2025

Bayesian Thinking and Niche Strategies

Life isn’t a multiple-choice exam where one answer is perfectly correct. Yet, many of us live as if it is, constantly hunting for the best option, terrified of making the wrong move, and haunted by the idea that a better opportunity might be just out of reach. But here’s the truth: in a world full of complexity and constant change, perfection doesn’t exist. The most successful people aren’t the ones who choose perfectly, but those who choose boldly, adapt quickly, and refine relentlessly.

We’ve been conditioned to fear regret. We worry about switching jobs and thinking, “Maybe my old company was better.” But what if the real regret is never trying at all? Choosing the path with the least regret isn’t about standing still; it’s about moving forward with the humility to accept that no choice is perfect and that’s okay. Life is not about making flawless decisions. It’s about making choices, learning from them, and adjusting course as you grow.

In societies where job mobility is low, like Japan, people often find themselves trapped in the company they joined fresh out of university, sometimes for 40 years. Imagine spending four decades in a place you never truly chose simply because you feared what might happen if you left. That’s not stability. That’s a slow erosion of potential. The real danger is not in changing jobs; it’s in staying stagnant, in silencing your own curiosity, and in ignoring the call to grow.

Nature teaches us this lesson every day. Zebras don’t fight giraffes for leaves; they find their own grass. Every species survives not by endlessly battling others, but by finding their own niche, a space where they can thrive. The same rule applies to us. You don’t need to be the best at everything. You just need to find the place where your unique strengths make you irreplaceable. Competing head-on with giants isn’t courage, it’s foolishness. True strength lies in finding your own field where no one else can play your game.

Success isn’t a jackpot you hit with one lucky decision. It’s a game of probability, of increasing your odds through persistence, experimentation, and learning. You won’t find your dream job or life purpose on your first try and that’s not a failure. That’s how success is designed to work. Every move you make, every new challenge you face, refines your understanding of where you belong. The more you try, the closer you get to discovering your niche.

Financial independence is often misunderstood as the end goal of freedom, but freedom isn’t about not working. It’s about choosing what to work on. True independence comes when you can dedicate your time to things you love without worrying about paychecks or corporate titles. But here’s the key: you build this freedom not by running away from work, but by investing deeply in your human capital, your skills, your knowledge, your reputation, until they become your greatest assets.

The world will always change. Markets shift, industries evolve, and yesterday’s skills become today’s footnotes. The people who succeed are not those who resist change, but those who embrace it, who pivot gracefully when the winds turn. You need to build options into your life, whether that’s financial safety nets, versatile skills, or diverse relationships, so you’re never trapped by circumstances beyond your control.

Living a high-cost-performance life isn’t about minimizing risks or maximizing profits. It’s about maximizing your ability to evolve. It’s about stepping forward even when the path isn’t clear, knowing you’ll adjust along the way. It’s about understanding that no one hands you a perfect opportunity. You create it through resilience, curiosity, and action.

You have the power to design a life that is uniquely yours, not by finding the best choice, but by becoming the best version of yourself in every choice you make. Stop waiting for certainty. Start moving. Start creating. The life you dream of isn’t found. It’s built, one bold step at a time.

從利基策略到貝式思維的成功法則

人生並不是一張選擇題，只有一個正確答案。然而，我們卻常常活得像是在考試中，不斷尋找「最好的選擇」，害怕做錯決定，害怕錯過更好的機會。但事實是，在這個複雜且瞬息萬變的世界裡，根本沒有完美的選擇。真正成功的人，從來不是那些做出完美選擇的人，而是那些勇於選擇、快速適應、持續調整的人。

我們從小就被教導要害怕後悔。我們擔心換了工作後會想，「還是以前的公司比較好。」但真正的遺憾，或許不是換工作後的悔恨，而是從未嘗試的自己。選擇較少後悔的道路，並不是原地踏步，而是帶著接受「世上沒有完美選擇」的謙遜，不斷向前邁進。人生從來不是關於做出無懈可擊的決定，而是關於不斷做選擇，從中學習，並隨著成長修正自己的道路。

在像日本這樣缺乏勞動流動性的社會中，許多人一旦畢業進入公司後，可能會被困在那家公司長達四十年。試想，花了四十年待在一個自己根本沒真正選擇過的地方，只因為害怕改變會帶來的風險。這不叫穩定，而是對潛能的慢性消磨。真正的風險，不是換工作，而是停滯不前，壓抑自己的好奇心，忽視成長的渴望。

大自然每天都在教我們這個道理。斑馬不會和長頸鹿搶樹葉吃，它們找到各自的食物來源。每個物種能夠生存下來，不是因為它們打敗了其他對手，而是因為它們找到了自己的生存空間。對我們而言也是一樣。你不需要成為每一個領域的第一名，你只需要找到那個屬於你自己的位置，讓你的獨特優勢無可取代。與巨頭正面競爭並不叫勇氣，那只是無謀。真正的力量在於找到那片只有你能發揮的舞台。

成功並不是一次性的大獎，而是一場機率遊戲。你必須透過不斷嘗試、實驗與學習，逐步提高自己的成功率。沒有人會在第一次就找到完美的工作或人生方向，但這並不代表失敗，這正是成功的過程。每一次的行動，每一次迎接新挑戰，都是在幫助你更清楚了解自己真正適合的地方。嘗試得越多，越能靠近那個屬於你的獨特定位。

財務自由常被誤解為人生的最終目標，但自由從來不是「不再工作」，而是「能選擇自己想做的工作」。真正的自由來自於你能夠將時間投入在自己熱愛的事物上，而不必擔心薪水或職稱。然而，重點在於：這種自由並不是逃避工作得來的，而是透過長期深耕自己的人力資本——你的技能、知識與聲譽，讓這些成為你最強大的資產。

世界永遠在變。市場變動，產業更迭，昨日的技能或許今天就變得無用。能夠成功的人，不是那些抵抗變化的人，而是那些擁抱變化，並能在風向轉變時優雅轉身的人。你必須在生活中為自己預留選項，不論是財務安全網、多元技能還是廣闊的人脈，這樣當環境變化時，你才不會被困住。

高CP值的人生，並不是用來最大化利潤或最小化風險的，它的真諦是最大化你「進化」的能力。這是一條明知道前方模糊卻依然勇敢前行的道路，是一條相信自己能夠邊走邊調整的旅程。沒有人會將完美的機會雙手奉上，你必須用堅韌、好奇與行動去創造它。

你擁有設計自己人生的力量，不是因為你選擇了最好的答案，而是因為你在每一次選擇中，成為了更好的自己。別再等待所謂的「確定性」，開始行動，開始創造。你夢想中的人生不會從天而降，它是你用行動一步一步打造出來的。

How to Build a Success Strategy Based on Your Strengths

We live in a world that constantly tells us to “fix our flaws.” Scroll through any bookstore or social media feed, and you’ll see countless self-improvement guides claiming to hold the key to success. But here’s a truth no one tells you: the more you obsess over fixing your weaknesses, the more you risk losing sight of your unique strengths. The more you chase after someone else’s formula for success, the more you drift away from your own path.

You see, every self-help book is a story of how someone else used their strengths to succeed. Their advice worked for them because it aligned with their personality, talents, and life circumstances. But what happens when their strengths aren’t yours? You follow their steps meticulously, yet the results don’t come. Slowly, self-doubt creeps in. You begin to think, “Maybe I’m just not good enough…” But the problem isn’t you. The problem is you’re trying to win their game, not yours.

I’ve been there. Back in university, I read a book called Expand Your Network! It made networking sound like the ultimate life hack. Motivated, I set myself a bold challenge: hitchhike 100 times to meet new people. But there was one small problem—I’m not great at striking up conversations with strangers. Every attempt was a struggle. The more I forced myself, the more I felt like a failure. Instead of becoming more confident, I became more convinced that I was hopelessly bad at building relationships. After completing all 100 hitchhikes, the only lesson I learned was: this method isn’t for me.

Looking back, I realized I had spent all that time trying to become a bird when I was meant to swim like a fish. I was flapping my fins in the air, wondering why I couldn’t fly, not realizing that I wasn’t designed to. It wasn’t a lack of effort. It was a mismatch of approach.

The world is full of people who thrive in different environments. Some succeed by cultivating deep relationships with a few close allies. Others flourish by building wide networks. Both paths are valid. But the key to success isn’t found in someone else’s journey. It’s discovered when you stop copying and start crafting your own playbook.

The most powerful thing you can do for yourself is to write your own “instruction manual.” Know your strengths. Embrace your unique talents. Design your workflow, your approach, and your strategies based on who you are—not who you’re told to be. When you align your actions with your natural strengths, life becomes less of an uphill battle. Tasks that once felt draining become energizing. You’ll no longer need to force yourself to stay motivated; progress will come naturally.

Here’s the liberating truth: Your success formula exists within you. Self-help books can inspire you, but they can’t define your path. The moment you stop obsessing over your flaws and start maximizing your strengths, you’ll unlock a version of yourself that’s authentic, confident, and unstoppable. Life’s game won’t feel like it’s set on “nightmare mode” anymore. You’ll be playing on a field where you know exactly how to win.

Stop trying to fix what’s “wrong” with you. Start building a life that celebrates what’s right with you.

打造屬於自己的成功攻略

我們活在一個不停告訴我們「要修正自身缺點」的世界。隨便走進書店或滑滑社群媒體，到處都是自我提升書籍和內容，聲稱掌握了成功的祕密法則。但這裡有個沒人告訴你的真相：越是執著於修正缺點，你就越容易迷失自己與生俱來的優勢。越是盲目追逐別人的成功方程式，你離自己的道路只會越來越遠。

事實上，每一本自我提升書籍，都是作者如何善用「他們自己的優點」而成功的故事。他們的建議之所以有效，是因為那與他們的性格、才能和人生經歷相契合。但當這些優點並不是你的時候，無論你多麼努力模仿，結果往往還是不盡人意。你一步步照做，卻遲遲看不到成果，自信心也隨之崩塌。你開始懷疑：「是不是我根本不夠好……」但問題不在於你，而是你正試圖用別人的遊戲規則去贏得屬於自己的比賽。

我曾經也是如此。在大學時期，我讀了一本書叫《去擴展人脈吧！》，書中讓建立人脈聽起來像是成功的終極捷徑。我受到啟發，給自己設下了一個挑戰目標：進行100次搭便車旅行來拓展人脈。但問題是，我根本不擅長和陌生人聊天。每一次的嘗試對我來說都是一種折磨。越做，我越覺得自己「果然完全不會和陌生人建立關係」，自信心也在一次次失敗中消耗殆盡。完成100次挑戰之後，我唯一的收穫是：「這種方法真的不適合我。」

回頭看，我才明白，那段時間我就像是一條魚，卻一心想要在天空中飛翔。無論如何揮動魚鰭，我都飛不起來。但我當時卻沒有意識到問題出在方法不適合我，而是不斷怪自己「為什麼練習這麼多還是飛不起來」。

這個世界上，有些人善於與少數人深交後創造出價值，有些人則透過廣結善緣來打開局面。這兩條路徑都是正確的，沒有對錯之分。關鍵在於，你是否找到了適合自己的那條路。

真正的成功，並不是去模仿別人，而是去認識自己，建立一套能發揮你獨特優勢的成功法則。當你的行動與自身特質相契合時，生活不再是場苦戰。那些曾經讓你感到痛苦不堪的事情，也會變得輕鬆愉快。從今天起，請你為自己寫一本「使用說明書」。了解自己的強項，擁抱自己的天賦，並依照自己的步調來設計工作方式與挑戰策略。當你開始這麼做時，你會發現，自信心正一點一滴地回歸，人生這場遊戲的難度，也會因此大幅下降。

這世界上並不存在一套通用的成功祕訣。那些自我提升書籍可以啟發你，但永遠無法替你定義方向。屬於你的成功方程式，只存在於你自己身上。當你停止執著於修正缺點，轉而專注於靈活運用自身優勢時，你將會解鎖一個真實、自信、不可阻擋的自己。從此以後，人生將不再是「地獄級困難模式」，而會成為一場你知道該如何贏的比賽。

別再去糾結那些「不夠好」的地方了，去打造一個完全發揮「你最棒的部分」的人生吧。

A Birthday Reflection on Leadership and Growth

This week, I turn 35 on July 31st. As I pause to reflect, I feel both grateful and determined. Grateful for the people, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped me. Determined to become a better version of myself in the year ahead. My birthday goal is simple yet profound: to continuously sharpen my leadership skills.

Leadership, to me, is no longer just about managing tasks or making decisions. It’s about inspiring others, adapting with purpose, and leading with empathy. In a world that shifts rapidly, where change is the only constant, it’s not enough to rely on old ways of thinking. The real challenge today is to lead in the unknown, to guide people through complexity with clarity and heart. That takes more than strategy. It takes character, courage, and connection.

I’ve come to realize that leadership isn’t defined by a title. You don’t need to be a CEO or a senior executive to lead. True leadership shows up in everyday moments, supporting a teammate, resolving conflict with grace, encouraging someone to take their next step. Whether you're managing a small project or raising a family, the way you show up can shift the entire energy of a room. That is leadership.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is this: people don’t want to be managed. They want to be seen, heard, and valued. Influence doesn’t come from authority. It comes from trust. And trust is built by showing up consistently, listening deeply, and acting with integrity. In the words of Dale Carnegie, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming genuinely interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you.” Leadership begins with that kind of genuine interest, in people, in their hopes, in their potential.

Arguments, ego, and control often block the path to effective leadership. Real influence comes from humility and emotional intelligence. It’s not about proving others wrong, but about guiding them toward what’s right, together. When we create space for others to shine, we all rise. When we speak with respect, offer appreciation, and give people a good reputation to live up to, we unlock extraordinary results.

As I step into this new chapter of my life, I choose to lead not by force, but by example. I choose to speak less and listen more. To mentor when I can, to learn always, and to remind people of their own greatness. I know that leadership isn’t about reaching the top, it’s about lifting others up along the way.

The world needs more leaders who lead with heart, who believe in others, and who stay grounded in their values. This is the kind of leader I aspire to be. So here's to 35, a new year, a new commitment, and a renewed purpose. Let’s lead with purpose. Let’s lead with love. Let’s lead, together.

領導與成長的生日反思

這週，7月31日，我即將迎來35歲生日。當我停下腳步反思時，心中充滿了感激與決心。感激那些塑造了我的人、挑戰與機會；同時，也決心在新的一年成為更好的自己。我今年的生日目標很簡單，卻意義深遠：持續磨練我的領導力。

對我而言，領導不再只是管理任務或做決策，而是激勵他人、有意義地調整自己，並以同理心帶領團隊。在這個瞬息萬變、唯有改變是不變的世界中，單靠舊有的思維模式已不敷使用。真正的挑戰，是在未知中帶領人們，在複雜中指引方向，並以清晰與真誠同行。這需要的不只是策略，還需要品格、勇氣與連結。

我逐漸意識到，領導力並不取決於頭銜。你不需要是CEO或高階主管才能領導。真正的領導體現在日常生活中：在同事低潮時伸出援手，在衝突中以優雅解決，或在關鍵時刻鼓勵他人踏出下一步。不論是領導一個小專案，還是經營一個家庭，你的態度都能改變整個氛圍。這就是領導。

我學到的一個重要教訓是：人們不想被管理，他們渴望被看見、被傾聽、被重視。影響力並非來自權威，而是來自信任。而信任來自一致的行動、深度的傾聽與誠實的表現。正如戴爾・卡內基所說：「你可以在兩個月內交到比花兩年還多的朋友，只要你真心對他人感興趣，而不是讓他人對你感興趣。」領導力始於那份真誠的關心——對人、對夢想、對潛力的關心。

爭論、自我與控制常常是有效領導的絆腳石。真正的影響力來自謙遜與情緒智慧。不是為了證明別人錯，而是要一起走向正確的方向。當我們給予他人發光發熱的空間，我們全體都能提升。當我們以尊重發言、給予肯定，並幫助他人建立值得效法的聲譽時，我們將解鎖非凡的成果。

走進人生新篇章，我選擇以身作則，而非強迫命令；選擇少說多聽；能指導時就給予幫助，並時時學習，提醒每個人他們本身的價值與潛能。我深知，領導的真諦不在於登上巔峰，而是在於扶持他人一同攀登。

這個世界需要更多有愛、有信念、並堅守價值觀的領導者。這就是我想成為的那種領袖。所以，為了35歲的新旅程，一份新的承諾，一個再度覺醒的使命——讓我們懷著目的去領導，懷著愛去領導，一起踏上這條領導之路。

How I Learned to Lead, Influence, and Drive Change in a World That Isn't Always Fair

Last Sunday, I stood on the stage of the National University of Singapore, receiving my Master of Technology in Digital Leadership from NUS-ISS. It was a powerful moment of reflection, not just on academic achievement, but on a deeper journey I’ve taken as a leader, an architect, and an individual trying to make meaningful change in a complex world.

In my role as a Solution Architect in the core banking sector, I help banks transition from legacy systems to modern, cloud-native platforms. This is a form of transformation that goes far beyond technology. It touches people, culture, and power structures that have existed for decades. As I became more involved in these large-scale transformations, one truth became increasingly clear: those with power are not always the most capable. And often, those who are capable are not given power.

I saw it firsthand. In global firms, leadership often mirrors legacy power structures. In one UK-based company, most leadership roles were held by white men. As an Asian professional, I quickly learned that traditional career ladders were not designed for people like me. I had to find new ways to lead, without formal authority, without a title, and often without a seat at the table. I had to learn how to speak up, how to influence, and how to drive change from the margins.

That’s where my journey at NUS came in. This program didn’t just teach me frameworks and strategies, it taught me how leadership really works. And as uncomfortable as the truth may be, the world is not a meritocracy. Power has not disappeared, it has not become more evenly distributed, and the rules that govern it remain deeply entrenched. If we want to do good in the world, more good people must gain power. And to do that, we must stop avoiding the topic and start mastering it.

Leadership skill is the ability to effectively understand others at work and use that knowledge to influence others to enhance personal and organizational objectives. Research shows it is the single strongest predictor of career success. It is what allows people to build influence, improve relationships, manage impressions, and create change, regardless of their title.

I used to think influence was about charisma or being extroverted. But I’ve learned that leadership skill is not manipulation. It is a conscious and strategic effort to build trust, gain allies, and drive outcomes that matter. It allows capable professionals to change the game instead of playing by one that was never designed for them.

This insight changed how I saw leadership. It is not about control. It is about creating environments where others can thrive. It is about putting yourself and your allies in positions to influence. It is about understanding that if change could happen without power, it would have happened already. The first step to real transformation is understanding how leadership works and being willing to use it for the benefit of others.

That is what my graduation truly represents. Not just the end of a degree, but the beginning of a new commitment. To lead boldly. To speak up when it is easier to stay silent. To build networks that lift people up. To challenge outdated norms and glass ceilings. And to ensure that leadership is not a privilege for the few, but a responsibility for the many.

To my professors, classmates, family, and friends, thank you. Your support helped me grow not just as a student, but as a leader. I carry this degree not just with pride, but with purpose.

Let us be the kind of leaders who do not wait for permission. Let us understand power, use it wisely, and change lives, change organizations, and change the world. One conversation, one decision, and one act of courage at a time.

如何在這個不總是公平的世界中學會領導、影響他人與推動改變

上週日，我站在新加坡國立大學的舞台上，從NUS-ISS領取了我的科技碩士（數字領導）。那一刻不僅象徵著學術上的成就，更是我作為一位領導者、系統架構師，以及在這個複雜世界中努力帶來實質改變的個人，所經歷的一段深刻旅程的見證。

身為核心銀行領域的客戶架構師，我協助銀行從傳統的舊有系統轉型為現代化的雲原生平台。這種轉型遠不只是技術升級，它更關乎人、文化與延續數十年的權力結構。當我越來越深入參與這些大規模的轉型計劃時，有一個真相變得越來越明顯：掌握權力的人，往往不是最有能力的人，而真正有能力的人，反而常常無法獲得應有的權力。

我親眼見證這一切。在許多跨國企業中，領導階層往往反映出舊有的權力結構。在某間設於英國的公司，大多數領導職位皆由白人男性擔任。作為一名亞洲人，我很快就領悟到，傳統的職涯階梯並不是為我們這樣的人設計的。我必須尋找新的方式來發揮影響力，不依靠職稱、不依靠正式授權，甚至往往沒有發言的位置。我學會了如何開口說話、如何建立影響力、如何從邊緣推動變革。

這也是我選擇進入NUS的原因。這個課程不僅教會我理論架構與策略，更讓我真正理解領導力的運作方式。儘管這個真相令人不安，但世界並不是一個憑實力說話的地方。權力從未消失，也沒有變得更公平分配，那些支配權力運作的規則依然根深蒂固。如果我們想為這個世界帶來善意的改變，就必須讓更多有善念的人掌握權力。而為了達成這點，我們必須停止逃避對權力的討論，開始認真掌握它。

所謂的領導技能，是能夠有效理解職場上他人行為，並運用這些知識去影響他人，以達成個人與組織目標的能力。研究顯示，這是職涯成功最強而有力的指標。它能幫助人們建立影響力、改善人際關係、塑造正面印象，並帶來實質的改變，無論你是否擁有職銜。

我曾以為影響力等同於魅力或外向性格，但後來我明白，領導技能並不是操控別人。它是一種有意識且具策略性的努力，是建立信任、凝聚盟友、推動具意義成果的過程。它讓有能力的專業人士得以改變遊戲規則，而不是被動遵循一個從未為他們量身打造的制度。

這個洞察徹底改變我對領導的看法。領導不是掌控，而是創造讓他人得以茁壯成長的環境。是將自己與夥伴放在具影響力的位置，是認知到如果改變不需要權力，那改變早就發生了。真正的轉型，第一步是理解領導力的運作方式，並願意將其用在對他人有益的方向上。

這也正是我這次畢業所真正代表的意義。不只是完成學業，更是新承諾的開始。勇敢地領導，在他人選擇沉默時挺身而出，建立能提升彼此的網絡，挑戰過時的規範與看不見的天花板。並確保領導不再只是少數人的特權，而是多數人的責任。

感謝我的教授、同學、家人與朋友，是你們的支持讓我不只成為一位畢業生，更成為一位有責任感的領導者。我帶著的不僅是榮譽，更是使命。

讓我們成為那種不等待許可的領導者。理解權力，善用權力，改變人生、改變組織、改變世界。從一場對話開始，從一個決定開始，從一份勇氣開始。

Embracing Failure Leads to Success and Personal Growth

In a world obsessed with success, we rarely pause to honor failure. Yet failure is not our enemy, it’s our greatest teacher. When society doesn't provide second chances, it doesn’t just deny people the opportunity to recover, it breeds fear. Fear of making the wrong move. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of falling behind.

This fear is paralyzing. In many parts of the world today, the path to success has become increasingly narrow. From a young age, we’re taught to follow a rigid formula: get good grades, attend a prestigious school, land the right job, and settle down by a certain age. If you deviate from the plan, you risk being labeled a failure. The safety nets that once caught us when we fell, like time to explore interests, jobs that welcomed potential over pedigree, or relationships that weren’t defined by timelines, have grown thinner. Now, one misstep can feel like the end of the road.

But here’s the truth. Every successful person has failed. Often. Repeatedly. What sets them apart isn’t perfection, it’s the courage to keep going. Decision paralysis doesn’t come from a lack of ability, it comes from a fear of getting it wrong. Ironically, it’s often those who have never failed who fear failure the most. Because they’ve never built the muscle of resilience, they’ve never discovered how capable they truly are.

We need a mindset shift. As psychologist Carol Dweck teaches, those with a growth mindset believe that abilities can be developed. They embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, and see effort as the path to mastery. They understand that failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s part of the journey. On the other hand, a fixed mindset traps people in the need to constantly prove themselves, avoiding anything that risks failure. And so, their world stays small.

The good news is that mindset can change. It starts with how we respond to failure, not with shame, but with encouragement. When someone stumbles, lift them up. When they make progress, no matter how small, celebrate it. Growth doesn't happen in silence, it thrives in supportive environments.

And if you’ve ever struggled with indecision or self-doubt, know this. You’re not alone. You’re not broken. You’re human. The goal isn’t to be fearless, it’s to fear less. To take that next step even when the path ahead is unclear. To try again, even when you’ve failed before.

Creativity, innovation, and reinvention don’t come from comfort zones. They are born from disruption, from stepping outside the familiar. Neuroscience shows that movement, rest, and curiosity can unlock new ideas. Einstein found inspiration while riding his bicycle. You can find yours in a walk, a good night’s sleep, or a conversation that challenges your thinking. The world is full of sparks, you just have to be open to catching them.

Most importantly, remember that your worth is not defined by your achievements. It’s defined by your willingness to grow. Resilience is not about never falling. It’s about how you rise. It’s about facing the unknown with a brave heart and a clear purpose.

So if you’re standing at a crossroads, afraid to choose, afraid to fail, take the leap anyway. The people who change the world aren’t the ones who never fail. They are the ones who fall, get up, and keep moving forward.

Because in the end, failure is not the opposite of success. It is the foundation of it.

當我們擁抱失敗，才能走向成功與個人成長

在這個對成功近乎痴迷的世界裡，我們鮮少停下腳步去看見、甚至尊重失敗。然而，失敗並不是敵人，它是最偉大的老師。如果社會不提供重新出發的機會，不只是讓人失去復原的機會，更會在心中種下恐懼——害怕做錯決定、害怕自己不夠好、害怕被遠遠拋在後頭。

這種恐懼令人無法動彈。如今，世界上許多地方對於「成功」的定義變得愈加狹隘。從小我們就被教導要遵循某種既定公式：考取高分、進入名校、找到好工作，然後在適當年齡結婚成家。只要偏離這條路，就有可能被視為失敗者。那些曾經支持我們的安全網——探索興趣的時間、看重潛力而非學歷的工作機會、不受時間綁架的人際關係——正日益式微。如今，只要犯一個錯，人生就可能陷入絕境。

但事實是，世上每一位成功人士都曾失敗，而且不是一次，而是無數次。他們與眾不同的地方，不在於完美，而是在於跌倒後依然選擇站起來、繼續走下去。所謂「選擇困難」往往並非來自能力的不足，而是來自對犯錯的恐懼。諷刺的是，那些從未經歷過失敗的人，反而最害怕失敗。因為他們從未鍛鍊過「復原」這項能力，也從未真正看見自己的潛力。

我們需要一場心態的轉變。正如心理學家卡蘿·杜維克所說，擁有「成長型心態」的人相信能力是可以培養的。他們勇於面對挑戰、堅持克服障礙，並視努力為達成精熟的道路。他們明白，失敗不是成功的反面，而是通往成功的一部分。反之，「定型心態」的人會不斷要求自己表現完美，害怕冒險，於是只選擇安全、熟悉的事情做，人生的空間也就越來越狹窄。

好消息是，心態是可以改變的。改變，從我們如何看待失敗開始。不是用羞愧，而是用鼓勵。當有人跌倒時，伸出手扶他一把；當他有一點點進步時，與他一起慶祝。成長不會發生在沉默之中，而是在支持與理解的環境中發芽。

如果你曾經在決定面前猶豫不決，曾經懷疑過自己，請記住——你並不孤單。你沒有壞掉，你只是人類。目標不是「沒有恐懼」，而是「減少恐懼」。即使前方充滿未知，你也可以邁出那一步；即使過去曾經跌倒，也還是值得再次嘗試。

創意、創新與重新出發，從不誕生於舒適圈，它們誕生於改變，來自踏出熟悉的那一刻。神經科學告訴我們，運動、休息與好奇心可以激發全新的想法。愛因斯坦在騎腳踏車時得到靈感，你也可以在散步中、在一場好眠之後、或是一場激盪思想的對話中找到屬於你的火花。這個世界充滿了靈感的火花，只要你願意敞開心扉，就有機會接住它們。

最重要的是，永遠不要讓成就定義你的價值。真正定義你的是，你是否願意成長。所謂的「韌性」，不是從不跌倒，而是每次跌倒後都能重新站起來。是面對未知時，仍然懷著勇敢的心與清晰的方向。

所以，如果你正站在人生的十字路口，害怕選擇，害怕失敗，請仍然勇敢地踏出那一步。改變世界的人，從來不是那些從不失敗的人，而是那些即使跌倒，也會再次站起來，繼續前行的人。

因為，失敗從不是成功的反面，它是成功的根基。