3 Approaches

"Your Attitude, not your Aptitude will determine your Altitude" - Zig Ziglar

Hey guys!

Last week, during lecture, someone started asking a question that I already know the answer to, and honestly, it made me a bit anxious. Anxious to move on to the next topic. But nevertheless, I waited in my seat patiently and listened. hen it dawned upon me, the 3 Approaches, as how I'd like to call them.

What are the 3 Approaches?

1. How we approach issues we already know
2. How we approach issues we don't know
3. How we approach issues we have no interest to know

The first, as illustrated in the example above describes how anxious I was in approaching issues I already know. This happens ALL the time. people love to tell you what they know and what they think you should too, most of the time, with no regard of your prior knowledge whatsoever. However, I feel it is beneficial to let them speak their piece. Why you may ask? Simply to boost their egos! Most of the time, no one would listen, so when you do, they will feel like they have imparted their knowledge, and have made a difference, a very good feeling indeed. In return, when they are done, they are much more likely to listen to what YOU have to say, since YOU made them feel good about themselves!

Well, the second point about approaching issues we don't know reflects upon our own egos and hunger for knowledge. Put it this way, humans are egoistical creatures and we don't like to be told that our knowledge databank is lacking some crucial information. However, the wisdom of the ages always tells us to stay humble and stay hungry. (Probably Steve Jobs's quote). Therefore, I urge everyone to check in on our egos at times like this and we'll definitely learn more this way.

The last point ties in very tightly with the first point. However, there are situations where we have no interest whatsoever in caring for bonsai plants. In this situations, if the speaker does not realise our lack of interest and zip it up quickly, it's best to change the topic ASAP or find an exit strategy!

So, there you go. 3 approaches in 3 different situations. What would YOU do differently? Leave me a comment down below! :)

 

 

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Just Be Yourself. A Better Self.

Hey guys! How's the weekend coming along?

So I read this article a few days back and at the end of it, there was a comment that says the teens and 20s are the super entitled generation...and it got me thinking (I think watching Hell's Kitchen played a part too).

There have been a lot of new-age advice, or whatever you call it, that have been advising people to 'just be yourself', 'don't fake it', 'don't wear a mask', etc. I can see essence of this, and it's not a bad thing actually. It's just that like all advice, you've gotta give it to the right person, at the right time to achieve the right effect and impact.

For someone who have been trying to act like someone else to please their parents/spouse/etc (think Mulan), then yes, this advice is sound. But telling a spoilt, rebellious, ungrateful teen to keep up the good work is BS.

What I'm saying is that we should always see both sides of the coin. More importantly, we(I'm very much included) should very well learn to suck up our ego at times, and learn from criticisms, even harsh ones. Why?

Cause by doing that, we're admitting that we're not perfect. That there's always room for improvement, no matter how the lesson comes to us. Some people have this misconception that the world needs to be kind to them before they can learn anything, that teachers must be patient Zen masters, that the society will help lift them up when they fall. That is, of course the ideal world, but most of the time, we've gotta keep a look out for ourselves, we've gotta have our own backs.

Therefore, I urge everyone to be yourself. But recognise that we each have our own strengths and flaws, and that we continuously strive to improve and grow. When the lessons come easy, be grateful, when the lessons come hard, suck it up. That way, we can be ourselves. Our better selves.

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3 Reasons Why I Joined Toastmasters and Why You Should Too!

Hey guys!

Sorry for the delayed post as I was travelling last weekend, and no, I haven't gotten around to scheduled post yet. Anyhow, let's dive in to today's topic on PickMyBrain.

I've recently joined Toastmasters, amid quite some reluctance on my part prior to this semester. And now, I'm so convinced that I've made the right decision, I'm going to share 3 reasons why I decided to join Toastmasters and why you should too! For those who's asking, what IS Toastmaster, click here.

1. Constructive Environment to Grow In
Toastmasters provide a very constructive environment to grow in, perhaps due to their pledge or something. But, this is more than a pledge; I felt it. The first time I entered a Toastmaster's meeting, I was warmly greeted by various strangers. I felt so at home right away,  I made tonnes of new friends.

Through the public speaking course, there's always the evaluation. I witnessed first hand, constructive criticism at its best! I'm not one who's very good at softening the blow, but after seeing how an evaluator evaluated a performance objectively, with good points I totally overlooked, I'm a changed man.

Of course there are many other supportive and constructive environments to grow in, but most of them are either religious or incomparable to Toastmasters. Here, you are allowed to grow at your own pace, with the people by your side always.

2. You Get What You Pay For
Cost was one of the reasons why I did not join Toastmasters earlier. I did not comprehend why anyone would pay RM240 (varies by club) to join as a member and RM120 every 6 months to keep your membership alive just to talk to a bunch of people who would later judge you.

Of course you get the coursebook and stuff like that, but I'm pretty sure I can get those online, for free! Youtube's a great source for starters. So, I was asking where does the money goes? Does it go to a new building fund perhaps? No, not really. So, why do members need to keep paying a fee for peer review (since everyone is benefiting from peer review, the money only serves to benefit the International body, right?) ?

Well, for one, Toastmasters is a non-profit organisation, meaning any extra income they have at the end of the year has to be reimbursed back to its members. Two, there ARE hidden cost to be paid for like food, servers maintenance, sometimes venue, and perhaps marketing? But it's there, like any other organisation. Three, after all is said and done, it's still worth it! Just google any public speaking course or leadership seminar and you'll see what I'm talking about. They go from a couple of hundreds right up to thousands! And most importantly, the people in your Toastmasters club remain somewhat the same, thus providing a strong support group, which everyone knows, is very crucial in a setting such as this.

So, really, you do get what you pay for, perhaps even more.

3. Grow Thy Network!
Regardless of your profession, meeting new people is unavoidable. What better place to practice than Toastmasters? Not just practice, you actually do meet lots of great, interesting, like-minded individuals who could very well land you your dream job, or recommend you to a multi-million dollar deal.

One of the reasons why Toastmasters work is because of point number 2, up above. You see, when people have to pay this much (and might I say, consistently) for something, they usually think twice and asks themselves, 'What's in it for me?' Most can't convince themselves. However, those who do, have already been filtered out to be positive thinking, wanting to improve, supportive individuals. This is where like-minded individuals come together and discuss ideas, proposals, forward-thinking concepts, etc.

Again, you get what you pay for, but this time, in immeasurable returns. A dream job, a real estate deal or even a close confidant. Who knows? :)



However, I did left out one point, which is extremely crucial in reaping these benefits. It's this:

Toastmasters, like anything in life, is what you make of it. 

There are those who solely attend their own club's meeting, completing the course in due time and perhaps become a better speaker. There are also those who make the most out of the course and in the mean time, also make the most out of every new encounter, every new club, every new experience. Which one are you, is entirely up to you.

Cheers,
See you guys next Saturday!

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