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The Immigrant’s Dilemma in a World of Rising Tensions

In recent weeks, protests in Australia against immigrants have drawn international attention. This is part of a broader global trend, where de-globalization and protectionist sentiment are gaining momentum. In the United States, policies leaning toward protectionism and anti-immigrant rhetoric have become more common. Even in Singapore, often recognized for its openness to foreign talent, discussions on online forums reveal growing unease about the presence of foreign workers. It is not difficult to see where these sentiments come from—locals worry about job opportunities, wage pressure, cultural differences, and language barriers. These concerns are real, and they reflect the anxieties of people trying to safeguard their way of life.

At the same time, immigration is not simply about economics or competition. It is also about survival, safety, and family. I was moved by a BBC report on a Hong Kong father separated from his children after moving abroad. His story is just one among many, showing the human cost of immigration—families torn apart, relationships strained, and a sense of home that is never fully replaced. For those who leave, it is rarely an easy decision. Behind every immigrant is a story of compromise, longing, and hope.

As a Hong Konger, I understand this struggle deeply. I have experienced the dilemmas of immigration myself, weighing career opportunities abroad against the pain of separation from loved ones. On the surface, a foreign country may offer higher income, professional growth, and new possibilities. Yet, the cost of distance from family and the loneliness of living in a different culture can be heavy. Quiet evenings often bring reflection: is the trade-off worth it? Should career come before family, or is stability and belonging more important than financial gain? These are not questions with simple answers.

It is important to recognize that both sides—locals and immigrants—face difficulties. Locals worry about being displaced in their own homeland, while immigrants struggle to find acceptance and belonging in places where they are always seen as outsiders. Each side’s concerns are valid, shaped by their own realities and needs. The conversation should not be about who is right or wrong, but about understanding that both perspectives carry truth.

Whether to immigrate to another country or return to one’s original home is ultimately a very personal choice. Some are driven by family reasons, others by political or economic ones. No matter the motivation, what matters most is reflecting on personal priorities. Immigration always involves sacrifice—whether it is family, culture, career, or identity—and acknowledging those trade-offs is essential. In the end, there is no universally correct path, only the one that aligns with what each individual values most.

一個移民的兩難處境

近週以來，澳洲爆發的反移民抗議引起國際關注。這並非孤立的事件，而是全球去全球化浪潮的一部分。美國出現了更多保護主義政策與反移民言論。即使在一向以開放、友好外籍人才政策聞名的新加坡，網路論壇上的討論也顯示出對外來工作者的不安。這些情緒並非難以理解，本地人對於就業機會、薪資壓力、文化差異以及語言障礙的擔憂是真實存在的。他們只是想守護屬於自己的生活方式。

然而，移民並不只是經濟或競爭的問題，它同樣關乎生存、安全與家庭。我曾被一則 BBC 的報導深深觸動，那是一位香港父親因移居海外而與孩子分離的故事。這只是無數案例中的一個，卻真切揭示了移民背後的代價——家庭分裂、關係緊張，以及永遠無法完全被取代的「家」的感覺。對於那些選擇離開的人來說，這往往不是輕易的決定。在每一個移民的背後，都有妥協、思念與希望交織的故事。

作為一個香港人，我深深理解這種掙扎。我也曾面對過移民的兩難，權衡海外職業機會與與摯愛分離的痛苦。表面上，外國或許能帶來更高的收入、更廣闊的職業發展以及新的可能性。然而，遠離家庭的代價與異地文化中的孤獨，卻常常沉重壓在心頭。夜深人靜時，我常常反思：這樣的交換值得嗎？職業是否應該凌駕於家庭之上？還是穩定與歸屬感比金錢更重要？這些問題沒有標準答案，只有取捨。

更重要的是，我逐漸意識到，本地人與移民雙方都有各自的困境。本地人擔心在自己的土地上被取代，而移民則在新的環境裡努力尋求接納與歸屬。雙方的憂慮都是真實的，來自於各自的生活經驗與需求。討論的重點不應該是誰對誰錯，而是理解彼此的處境。

最終，是否選擇移居他國，或是回到原本的家園，其實是一個極其個人的決定。有些人出於家庭的考量，有些人因為政治的理由，也有人基於經濟的需要。無論是什麼原因，最重要的是能夠誠實面對並反思自己的優先順序。移民總是伴隨犧牲，可能是家庭、文化、事業，甚至是身份。世上沒有放諸四海而皆準的正確道路，只有與自己價值觀最契合的選擇。

Building Inner Strength Through Decisions

Life is a series of choices. Every single moment, whether we notice it or not, we are deciding who we are becoming. From the thoughts we allow, to the actions we take, to the way we respond in difficult moments, our lives are nothing more than the sum of our decisions.

It is tempting to believe we are victims of circumstance. We blame our upbringing, our limitations, or the world around us. Yet the truth is this: while we cannot always control what happens to us, we can always control how we respond. In that response lies our power. Awareness of this truth is the first step toward unshakable inner strength.

Many of us treat big decisions as though they are the turning points of life, such as where to study, whom to marry, or whether to change jobs. They feel monumental and even terrifying, as though a single wrong step could ruin everything. But in reality, the course of our lives is shaped far more by the small, daily decisions. Do you rise with the alarm or hit snooze? Do you choose gratitude over complaint? Do you respond to loved ones with kindness or with frustration? Small choices accumulate. They build habits. They create momentum. Over time, they carry far greater weight than any single big decision.

Some of the most inspiring stories come from those who chose strength in the face of adversity. Former footballer Dagfinn Enerly, paralyzed after an accident on the field, could have surrendered to despair. Instead, he chose resilience. With the support of his family and teammates, he turned suffering into strength. His story reminds us that while we cannot always choose our circumstances, we can always choose our attitude. Even in the darkest times, choice remains.

The same principle applies in the everyday frustrations of life. Consider the man who once dreaded traffic jams, raging against every slowdown. One day, he realized his anger only made things worse. So he chose calm instead. He smiled, waved, and even let others cut in. The result? He arrived at work at the same time as always, but with his peace intact. The world had not changed, only his choice had.

Even leaders who shape the world understand the importance of choices. Mark Zuckerberg, Barack Obama, and Steve Jobs deliberately simplified their daily routines, wearing the same clothes to save their mental energy for meaningful decisions. They understood that willpower is finite. By eliminating trivial choices, they preserved their strength for what truly mattered. This is a reminder to us all: decide once on the habits that serve you, and free your mind to focus on creating the life you want.

Of course, some choices are painful. Sometimes choosing strength means sacrifice such as ending a toxic relationship, leaving a comfortable but unfulfilling job, or saying no when the world expects you to say yes. These choices hurt, but they matter most. My own mother often told me, whenever I faced unfairness: “Let it go.” At first, I did not understand. Over the years, I realized she was not telling me to give up, she was telling me to choose peace. It takes courage not to fight every battle, not to cling to every wound, but to let go and move forward stronger.

In the end, inner strength does not come from destiny. It comes from choice. The more aware you are of the choices in front of you, big or small, the more power you reclaim over your own life. With awareness comes freedom. With freedom comes courage. And with courage comes the ability to live a life that is true to your deepest self.

So the next time your alarm rings, pause for a moment and ask yourself: What will I choose today? Everything is a choice. The quality of your life is built, one choice at a time. Strong people do not believe life is predestined. They know it is created through choices.

透過決定建立內在力量

人生是一連串的選擇。每一個當下，不論我們是否意識到，我們都在決定自己正在成為什麼樣的人。從我們允許出現的想法，到我們採取的行動，再到我們在困難時的反應，我們的人生不過是所有選擇累積的總和。

我們很容易相信自己是環境的受害者。我們怪罪成長背景、限制，或外在世界。然而事實是，雖然我們無法完全控制發生在我們身上的事情，但我們永遠可以控制如何回應。而在這個回應中，蘊藏著我們真正的力量。能夠意識到這一點，就是建立堅定內在力量的第一步。

許多人把「重大」選擇視為人生的轉捩點，例如去哪裡讀書、要嫁娶誰、要不要換工作。這些看起來都極為重大，甚至令人畏懼，彷彿只要踏錯一步就一敗塗地。但事實上，人生的走向更大程度上是由日常「小選擇」所決定的。你是選擇按下貪睡鍵，還是立刻起床？你是選擇心懷感激，還是抱怨？你是選擇用善意對待親人，還是用焦躁回應？這些小小的選擇會累積，會養成習慣，會創造動能。久而久之，它們的影響遠遠超過任何單一的重大決定。

最鼓舞人心的故事，往往來自那些在逆境中仍選擇堅強的人。前足球員達格芬·艾諾利（Dagfinn Enerly）在比賽中意外癱瘓，本可以陷入絕望，但他選擇了堅韌。在家人和隊友的支持下，他將痛苦轉化為力量。他的故事提醒我們，雖然我們無法選擇所有境遇，但我們永遠可以選擇態度。即使在最黑暗的時刻，選擇依然存在。

同樣的道理，也適用於生活中的日常困擾。想想那位曾經痛恨塞車的人，他常常因為堵車而憤怒不已。但有一天，他意識到生氣毫無幫助，於是選擇保持冷靜，甚至對其他駕駛微笑並揮手示意。他仍然準時到達公司，但心境卻完全不同。世界沒有改變，改變的只是他的選擇。

甚至那些改變世界的領導者也深知選擇的重要性。馬克·祖克柏每天穿同一件灰色T恤，歐巴馬則只在藍色與黑色西裝之間切換，史蒂夫·賈伯斯則以牛仔褲和黑色高領毛衣聞名。他們刻意簡化日常選擇，為的是把有限的心力保留給真正重要的決策。這提醒我們：把習慣固定下來，替自己省下瑣碎的糾結，才能專注於創造自己想要的人生。

當然，有些選擇是痛苦的。有時候選擇堅強意味著犧牲，比如結束一段有害的關係，離開一份安逸卻無意義的工作，或在眾人期待時選擇說「不」。這些選擇雖然痛，但往往最為重要。我的母親常在我遭遇不公平時對我說：「隨它去吧。」起初我不明白，但多年後我才懂，她並不是要我放棄，而是提醒我要選擇內心的平靜。真正的勇氣，不是去打每一場仗，也不是抓住每一個傷口，而是能放手，並以更堅強的姿態繼續前行。

歸根究柢，內在力量不是天注定的，而是源自選擇。你越能清楚意識到自己眼前的選擇，不論大小，就越能重新掌握人生的主導權。有了覺察，就有自由；有了自由，就有勇氣；有了勇氣，就能活出最真實的自己。

所以，下次當鬧鐘響起時，停下片刻問問自己：今天我要怎麼選擇？ 因為一切都是選擇。而你的人生品質，就是在一次次選擇中累積而成的。堅強的人不相信人生早已被安排好，他們知道人生是靠一次次選擇所創造出來的。

Training Beyond Comfort Zones

Every great team shares one universal truth: training is everything. Whether on the battlefield, in the boardroom, or in a startup’s war room, preparation determines performance. The U.S. Navy SEALs know this better than anyone. Their success in life-or-death missions isn’t luck or talent—it’s the result of relentless, uncompromising training. And the same principle holds true for business teams.

The reason is simple: growth never happens in comfort zones. SEAL commanders push their people into situations that are tougher than real combat. They want mistakes made in training, where the cost is frustration and sweat—not failure and loss. By the time operators face real-world missions, they’ve already wrestled with chaos, exhaustion, and pressure. If we translate that to business, the lesson is clear: don’t shield your teams from challenges. Create scenarios that mimic the toughest clients, the most stressful negotiations, the hardest decisions. If your people only ever practice in “easy mode,” they’ll break when reality gets messy.

But toughness alone isn’t enough. Every elite team knows that flashy moves and advanced strategies are meaningless without rock-solid fundamentals. In the military, no one skips the basics of marksmanship, communication, and navigation. In business, the basics are just as critical: sales teams listening deeply before selling, engineers writing clean and reliable code, leaders communicating with absolute clarity. Master the fundamentals, and the advanced strategies will shine. Neglect them, and the best tactics in the world won’t save you.

Repetition is the secret ingredient. Greatness doesn’t come from a single training session or a once-a-year workshop. It comes from relentless, ongoing practice—so ingrained that response becomes instinct. That’s why SEALs rehearse the same drills until they can execute under stress without hesitation. For companies, this means embedding training into the culture. Don’t wait for “spare time” or “extra budget.” Make training a non-negotiable habit, because the cost of skipping it is far greater than the investment of doing it.

Training must also be smart. If it’s too easy, people don’t grow. If it’s impossibly hard, they break. The best training hits the sweet spot—the zone where people struggle, adapt, and come out stronger. Give your team challenges just beyond their current ability, with the support to learn and improve. That’s where confidence is built. That’s where resilience takes root.

Colonel David Hackworth once said that the toughest training produces the best units. Why? Because reality has no pause button and no second chances. Business is no different. Markets shift, competitors strike, crises hit without warning. The question isn’t if your team will face adversity, but when—and whether they’ll be ready.

So here’s the call to action: stop treating training as optional. Stop waiting for “when things slow down.” Invest in it now. Push your teams beyond their limits, drill the basics until they are second nature, and make repetition part of your culture. Because when the pressure is on and the stakes are high, it won’t be the slogans or the strategy decks that carry you—it will be the training.

The teams that win, in business and in life, are the ones who train the hardest. Build that culture today, and when the moment comes, your team will rise—not crumble.

超越舒適圈的訓練

每個偉大的團隊都有一個普世真理：訓練就是一切。無論是在戰場上、會議室裡，還是新創公司的作戰室，準備決定表現。美國海軍海豹部隊比任何人都更清楚這一點。他們在生死任務中的成功，並不是依靠運氣或天賦，而是源自於持續不斷、毫不妥協的訓練。同樣的原則，完全適用於商業團隊。

原因很簡單：成長從不發生在舒適圈裡。海豹部隊指揮官會刻意設計比真實戰場還要艱難的訓練。他們希望隊員在訓練中犯錯，因為代價只是不安與汗水，而不是失敗與犧牲。當他們真正面對任務時，早已在演練中經歷過混亂、疲憊與壓力。若將這個道理套用到商業世界，結論同樣清楚：不要保護你的團隊免於挑戰。要創造逼真的情境，模擬最棘手的客戶、最高壓的談判、最困難的決策。如果你的團隊只在「簡單模式」下練習，現實一來就會崩潰。

但僅有嚴苛是不夠的。每個菁英團隊都知道，如果沒有穩固的基本功，再華麗的技巧也毫無價值。在軍中，沒有人能跳過射擊、通訊、導航等基礎。在商業中，道理完全一樣：銷售團隊必須先學會專注傾聽，才能掌握成交技巧；工程師必須先寫出乾淨、可靠的程式碼，才能挑戰最新的框架；領導者必須先具備清晰、穩定的溝通力，才能帶領複雜的策略。紮實的基本功，才是進階的根基。

重複，是隱藏的秘密配方。偉大不是來自一次訓練或年度的研習，而是來自不斷、持續、刻意的練習——直到反應成為本能。海豹部隊重複同樣的演練無數次，直到能在壓力下自動完成。企業也是如此：訓練必須內建在文化中。不要等「有空」或「有預算」才做。把訓練當作非做不可的習慣，因為跳過的代價，永遠比投入的成本高。

訓練同時必須聰明。太簡單，沒有人會成長；太困難，人們會崩潰。最好的訓練恰好落在臨界點——一個讓人掙扎、適應，最後變得更強大的區域。給團隊一個稍微超出他們能力的挑戰，並提供學習的支撐。這正是信心的養成之處，也是韌性扎根的地方。

美國陸軍上校大衛·哈克沃斯曾說，最嚴苛的訓練造就最優秀的部隊。為什麼？因為現實沒有暫停鍵，也沒有重來的機會。商業世界同樣如此。市場變動、競爭者出招、危機毫無預警地爆發。問題不是團隊會不會遇到挑戰，而是何時遇到、以及他們是否準備好了。

所以，這就是行動的呼籲：別再把訓練當成可有可無。別再等待「等事情沒那麼忙」。現在就投資。推動你的團隊超越舒適圈，把基本功練到根深蒂固，讓重複成為文化的一部分。因為當壓力襲來、風險升高時，能支撐你的，不會是口號或簡報，而是訓練。

無論在商業還是人生中，勝利屬於那些最努力訓練的團隊。今天就建立這種文化，當關鍵時刻到來，你的團隊將會挺身而出，而不是崩潰。

The Learning Journey That Enriches Life

Each of us is like the Little Prince, a traveler passing through this planet on a once-in-a-lifetime journey. If we are here only once, then learning is not just an option, it is our purpose. We may leave this world empty-handed, but the knowledge, growth, and experiences we gain will shape the richness of our journey. They are what transform existence into a life well-lived.

The tragedy is that society often steals the joy of learning from us. Schools and systems turn curiosity into competition, forcing us to measure ourselves against others rather than grow for ourselves. We are fed information that feels disconnected from life, pressured into memorizing rather than understanding, comparing rather than reflecting. And like being forced to eat even the finest food, compelled learning dulls our appetite. What should inspire us instead leaves us anxious, insecure, and weary.

But learning was never meant to be a burden. The real magic happens when we choose to learn. Voluntary learning turns frustration into joy, pressure into curiosity, and fear into empowerment. Life itself becomes a classroom, whether we are working, traveling, shopping, reading, or even watching a story unfold on screen, every moment carries lessons. We see admirable qualities in others, notice the gaps within ourselves, and grow wiser through simple observation.

Yet, life lessons alone are not enough. Growth does not come from waiting for random flashes of insight. It comes from combining lived experiences with structured knowledge, the distilled wisdom of generations. Systematic learning gives us the tools to reflect, to connect the dots, and to deepen our understanding of the world and ourselves.

Society may be the greatest university, but only for those who engage with it intentionally. To drift passively is to waste time; to learn and reflect actively is to add depth to our years. Without reflection, we do not evolve. We may grow old, but without wisdom, age becomes nothing more than a number. Our bodies weaken, but our minds and hearts stagnate if we refuse to learn.

When we learn what we love, life takes on rhythm and momentum. Passion makes learning feel less like an obligation and more like a calling. Every step becomes meaningful, every day purposeful. Learning is not about ticking boxes, it is about unlocking possibility, expanding who we are, and living with fullness and joy.

In the end, learning is the greatest gift we can give ourselves. It is not a burden but a privilege. When we choose to embrace it, learning makes our short journey on Earth extraordinary.

讓生命更豐富的學習旅程

我們每個人都像小王子一樣，是來到這個星球的旅人，只能在這裡度過一次獨特的旅程。既然此生僅此一次，那麼學習就不只是選項，而是使命。我們或許終將兩手空空地離開，但知識、成長與經歷，卻能讓這段旅程充實而有意義。正是這些累積，讓人生從單純的存在，昇華為真正值得回味的生命。

可惜的是，社會常常奪走我們對學習的熱情。學校與體制將好奇心變成競爭，把成長變成比較。我們被迫不斷與他人對照，而不是為自己而學。許多知識與生活毫無關聯，讓人感到枯燥、乏味與壓力沉重。就像被強迫進食一樣，即使是再美味的食物也會失去滋味。學習本該啟發人心，卻在壓力中逐漸變成焦慮、自卑與倦怠。

然而，學習從來不是負擔，而是一種選擇。當我們主動去學習時，挫折會轉化為快樂，壓力會轉化為好奇，恐懼會轉化為力量。生活的每一刻都能成為課堂：工作中、旅行時、逛市場時、閱讀時，甚至追劇的時候，每一段經驗都能啟發我們。透過觀察，我們看見他人值得敬佩的長處，也覺察到自己需要改進的地方。

但僅僅依靠生活中的感悟是不夠的。成長不是等待靈光一閃，而是要將經驗與系統性的知識結合。課堂知識是前人智慧的結晶，為我們提供了反思與理解的工具。唯有透過這樣的結合，學習才會更深刻，也才能真正讓我們超越過去的自己。

社會確實是最好的大學，但只有主動投入的人才能從中獲益。如果只是渾渾噩噩、被動等待，生命就會白白流逝。真正的成長來自「學習」與「反思」的循環，這正是生命厚度的來源。沒有反思，我們或許能活到八十歲，但智慧不會隨著年齡而自然增長。身體會衰退，但若拒絕學習，心智與情商也將停滯不前。

當我們去學習自己真正感興趣的事物時，生活便會產生節奏與動力。熱情會讓學習不再是義務，而是一種召喚。每一步都充滿意義，每一天都充滿目的。學習不是完成任務，而是開啟可能性，擴展自我，讓生命更飽滿。

最終，學習是我們能給自己最大的禮物。它不是負擔，而是特權。當我們選擇擁抱學習，它將使我們短暫的地球旅程，變得非凡而難忘。

It’s Okay Not to Be Successful

We grow up being told that success equals happiness. Study hard, earn more, climb higher, then, and only then, you’ll be fulfilled. But here’s the truth: success does not guarantee happiness.

Happiness comes from how you live, not from what you achieve. It’s not the diploma on your wall, the number in your bank account, or the title on your business card that matters. What matters is how you use what you have, your knowledge, your skills, your time, to create meaning and bring value to yourself and others. That’s where real fulfillment lives.

Life is not a race. There is no need to sprint just because everyone else is running. Moving slowly is still progress. Pausing is still progress. Even taking a different path is still progress. You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone. Walk at your own pace. Your journey belongs to you.

Too often, society and even family set impossible standards. They say you must achieve, perform, or prove your worth through results. But you were already worthy from the moment you were born. You don’t need to earn the right to be valued. Break free from the idea that you must live up to someone else’s definition of success.

Success is often measured in numbers: income, awards, achievements. But happiness is not about numbers. It cannot be counted, weighed, or compared. Happiness is about quality, not quantity. A simple life filled with joy, laughter, love, and purpose can be far richer than any career filled with stress, overwork, and emptiness.

If you feel joy in this moment, then that moment is enough. Time spent with people you love, doing things that light you up, is not wasted, it is happiness. Don’t let the voice of “I should be doing more” steal away the joy that is right in front of you.

Remember this: many people who look “successful” on the outside still feel empty inside. Some even reach the top, only to realize it brings them no happiness at all. Chasing success without joy is a trap. You don’t have to fall into it.

It is perfectly okay not to be “successful” by society’s standards. It is okay to walk slowly. It is okay to stop and breathe. It is okay to choose happiness over achievements.

Your worth is not measured by titles or trophies. Your worth is already within you. When you choose to live in alignment with your values, in your own rhythm, you are already making a difference in the world.

Life is not about racing ahead, it’s about walking your own path, one step at a time.

不成功也沒關係

我們從小就被告知，成功等於幸福。努力讀書、賺更多錢、爬得更高——只有這樣，人生才算圓滿。可是真相是：成功並不保證幸福。

幸福來自於你如何生活，而不是你取得了什麼。不是牆上的文憑、銀行裡的數字，或名片上的頭銜決定了你的價值。真正重要的是，你如何運用自己所擁有的——知識、技能、時間——去創造意義，並為自己和他人帶來價值。真正的滿足感就藏在這裡。

人生不是一場競賽。你不需要因為別人在奔跑，就逼自己全力衝刺。慢慢走也是進步，停下來喘口氣也是進步，走不同的路也是進步。你無需與任何人比較。按照自己的步伐走，你的旅程屬於你自己。

太多時候，社會甚至是家人都會強加一些標準，告訴你必須成就、必須表現，必須靠成果來證明價值。但事實是，你從出生那一刻起就已經足夠珍貴了。你的存在本身就值得被肯定。你不需要去迎合別人的標準，才能獲得價值。

成功往往用數字來衡量：收入、獎項、成就。然而，幸福並不是數字遊戲。它無法被計算、稱重或比較。幸福在於生活的質量，而不是數量。簡單的生活，若充滿喜悅、笑聲、愛與意義，比起再高薪卻只有壓力和空虛的生活，反而更加富足。

如果你在此刻感受到快樂，那就已經足夠了。與摯愛的人共度時光，做讓你開心的事，或者單純活在當下，這些都不是浪費時間——這就是幸福本身。不要讓「我應該再做點什麼」的聲音，奪走眼前的快樂。

記住這一點：很多外人眼中「成功」的人，內心卻是空虛的。有些人甚至登上了高峰，才發現毫無幸福可言。只追逐成功，卻失去快樂，這是一個陷阱。而你，不必掉進去。

不符合社會標準的「成功」沒關係。走得慢沒關係。停下來休息也沒關係。選擇幸福而非成就，完全沒問題。

你的價值，不是靠頭銜或獎盃來衡量。你本身就擁有價值。當你依循自己的價值觀、用自己的步調去生活時，你早已在為世界帶來不同。

人生的意義，不在於跑得多快，而在於走出屬於自己的路，一步一步，堅定前行。