts veer frequently and excessively towards the negative. Even when there is hardly any evidence to support it. Feeling inadequate, unattractive or incapable, for example, and allowing these feelings of low self-worth to diminish our quality of life or opportunities. Some of us may even feel envious or threatened and seek to undermine those we assume are better than us. Some of us may even routinely suspect our partner of being flirtatious or having an affair, even though we're more likely indulging our feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, and no evidence exists to substantiate our suspicions. 

A lot of negative overthinking stems from feelings of low confidence and insecurity - because we feel that others are always better than us, we learn to entertain fearful and doubtful thoughts, of things always somehow turning out badly for us. When we can't seem to turn off the flow of foreboding, when we're constantly worrying about how others are judging us, when we're consistently afraid of doing what we really want because we're anxious that others won't accept or approve of it. 

This is the danger of over speculating, over thinking, over analysing. Suspecting or imagining things beyond face value. When we act based purely on our suspicions, we can end up spoiling something or take it on a destructive path. If we are unsure, we should ask. If we can't accept what is presented to us, then we should investigate. But until we uncover the facts, over speculation is dangerous.

Our imagination is a gift, but only if we use it wisely."

- from A Slice of Life by Eugene Loh

Face my fears

Today I apologised to him.

I don't know how, but I have to find methods to control my temper and not flare up so easily. Thanks Hazey for the timely spot and supportive listening ear.

Maybe my blog can help me with it to release. Also I need to exercise regularly to maintain a calm mind. Doing things like retreating into sea and lush mountains never cease to humble me and make me thankful for everything I have. Church and sermons always enlighten me and show me the way when I am lost.

It doesn't help me to complain to my mom because I realize she is not me. She does not know what I am going through. Neither does my masseuse nor my facial lady.

Only I alone with God's guidance will I know how to proceed.

Post Velodrome

I could not get past the blue line on the cycling track.

Maybe it is all in the mind, If I wanted it so badly, I would have fought to get the pass. I felt ashamed after the class.

I learnt an important lesson that all strength comes from your own desire. Be it at work, in sports, and with my personal life.

It is easy to blame Cantonese was a language barrier. But if I was active, it would help myself to clarify any doubts. 

Opportunity will present itself to those who prepare. In my situation, what is my goal? What do I want to achieve in HK? What am I here for? If I know what it is, I must fight for my own happiness and future goals.

The alternative is, do I want to hide and stay in comfort zone for the rest of my life?

*****

I felt lousy and wanted to get better. So I hit the squash courts after. Still practising the back wall drive.

****

Going for 6pm services was incredibly refreshing. Reminded me of helping the poor and having Christ in my heart. I had a few revelations on JF and fitness and work. Have got my answer / closure that I needed on JF. Am happy, relived and have forgiven myself.

Pre Velodrome

Many people do not know what a velodrome is! HK is home to many great cyclists!

To prepare for my session tomorrow, I have these tips from a friend and websites:
- Pick a light bike
- Do not try too hard

“The automatic response, if you are out of control, is to go faster. I would say: relax your upper body. Don’t stop pedalling, but don’t ride as fast as you can. You learn more about yourself and the bike when you are riding steady than when you are going flat out.

“It happens in every taster session I have done, people don’t know how the track works. The bikes are so stiff, so if there is any slight wobble on the bike, if you are tense, then any slight movement will go straight through to the wheels.

“When you are out on the roads you have to turn the handlebars to go around corners but on the track bike it is all about shifting body weight. Some people try to steer and that can throw you off a bit – you have to lean into the bends. It is very fluid, it is a lovely feeling.

“It is very serene, all you need to do is lean in and you don’t have to grip the handle bars too tight. Every movement affects the bike – it is quite a simple sport but you have got a lot to think about.”

"Don’t stop pedalling – it is a fixed wheel bike – just keep pedalling, you will be fine.”

“It is so simple: it is a bike with one gear and no brakes, all you have to do is pedal. I love it for that because it is so simple. Just relax, and make sure you enjoy it, and take it all in.

“Very new riders to the track go so fast, they are that worried that their bike is going to slip. You see guys who go on the track three times a week and we ride really slowly.”

Read more at http://totalwomenscycling.com

Live my life without you

This tune kept replaying in my mind on a Wednesday evening.
Always reminds me of JF.

Sad that I had to end something so beautiful
yet which caused me much conflict.

I did not know how to tell you,
that the way I perceived a piano piece you played for me,
was different from the way you read it.
I saw panic
You saw calm

Our interests for adventure
Was satisfying enough
yet i was adamant to impose
my political views.
And that was wrong of me
In the 4 mths that lapsed
I matured
Realized there is no right or wrong in one's political beliefs

I wish you love,
I wish us eternity,
Friendship, banishment
or what God has prepared.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"If I had to live my life without you near me
The days would all be empty
The nights would seem so long, with you I see forever
Oh, so clearly, I might have been in love before

But it never felt this strong
Our dreams are young and we both know
They'll take us where we want to go

If the road ahead is not so easy
Our love will lead the way for us
Like a guiding star
I'll be there for you if you should need me

You don't have to change a thing
I love you just the way you are
So come with me and share the view
I'll help you see forever too

~George Benson