What is your main focus for today?

If I may simply jump to the point of penning all this down, I think one of the reasons I go on exchange is to simply let myself out into a completely unfamiliar environment, and let things hit me as they are, and hopefully along the way discover and learn new things, not just around me but within me as well.

I guess one key view that I have come to realise is the differences in the world view of many people I know around me as compared to back in my home country. The outlook is different, and I really see many people considering the real world application of their degree, and how they are actively working towards their passions, not simply just holding the "study and get degree then see how lor" mindset.

As somebody who was never satisfied with that persistent mindset that seeks to embed itself in my consciousness since I was young, this was really a refreshing view. Looking through this lenses, I increasingly realise that there are many people out there who are willing to help and give you opportunities, only if you see it and actively search for it. Instead of simply wasting time away, of getting your degree (yes, just spending time in university with the sole purpose of getting your degree is stupid), we should be out there taking advantage of the opportunities that are open to us, as students in a climate conducive for exploration and experimentation (only if you see it).

I recently saw a quote on Facebook by a friend of mine, and I really see the truth in it now; the world is indeed full of opportunities, it is only whether you actively go out and seek them.

There's simply so many things to do to feel bored and tired. Like a close mentor of mine once said, the 20s definitely isn't time for you to feel tired and relax. Take advantage of how you are full of energy and pursue.

And what is my main focus for today?

To achieve the most that I can. Everyday.

Finland

And so i'm on exchange in finland right now. i was gonna pen my thoughts on exchange since a month ago, but i guess procrastination got the better of me. and at this point, the sheer number of things to write about are kinda overwhelming. i generally think alot (too much) about a lot of issues, so imagine a month's worth of backlog. 

and... procrastination got the better of me. kbye

For the people

I was suddenly intrigued by this whole series of thoughts that rushed into my head on the way home, linking several pieces of information from both the distant past and recent weeks into one revelation.

It was first triggered by an image that a friend of mine sent to me, it was a picture talking about how a high ranking official had about 26million worth of shares in a company. Now, anybody with an active portfolio knows that with such a large stock, it won't be the only one. That means the person's wealth is probably way more than that amount, maybe close to 40 million. That set me thinking, that person must been quite the financial genius to be able to work out such a splendid portfolio. The cadre does indeed have top people for the job, the best talents and greatest minds. However, there was just one problem. The thing about many great minds, especially those seem to fit the ideal mould of progress and economic growth, is that they must have the ability to quantify things, even seemingly unquantifiable ones. Like happiness, well-being, poverty and the standard of living. These things become numbers. When things that normally tug away at heartstrings stop affecting them in the pursuit of growth, growth is unhindered as these great minds work in unison, in a magnificent combination actually, to bring this mega corporation to new heights. Now, this bit will be taken from something i learnt from a prof. When people like this form a cadre and set out a training process to pick the brightest. The top that emerges will usually fit perfectly into their mould. The mould that they set, what they assume as the best will be one that exemplifies the characteristics they value, incidentally, they possess. Another friend once told me (I respect her immensely) that many corporations, especially those that are international and grow to be extremely huge have a selection process that tries to occasionally select someone that exemplifies different qualities. Bring in fresh blood to the scene, add a dynamic element and watch natural chemistry work, and the top leadership rejuvenates and evolves dynamically. This doesn't seem to be happening. Its a static process, with undoubtedly great minds coming out, but all of the same mould. Yes the corporation progresses, but certain things, because of a dearth of quality of certain essential values, will flounder and go neglected. Yes certainly lip service may be paid, cause any decent great mind know that a little must be done to placate the plebeians.

This struck through again when another friend spoke of an interview with a person who was exceptional. The person had eyes for large changes, revolutionary changes for the benefit of us, but it seems that he did not regard the small things such as the human touch and the nurturing and development. Nurture specific moulds yes, but not the holistic nurturing of all.The person was on his way into the cadre no doubt, approved by the higher echelons that run the corporation.

Is that where this is all heading? The widening gap, the dissent, the increasing unrest, because this is a self-perpetuating cycle. The top minds yes, no doubt, so far top that certain things go unseen. They say that the best teams are those that compromises of the most dynamic personalities, this is looking to be clearly not happening. Just needed to put it all down into words. Peace of mind now. Cheers


* Maybe this is what I am going to do, corporate psychology and team dynamics