Philosophy

Nowadays, hardly anyone likes Philosophy even people who study them (!?). Understandably, it’s easier to complain, talk about your next trip and the upcoming movie than to talk about something too abstract, too powerful that you probably don’t really understand.

Unfortunately, your life is determined by your philosophy!

Philosophy is basically just a set of rules & principles that govern your thinking and actions. It forms your belief about life (or anything in general). Most people have their own philosophy and belief. And we can more or less tell one’s philosophy and belief about anything through their languages and actions.

If you believe in karma, you don’t do bad things.
If you believe in luck and fate, you don’t bother trying as everything’s already decided.
If you’re money or health-conscious, you’ll do anything – everything to get more money or become healthy! You value them more than anything else.

~

What if you don’t have any life’s philosophy?
Well, what if the ship you’re on doesn’t have a map and compass? It will follow the wind’s directions. Whichever directions the wind blows, you’ll follow. You don’t really know where you’re going.

Similarly, if you don’t have any life’s philosophy, then you probably follow your friends’; your parent’s, or even worse, the media’s philosophy. Whatever they tell you to play, travel and eat (which is oftentimes not good for you), you’ll follow. No questions asked.

If that’s the case, then too Bad for you!

Eventually though, you will form your own philosophy according to your character, education and environment.

That’s how important philosophy is! Unfortunately, we’re oftentimes “blind to the obvious,” and we’re also “blind to our blindness” (Thinking Fast and Slow).

Drinking Water

I don’t count but I drink quite a lot of water – especially in the Office.

Often time I go take water when I’m already thirsty (not good!). And because I’m already thirsty, I drink a lot after taking water. My cup is left with only a bit of water.

After a short while, I finish my water in the cup… And so I have to…

I repeat the process a few times for a few months (i guess?) until I find “Wah, no more water? So fast?”

I feel so frustrated especially when I’m in the midst of doing something. I literally have to stop, stand up and go take water. Sounds simple right? Nah, though everything takes less than 1 minute, it actually is very frustrating when I’m in a total focus mode :O Every coders and the likes should know what I mean.

I finally realize “it’s kinda silly!”, I should’ve done it differently…

The moral of the story is that

1. Instead of waiting until I’m feel thirsty (then I go take water), I should’ve had a lot of water ready on my side. It’s a healthier way to drink water and helps not to interrupt my work as well.
   > So don’t wait (until I need water or anything) – always get/build something before I need it. #Relationship #Networking #Synergy! #7habits
2.  I should’ve taken & drunk a lot of water to get me over my thirst first then taken another cup of water and bring back to my table.
   > Save but never “Live below your means!” Always treat myself well & often.
   Anyone who don’t treat themselves well and keep living below their means will tend to overspend when they finally get money for example. That’s what keep the Middle Class middle class. Men who don’t “play” while young also tend to commit weird behaviors and even crimes when getting order! It also sucks living below the means, doesn’t it?
3. Whenever I have something, I tend to overuse and/or (over)spend it immediately (water in this case – not so relevant though)!
   Resist the temptation to spend. Keep it (as much and as long as possible)!!
   Again this goes back to lesson #2 to solve the root problem.

Behind a simple & silly act comes so many worthwhile lessons! – that are never taught in school!!

“Does this book change your life?”

– How’s is it (Me, Inc book)?
– Does it change your life? #LongTran

Great books do change life! Just as “Rich dad poor dad” and “The SOGR” do to me.

But does my life change yet!? No, not straight away, not soon and definitely not “now”. I mean, if you look for a magic book or button that upon read or pressed will immediately and totally transform your life, you won’t be able to find it. It ain’t exist!
Even a winning lottery ticket can’t!

On the other hand, you look for something that could change the way you think, behave and do stuff. You can! Realistically!

As Jim Rohn once said “you cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your DIRECTION overnight.” Great books do just that!

PS: The gap between your destination and your direction is your LIFE. Enjoy it!

Awesome People

These are a list of AWESOME, CHARISMATIC & highly SUCCESSFUL people who make me obsessed for a long period of time.

2017

Napoleon Hill

(June/July)

Finding “the SECRET” through his masterpiece “The Law of Success in 16 Lessons”
The Master Key + Think & Grow Rich + PMA

– Jordan Belfort (April, May)
Through the Wolf of Wall Street movie: Talent + Drugs + Girls / Party
His “Straight Line Persuation” sale lessons.

2016

Grant Cardone

(since late Nov)

Energetic, inspiring, slightly “arrogant” kind of guy (not for everyone; his voice & the way he speaks like Robert or even more aggressive).
He’s like GaryVee who don’t really believe in those “the Secret or Law of Attraction”. They believe in pure ACTIONS! Inspiring but not really a teacher!

His “Whatever it takes” Interview is so inspiring too!

– Donald Trump

(I’ve watched him very closely from his Rep campaigns – Auguest 2015 until election day till Nov 8)

Surprised and even disappointed with his tweets/reactions. He seems really thin-skinned. He’s definitely a listener than a dictator; Mike Pence selection & his apology video after “grab her by the pussy” incident confirm that. Tremendously charismatic!

– Gary Vaynerchuk / simply fall in <3 his massive energy (ard Apr till Oct)|
Take ACTIONS – massive actions!

– Tai Lopez

<3 his “Lamborghini ads on YT”; the more I listen to his YT videos, the more I like him (after LNY till Aug). Listenning to his videos very often – almost everyday.

Honorable mentions:

• Dua Leo – his videos (esp. against CN) are so deep & profound!!
  • Con ếch và trung quốc – Bình loạn với Leo
  • Hãm hiếp trong chiến tranh – Bình loạn với Leo
• Tony Robbins – “I am the VOICE!”
• Minority Mindset – his financial literacy videos are great!
• Dan Lok (through YT suggestion)
• VALUETAINMENT

2015

– Donald Trump
Since his presidential announcement on June 16, I’ve watched him thoroughly from his primary to presidential campaign, his debates vs Hillary and finally the Election day. A very rare people who can keep my wholehearted attention for such a long period of time (more than 1 year).

His “Think BIG & Never Give Up” is a must-watch video

– Shark Tank
No patient to watch a long (boring) movie, let alone many-episodes-kind of shows, but Love the show so much. Been watching hundreds episode until LNY. I will bring it to VN someday & be a shark 😀

Honorable mentions: Nick Woodman (Go Pro / Shark Tank); “YWIYC”

2014

– Thich Nhat Hanh
Since hearing the news (around Sep?) that my Uncle having cancer, I was listening to almost all his videos available online until the next LNY. Learn a lot from him (his calm & attractive voice and mindful thoughts) though I’m not a Buddhist.

Honorable mentions: Guy Kawasaki – 12 Lessons Steve Jobs Taught Guy Kawasaki

2013

– Jim Rohn

Recommended by my Bro; love & listen to him for a long while; his philosophies totally change my life!

Honorable mentions: Donald Trump

2012

– “The Science of Getting Rich”

2011

– Robert Kiyosaki
His “Rich Dad Poor Dad” book changes my career direction tremendously while I was still in Uni. I somehow enjoy hearing him saying along this line “You’re loser!” 

– “Attraction isn’t a Choice!”

2009 – 2010

– T. Havr Eker / Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

Proud

Here are a few personally achievements that I’m very PROUD of myself:

# I’m earning a few hundred dollars of Passive Income every month

# I do 100 (fast) push-ups in a row!

# I complete 5Km within 25′

# I have so many beautiful & memorable memories!
I’m not saying I’m proud to date many girls – or have many girls liked/loved me (though I probably am ;), I’m happy & proud of the memories & experience that we’ve had!

# I have traveled to over 10 countries & 15 cities at the age of 25 using my own money!

# I start working at 20 years ago when almost all my friends were still in Uni

… to be updated…

I’m convinced everyone should have this list that make them FEEL GOOD! Don’t fool yourself. Don’t let it make you complacent. Let it inspire you to keep moving forward instead.

Who are you?

People would always like to give advice – even advice that they interestingly don’t understand and follow!

Be this. Do that.
Don’t smoke! – suggested by a guy who’s holding a cigarette!
Go to college & get a safe and security job! – advised by parents who become successful by doing the opposite.

I did too to be honest.

But now I change. I start reading books; I become consciously choosing who I wanna associate; I’m building my own team & cabinet. Most importantly, I’m afraid to give advice – I’m just not there to do that yet.

That’s why before you talk to me and you want me to treat you & whatever you say seriously, let’s go through this quick checklist:

1. How many non-fiction books (self-help in particular) that you’ve read? #Knowledge #Perspective
2. What’s your 5-aside Team? Who are your 5 closest friends? #Association
3. Who are your mentors? #Teacher/Coach #Perspective
4. What have you achieved personally and professionally? #Achievements & finally
5. What’s your bank accounts right now? #Finance

#1 Many people learn & get knowledge passively, meaning they only know what they’re taught, which is very little & one-sided. Read books & open to new ideas & knowledge.
Show me what you’ve learned!

#2 You can also help yourself a lot by associating with beautiful, inspiring people & environment.

#3 Model, copy, mimic – whatever you wanna call it – those who you wanna become. Don’t reinvent the wheel. No one is 100% “self-made”!

Show me your closest friends, team and teachers, I can more or less tell who you are.

#4 Many people mistake “saying” as “doing”; “doing” vs “achieving”. That’s why many people spend their whole entire life achieving and contributing almost nothing.
Some people are simply gifted with natural talents (and good enviroment) that requires little additional personal development. Show me what you have achieved, I may ignore the rest of the conditions.

#5 Real values equal monetary values (= money). I don’t believe in stories about talented but broke people. They ain’t that talented. And if you only can create “half-values”, you work for someone else! (or you’re broke!) LOL

Semarang & Yogja Trip

Impressions

The way to immigration checkpoints is too small – there are only 2 lines. The waiting time might be up to 1 hour after the flight.

Interesting to see normal people acting as police men, guiding the traffic & helping cars cross intersections. They do get tips from the drivers.

Hardly seen (lots of) cabs except near the airport.

Attractions

#Yogyakarta

• (Pantai) Timang Beach: best experience!
• miss out Goa jomblang – only open from 10-12pm?
  quite scary to get down to the cave (10-15m height)
• Kalisuci Cave Tubing?
  • Cave tour: dropped my phone here to a 8m deep water
  • Water drafting: 8m height jump down to water
• Mount Merapi: good tour via a jeep car (250 rp?)

#Semarang

• The Old town – around 20-25′ from the center
  A church, park & a few shop selling ancient stuff (e.g. money notes, coins and others). not much to do there.
• Sam Poo Kong: huge temple & look impressive from far. A mix between Chinese & Javanese structures.