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  • 2 min read

On Improving Our Habits

We can change our habits to become healthier. There are three key aspects of health: physical, dietary, and mental.

Regular exercise is crucial for physical fitness and maintaining a healthy body. Every week, I jog for at least 30 minutes along the river. On weekends, instead of staying indoors all day, I opt for cycling or swimming. These activities facilitate the release of dopamine in the brain, which helps regulate mood and prevent depression. However, there are times when I get too busy or lazy to maintain my fitness routine. To stay motivated, I find it helpful to maintain a calendar and join a community.

Secondly, it's important to consume nutritious foods like vegetables and fruits. As we age, our metabolism slows down, and carrying extra weight can negatively impact our body shape. To lose weight, we need to restrict our caloric intake while burning more calories than we consume. During COVID-19 lockdowns, many of us work from home and spend the entire day in front of the computer, burning very few calories. It's advisable to limit our consumption of sugary beverages like regular Coke and iced lemon tea.

Lastly, improving our mental health is essential. The goal is to achieve a better work-life balance and broaden our social networks to receive more emotional support from family and friends. Maintaining positive relationships and contributing to the community are crucial. Achieving this goal can significantly impact both our happiness and our sense of purpose in life. Rather than being timid and hiding in a corner, we should make an effort to grow our networks and meet new people. To improve my public speaking and communication skills, I strive to make small daily improvements over the previous day.

Overall, maintaining a healthy body and mind is essential for thriving in our environment and becoming successful individuals.

  • in podcast
  • 2 min read

On Improving Our Habits

Welcome back, listeners, to another episode of Continuous Improvement, where we explore strategies and tips to enhance our overall well-being. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're diving into the blog post titled "Changing Our Habits for a Healthier Lifestyle."

We all aspire to lead healthier lives, but sometimes it can feel overwhelming. However, the key is to focus on three essential aspects of health: physical, dietary, and mental. So let's tackle each one of them, starting with physical fitness.

A regular exercise routine is crucial for maintaining a healthy body. The blog post suggests various activities like jogging, cycling, and swimming, all of which help release the feel-good hormone dopamine in our brains. This not only helps regulate our mood but also prevents conditions like depression. However, sticking to a fitness routine can be challenging at times.

To stay motivated, the blog post recommends maintaining a calendar and being part of a supportive community. Remember, small steps can lead to significant progress, so let's commit to incorporating physical exercise into our daily lives.

Now, let's move on to our dietary habits. As we age, our metabolism slows down, and carrying extra weight can adversely affect our health. The blog post emphasizes the importance of consuming nutritious foods like vegetables and fruits.

With the rise of remote work and prolonged screen time, it's easier than ever to fall into unhealthy eating patterns. To combat this, the blog post advises limiting the intake of sugary beverages and adopting healthier alternatives.

Lastly, let's not forget the significance of mental health. Achieving a better work-life balance and expanding our social networks can have a profound impact on our overall well-being.

Building positive relationships and actively contributing to our communities should be prioritized. This not only enhances our sense of purpose but also boosts happiness. Instead of shying away, let's make small daily improvements towards personal growth.

So there you have it, listeners! Three key areas to focus on for a healthier lifestyle: physical fitness, dietary habits, and mental well-being. Remember, continuous improvement is the name of the game.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you found these insights valuable and are inspired to incorporate positive changes into your daily routine.

Join us next time for another exciting episode, where we explore more strategies and tips for personal development. Until then, keep striving for continuous improvement in your life! Take care, everyone.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

關於改善我們的習慣

我們可以改變我們的習慣以變得更健康。健康有三個關鍵方面：身體、飲食和心理。

規律的運動對於身體健康和維持健康的身體至關重要。每週，我至少沿著河邊慢跑30分鐘。在週末，我選擇騎自行車或游泳，而不是整天待在室內。這些活動能促使大腦釋放多巴胺，有助於調節情緒和防止抑鬱。然而，有時我會因為太忙或太懶而無法維持我的運動習慣。為了保持動力，我發現維持日曆並加入社群非常有幫助。

其次，攝取像蔬菜和水果這樣的營養食品非常重要。隨著年齡的增長，我們的新陳代謝會放慢，體重過重可能會對我們的身材產生負面影響。要減肥，我們需要限制我們的熱量攝取，同時要燃燒的熱量要多於我們攝取的。在COVID-19封鎖期間，我們中的許多人在家工作，整日面對電腦，燃燒的熱量很少。建議我們應限制飲用像可口可樂和檸檬冰茶這樣的含糖飲料。

最後，改善我們的心理健康是必不可少的。目標是實現更好的工作生活平衡，並擴大我們的社會網絡，以從家人和朋友那裡獲得更多的情感支持。維持積極的人際關係和對社區的貢獻是至關重要的。實現這個目標可以顯著影響我們的幸福感和生活的目標感。我們應該努力擴大我們的網絡並結識新的朋友，而不是害羞地躲在角落裡。為了提升我的公眾演講和溝通技巧，我努力每天都比前一天進步一點。

總的來說，維持健康的身體和心理對於在我們的環境中繁榮並成為成功的個體至關重要。

  • 3 min read

A Love Not Meant for Me

I was 28 years old at the time, and she was likely around 32—although the age difference is purely conjectural on my part. I never actually asked her age. In some cultures, women consider their age a well-guarded secret, and it can be deemed impolite to inquire. My best guess is that she was a year or two older than me. And it's worth noting that many Asian women age gracefully.

We met in a bar. After a night of drinks, she agreed to go out with me. How could I refuse? She was the most stunning companion I had ever had. Her name was Kim, and she hailed from Busan, South Korea. We both shared a love for travel. She had visited Canada, the United States, and Australia. Kim even became my Korean language tutor; I was enamored every time she spoke in her native tongue. She was a mature young woman who no longer harbored naïve notions about relationships or romance.

We traveled extensively. We visited the tallest building in Hong Kong, dined at amazing restaurants, and shared stories from our respective pasts. She affectionately called me "Oppa," the term Korean women use for their boyfriends, which technically means 'older brother'. Ironically, I think I was younger than her. I called her "Noona" (older sister), which seemed to irritate her. One thing about Korean women is that they highly value their appearance and worry about aging, often turning to cosmetic surgery to maintain their looks.

One day, she announced a change. "I'm moving to a new place, Oppa. Will you join me on my journey?" she asked. Without hesitation, I said, "Of course." But then it dawned on me: I also valued my career. How could I just leave for another city? We exchanged glances, and she took my hand. "Alright," she said, "you're coming with me." I nodded, hiding my inner turmoil. I needed time to weigh my options.

The next day, she flew to Australia for a short-term English course. Yet that wasn't the end of our story. We continued to message each other on KakaoTalk for another month, saying how much we missed each other. We made every effort to communicate, as English was neither her first language nor mine. Although we both yearned to be together, we knew it was impossible. I had my career, she had hers, and my family wouldn't understand. Besides, my friends weren't supportive—they teased me for dating a Korean woman.

It was New Year's Eve, and I decided to fly to Sydney on a 7-hour journey during my long vacation. We met at a lovely restaurant in Darling Harbour. I had brought an expensive gift, hoping she would like it. The evening was magical. We held hands and spoke intimately about our future.

The next day, we visited Watsons Bay, indulging our shared love for travel. It was one of the happiest days of my life. As I was getting ready to pick her up for another adventure, she sent me a KakaoTalk message. She said she couldn't continue the journey with me. She needed a more mature, financially stable man who was older than she was.

After she left, I was alone but resolved to be mature about it. Instead of begging her to come back, I told her that I respected her decision. I realized that whether I traveled alone or with someone, it didn't matter—I was capable of looking after myself. I'd traveled alone to various countries, but the journey would have been complete with a beautiful traveling companion. How wonderful it would have been to hold her hand while strolling along the River Seine in Paris, or embracing tightly near the Matterhorn in the Alps. I may have forgotten the names of many places we visited, but I'll never forget my beautiful journey's companion.

  • in podcast
  • 2 min read

A Love Not Meant for Me

Welcome, listeners, to another episode of Continuous Improvement. I'm your host, Victor, and today we have a very personal story to share. It's a tale of love, dreams, and the pursuit of self-discovery across cultures. So sit back and prepare to be inspired.

It was a fateful evening, years ago, in a small bar where our story begins. I was 28 years old, and she was a captivating woman, likely a few years older than me. Her name was Kim, and she emerged as my most stunning companion. Her South Korean origins and our shared love for travel connected us instantly.

Kim and I embarked on a journey together, exploring the wonders of Hong Kong, indulging in exquisite cuisines, and exchanging tales from our pasts. In her native tongue, she affectionately called me "Oppa," while I referred to her as "Noona," much to her chagrin. We were both fascinated by the cultural nuances and traditions that shaped our identities.

But as our bond grew stronger, Kim asked me a life-altering question. She was moving to a new city and invited me to join her on this new chapter. As I pondered my career and the consequences of such a decision, we communicated fervently through messages, bridging the language barrier between us.

As time passed, we yearned to be together, yet we realized the challenges we faced. Our priorities clashed with the reality of our lives. I struggled with leaving behind my career and the expectations of my family and friends. And then, during a magical moment on New Year's Eve in Sydney, she made a difficult decision. She believed she needed a more mature, financially stable partner, someone older than her.

I could have pleaded for her to stay, but I chose a different path—one of maturity and acceptance. I respected her decision, understanding that my journey would continue with or without her. I had the capacity to look after myself and thrive in solo exploration. But I couldn't help but wonder about the beautiful adventures we could have shared.

The destinations we visited may fade from memory, but the imprint of my beautiful journey's companion remains etched in my heart. She taught me valuable lessons about self-discovery and learning to relinquish control when paths diverge.

And thus, dear listeners, I share this story with you today to reflect on the complexities of relationships, the power of acceptance, and the personal growth that emerges from life's unexpected turns.

Thank you for joining me on this emotional journey. Remember, life is an ever-evolving process of continuous improvement. Until next time, keep growing, learning, and embracing the beauty of the human experience.

This is Victor, signing off.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

一個不屬於我的愛

當時，我28歲，她大概32歲 -- 儘管這只是我個人的猜想。我從來沒有實際問過她的年齡。在一些文化中，女性認為她們的年齡是一種嚴密守護的秘密，這可能被認為是不禮貌的詢問。我最好的猜測是她比我大一兩歲。值得注意的是，許多亞洲女性都有著優雅的老去方式。

我們在一個酒吧相遇。經過一夜的飲酒，她答應和我一起出去。我怎麼可能拒絕呢？她是我曾經交過的最美的伴侶。她的名字叫Kim，來自韓國的釜山。我們都熱愛旅行。她曾經去過加拿大，美國和澳大利亞。Kim甚至成為了我的韓語家教；每次她用她的母語說話，我都會被迷住。她是一位成熟的年輕女性，不再抱著關於關係或浪漫的天真想法。

我們遊歷了很多地方。我們參觀了香港最高的建築，在驚人的餐廳用餐，並分享了我們各自過去的故事。她深情地叫我"Oppa"，這是韓國女性用來稱呼男朋友的詞語，實際上意味著'哥哥'。諷刺的是，我認為我比她年輕。我叫她"Noona"（姐姐），這似乎使她感到惱火。韓國女性非常重視自己的外貌，並擔心衰老，經常去做整形手術以保持自己的外貌。

有一天，她宣布了改變。 “我要搬到一個新的地方，Oppa，你會跟我一起去嗎？”她問。 我毫不猶豫地說，“當然。” 但是，我也意識到，我也重視我的職業生涯。我怎麼可能只是為了另一座城市而離開呢？我們交換了眼神，她拉起我的手。 “好的，”她說，“你跟我一起去。” 我點了點頭，隱藏了我內心的掙扎。我需要時間來衡量我的選擇。

隔天，她飛往澳大利亞參加一門短期英語課程。但是我們的故事並未結束。我們在KakaoTalk聊天了一個月，說我們多麼想念對方。我們盡一切可能的溝通，因為英語既不是她的母語也不是我的母語。儘管我們都渴望在一起，但我們都知道這是無法實現的。我有我的職業生涯，她有她的，我的家人也不會理解。此外，我的朋友們也不支持，他們嘲笑我和一個韓國女性約會。

在除夕夜，我決定在長假期間飛行7小時去悉尼。我們在達令港的一家可愛的餐廳見面。我帶了一份昂貴的禮物，希望她會喜歡它。那個晚上即如魔法般美好。我們握著手，私下談論我們的未來。

隔天，我們去了華森灣，沉醉於我們共同的旅行愛好中。那是我人生中最快樂的日子之一。當我準備去接她去另一個冒險旅程時，她給我送來一條KakaoTalk消息。她說她不能和我一起繼續旅程。她需要一個比她年長，更成熟，經濟穩定的男人。

她離開後，我孤獨地決定以成熟的態度面對。我沒有乞求她回來，我告訴她我尊重她的決定。我意識到，無論我是獨自旅行還是與他人同行，都無所謂——我有能力照顧自己。我一個人去了許多國家旅行，但如果有一個美麗的旅伴陪我，這次旅行就會更加完整。如果能毫无顾忌地在塞納河邊牽著她的手，或者在阿爾卑斯山的馬特洪峰附近緊緊相擁，那將會有多美好！我可能忘記了許多我們曾經去的地方的名字，但我永遠不會忘記我的美麗的旅伴。

  • 3 min read

A Story of an Important Moment in My Life

As a child, my parents would often share life lessons through stories. I would listen intently, though I didn't fully grasp their implications. Now that I'm an adult, life has taken on new meanings.

What is the purpose of life? Generally, there are three types of responses:

  1. Yes, life has meaning, as argued by many philosophers;
  2. No, life has no meaning, a belief held by many ordinary people;
  3. I don't care.

The last type of response is common, possibly because people are too busy to consider it, perhaps because the question has been posed too often without yielding a satisfying answer, or maybe because they simply don't care.

I may not have all the answers to your questions about life's purpose, but I firmly believe that you should care. Different people find different meanings and purposes in life, and here's how I discovered mine:

I have a knack for getting into troublesome situations. During high school, I had ambitions to be the student union president; I didn't want to squander my youth on mundane activities. I grew up and was educated in Hong Kong, where we have one of the most rigorous public examination systems. Most students aim for good grades to get into top universities and secure stable, well-paying careers. I was no different, except that I also chose to run for student union president, thus inviting more challenges into my life.

My physics teacher warned me, "If you become the president of the student union, you're likely to fail your public exams and miss out on university. Statistically, most presidents are too busy organizing events and balancing their personal lives to prepare adequately for exams."

At the time, I had a girlfriend who was an exceptional student, aiming to enter business school and become an accountant. She had a more conventional path in mind: work, save, buy a house, and start a family. We had contrasting aspirations; she was a realist, while I was an idealist.

Amidst this, I was also attending university orientations and had a conversation with a philosophy professor whose books I had read. His talks on the meaning of life captivated me. Additionally, I was studying Chinese philosophy, which emphasized the qualities that distinguish humans from animals: empathy, justice, and altruism. These ideas greatly influenced my decision-making.

Influenced by these humanitarian concepts, I decided to run for the President of the Student Union. Despite numerous challenges and constraints, I was elected. The term I served remains one of the most memorable periods of my life.

In the end, I managed to score an A, a B, and a C in my public exams—good enough to gain university admission for my chosen subject. The life lessons I learned from serving as president were invaluable, far outweighing any academic grades.

This experience helped me understand the key components that give my life meaning:

  1. Learning to be a leader enriched my youth. The unique learning experience was valuable in itself, requiring no further justification.

  2. The ups and downs I experienced with my partner gave me a sense of purpose at that time.

  3. My service in the student union allowed me to contribute to my community and society. Giving up my time mattered to me because I cared for my peers, and I developed lasting friendships with fellow student leaders.

In summary, for me, the meaning of life revolves around learning, relationships, and contribution. I came to this understanding because I was deeply committed to seeking an answer to this pivotal question. While you'll have to discover your own life's meaning, the first step is recognizing the importance of caring in the grand scheme of life.

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

A Story of an Important Moment in My Life

Welcome to another episode of Continuous Improvement. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're going to delve into the deep question of life's purpose. It's a topic that has intrigued philosophers and ordinary people alike for centuries. And while I may not have all the answers, I firmly believe that caring about the purpose of life is a crucial step in our personal growth and development.

Growing up, I was always eager to understand the meaning of life. My parents, like many others, shared life lessons through stories that left a lasting impact on me. However, it wasn't until I became an adult that these lessons truly started to make sense.

You see, when it comes to life's purpose, people generally fall into three categories: those who believe life has inherent meaning, those who believe it has no meaning at all, and those who simply don't care. While the last group is common, today I want to encourage you to care, to explore, and to discover your own meaning.

Let me share a personal story that led me to find my purpose in life. During high school, I had ambitions that went beyond the mundane. I wanted to be the student union president, even though it meant taking on more challenges and risking my academic future.

My physics teacher warned me about the potential consequences, stating that statistically, student union presidents often struggle to balance their responsibilities and academic studies. But I was determined to make a difference and follow my ideals.

Around the same time, I had a girlfriend who had more conventional aspirations. While I aimed for leadership and personal growth, she focused on a stable career path. Our aspirations clashed, but this contrast allowed me to reflect on what truly mattered to me.

During university orientations, I had the privilege of speaking to a philosophy professor whose discussions on the meaning of life captivated my interest. Studying Chinese philosophy, particularly the emphasis on empathy, justice, and altruism, further influenced my decision-making process.

With these humanitarian concepts in mind, I ran for the position of student union president. Despite the challenges and constraints I faced, I was elected. And let me tell you, it was one of the most memorable periods of my life.

Interestingly, while serving as the president, I managed to score decent grades in my public exams. This experience taught me valuable life lessons that far outweighed any academic accomplishments. It opened my eyes to the key components that give my life meaning.

Firstly, the opportunity to be a leader enriched my youth. The unique learning experience itself was valuable, without needing any further justification.

Secondly, the ups and downs I experienced with my partner during this time gave me a sense of purpose and growth.

Lastly, my service in the student union allowed me to contribute to my community and society. Giving up my time mattered because I cared for my peers, and I formed lasting friendships with fellow student leaders.

Ultimately, my understanding of life's purpose revolves around learning, relationships, and contribution. These elements became clear to me because I deeply cared about seeking an answer to this question.

Now, while your path might be different, the first step is recognizing the importance of caring. Understanding that life's purpose is not just a philosophical puzzle, but an opportunity for personal growth and fulfillment.

That's all for today's episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope this discussion has inspired you to explore your own meaning and purpose in life. Remember, caring is the first step towards a more meaningful existence. Join me next time as we continue our journey of personal growth and self-improvement. Until then, take care and keep seeking a purposeful life.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

我的生活中一個重要時刻的故事

當我還是個孩子的時候，父母常常會以故事的方式分享生活課程。我會專心聆聽，儘管我並不完全理解它們的含義。現在我已經成年，生活有了新的含義。

生命的目的是什麼？一般來說，有三種回答：

  1. 是的，生命有意義，這是許多哲學家的觀點；
  2. 不，生命沒有意義，這是許多普通人的信仰；
  3. 我不在乎。

最後一種回答很常見，可能是因為人們太忙而無暇去考慮它，也許是因為這個問題被提出太多次，卻沒有得到令人滿意的答案，或者是因為他們只是不在乎。

我可能不能回答你對生命目的的所有問題，但我堅信你應該關心。不同的人在生命中找到不同的意義和目的，以下是我如何發現我的：

我對陷入麻煩的情況有一種天分。在高中的時候，我有野心想成為學生會主席；我不想浪費我的青春在平凡的活動上。我在香港長大並接受教育，我們有一個最嚴格的公開考試制度。大多數學生都希望獲得好成績，以便進入頂尖的大學並獲得穩定、高薪的工作。我與眾不同的是，除此之外，我還選擇參選學生會主席，從而給我的生活帶來了更多的挑戰。

我的物理老師警告我，“如果你成為學生會主席，你可能會在公開考試中失敗，從而錯過大學。統計上來說，大多數主席都忙於組織活動和平衡他們的私人生活，而無法充分準備考試。”

那時，我有一個女朋友，她是一個傑出的學生，她的目標是進入商學院並成為會計師。她有一條更傳統的道路：工作，儲蓄，買房，然後開始一個家庭。我們有對立的抱負；她是現實主義者，而我是理想主義者。

在這其中，我也參加了大學的新生研討會，並與一位我讀過他書的哲學教授交談。他對生命的含義的演講吸引了我。此外，我也在學習中國哲學，該哲學強調區分人與動物的特質：同理心，正義，和利他主義。這些思想大大影響了我的決策。

受到這些人道主義理念的影響，我決定參選學生會主席。儘管面臨無數挑戰和限制，我最終當選，並且我的任期是我生命中最難忘的一段時期。

最後，我在公開考試中得到了一個A，一個B和一個C—足以讓我以我所選的專業進入大學。我從擔任主席的過程中所學到的生活教訓無比寶貴，遠超過任何學業成績。

這次經驗幫助我理解了給我的生活添加意義的關鍵要素：

  1. 學習成為一個領導者豐富了我的青春。這種獨特的學習體驗本身就很有價值，不需要進一步的解釋。

  2. 我與伴侶一起經歷的起起伏伏在那時給了我一種目的感。

  3. 我在學生會的服務讓我有機會對我的社區和社會作出貢獻。我願意放棄我的時間是因為我關心我的同伴，並且我與其他學生領導人建立了長久的友誼。

總結來說，對我來說，生命的意義圍繞著學習，關係和貢獻。我之所以有這樣的理解，是因為我深入地尋求這個至關重要的問題的答案。雖然你需要自己去發現你生命的意義，但第一步是在生命的宏觀架構中認識到關愛的重要性。

  • 3 min read

On Having Too Little to Say

I volunteered to take the stage at a Toastmasters meeting at the Sheraton Tower to challenge myself in impromptu speaking. The Table Topics Master randomly chose a topic for me, giving me two minutes to discuss it. This form of communication requires spontaneous speaking without prior preparation. About 50 people were staring at me. A timer in front of me was tracking the duration of my speech. I opened by asking, "Let's see how many of you consider yourselves to be leaders. If you are a leader, please raise your hand." Roughly half the audience raised their hands.

I set the tone by describing a project in my MBA program where I led by demonstrating how to accomplish tasks rather than blaming others and dictating what they should do. As I began discussing leadership through example rather than micromanagement, I found that I had run out of things to say. Anxiety flooded me as my mind blanked. Glancing at the timer seated in front of the stage, I noticed that only thirty seconds had passed. The audience's eyes were fixed on me, and as a minute elapsed, I decided it was time to formulate a satisfying conclusion. I ended by encouraging everyone to strive to be excellent leaders and to practice public speaking. My speech fell short, concluding at one minute and thirty seconds, not even reaching the two-minute mark.

If I could turn back time, I would have prepared in advance. The topic was unpredictable, and I had no way of anticipating it. However, if I had cultivated a habit of reflective thinking, I could have been better prepared. I would read more books and newspapers and maintain a database of quick-reference information. I'd gather a diverse set of life experiences to share compelling stories when the opportunity arose. Daily writing would enhance my skills; it serves as both a form of retention and a source of inspiration for me. If life isn't offering anything new or interesting, then there's nothing new to learn. While I’ve internalized some speaking guidelines and structures, including an opening statement, supporting arguments, and illustrative examples, more practice would allow me to express myself more freely.

Generally speaking, I need to work hard and practice more so that I'm not left with too little to say. Spending time gathering ideas, enriching my life, and learning new vocabulary could help me express myself more effectively and inspire others to take action and become great leaders. Initially, it might be challenging to incorporate these principles into my speeches, but persistence is key. Success is only a matter of time. It's better to have more to say than to fall short; articulate and fluent speakers are often perceived as stronger leaders. In an age marked by fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD), my commitment to improving as a leader remains steadfast. I admire those who can lead effectively and contribute to making our society better for current and future generations.