Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift, thats why they call it the Present.
Yesterday I submitted my thesis. Tomorrow I'll be sitting for the first paper in my last ever examinations in NUS. Half the number of examinations will be over by tomorrow. And for today, I'm a damned mugger. Some kind of present eh?
There are some things in the last couple of days maybe weeks that have been getting on my nerves. Its the sort of underlying attitude I sense from friends and close friends alike. Kinda a gut feeling. When conflict arises, how exactly do you solve the problems. For something has has lapsed for so long, is it right to bring it up again? Do you let bygones be bygones as if it never happened or do you simply apologize and move on.
On the topic of group projects, I think I feel more at ease doing projects with friends. Some may disagree, but I get this comfortable feeling that you know someone's got your back. Or if you left a certain part to a certain person, it'll turn out alright. I guess the biggest trouble comes when expectations differ. Some want to just get over with it, some wants that elusive A+ to be head and shoulders above the rest. You can't blame the person who's had enough of projects. But then again, you can't blame the person who wants to do better than the rest. Okay, rephrase, it may not be that the person wants to do better than the rest, but rather she sees the possibility for improvement, and strives for it.
Considering where my grades stand, I know I should be aiming for the best, and nothing short of it. Yet I find myself letting loose and lowering my standards. I have awesome group members tho, or at least the majority of them are awesome. We're able to finish our projects like one week in advance. But in fact there were room for improvement and I know it. I just didnt want to work on it anymore I had my thesis to focus on and that took up alot of time. Moreover, we finalizes and submitted the project already. I guess thats the difference between a work worthy of an A, and just above average. But nevertheless, I had a great time working with different people, especially since its in the final semester. I realised how little I know about them and how little they know about me, despite four years of being coursemates.
Somehow I've been unsure of myself lately.. I guess weird has become the new norm for me...
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Saturday, March 31, 2012
And so ends Week 11. Only two more weeks of school left, plus another week for exams. My exams happen to end even before the actual exam week this time. Well, that is whats left of my university life as an undergraduate. Feel like life is speeding along the Autobahn.
In the coming weeks, we will be chionging what seems to be the final lap. To complete all term papers, quizzes, presentations, reports, thesis and project meetings. Its gonna be pretty darn busy as hell. Yes, its gonna be hectic. There's no changing the fact, that we still have tons to do.
But what we can change, is how we approach this mountain of madness.
We need little nuggets of excitement in our days. Make little tiny plans. Ice cream, lunches, chilling out, little walks. As emotional beings, we need something to keep us looking ahead. Something that keeps me sane... Hrmm..
In the coming weeks, we will be chionging what seems to be the final lap. To complete all term papers, quizzes, presentations, reports, thesis and project meetings. Its gonna be pretty darn busy as hell. Yes, its gonna be hectic. There's no changing the fact, that we still have tons to do.
But what we can change, is how we approach this mountain of madness.
We need little nuggets of excitement in our days. Make little tiny plans. Ice cream, lunches, chilling out, little walks. As emotional beings, we need something to keep us looking ahead. Something that keeps me sane... Hrmm..
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Oh wow! Blogger seems to have made some changes since I was gone. Another month of my final semester has gone by. And like all the other months, it just disappeared... A week in the past month went to Korea. Was a rather last minute decision to go, there were times that I thought of not going. And then there were times that we organizers thought of cancelling the trip as the prices of the tickets started to hike and hike. Incredulously, we ended up taking airasia for a whopping 800sgd. Bloody expensive and the luggage price was a killer. In the end, I was told that cathay pacific was going for about the same price. Felt damn crappy that we made the wrong choice. But all in all the trip was awesome. Got to make new Korean friends, toured Yonsei University, learn from their research lab and the food, omg the food, the bbq pork is so darn delicious that I think about it every now and then. Its like available everywhere in Korea but here in sg, it can only be found in the Korean speciality stores. The Koreans were super accommodating. Their hospitality knows no bounds. My only regret is not being able to hang out with them more. Even the prof sent his apologies for not having the time to go out for soju. Yes, Drink-soju-with prof. Three words you wouldnt find in the same sentence in Singapore. I loved the feeling that I didnt have to worry where to go, how to go, or getting lost cause there were two Korean regulars. Plus the fact that we were brought around by the students after the forum. A truly laid back trip without having to worry much. I wish the same can be said of Taiwan when I return at the end of June. Korea's a really vibrant city that I wouldn't mind going back too. Sometimes you wouldn't understand how a city can be described as vibrant until you live it. Then you will know.
With graduation around the corner and the looming fyp deadline, (or should I have reversed the order) the constant topic of work, interviews, future plans seems to be a staple in conversations. I cant help but think about my future. I've heard from three different people that life as a site engineer in my company will be shit. I actually typed out my company name, but then that would be a baddddd idea. Haha. If all I do as a site engineer is to liaise with suppliers, sub cons and labourers, where exactly does the stuff I've learnt in the past four years go? Will it be of much use to me in such an industry where a simple foreman or experienced person can replace me? What goes on on-site is pretty much different from what we study in practical. Especially when construction quality isnt really there. I kinda feel that it is a waste of all that studying, all those mediocre grades and above average grades. Of course I have the option to swtich jobs in two years to lets say consulting, but then again, why would a company take me when I would be starting quite afresh as compared to a fresh grad then? Consulting and contractors live pretty much two different worlds. What should I do, what should I do. Of course, I might be put into the design office from the very beginning, but then again, history does not lie. I dread such conditions that I have been hearing, but a secret part of me hopes that I can look past the bullshit and endure through what most people cant. Wish me luck.
I'm pretty surprised that I'm typing and all this typing is just coming off the top of my head. Usually I think about what I'm going to post, then write about it. I guess thats why some posts are half written like the one I have dated Feb 14 and left there in drafts. By the time I get to type down those thoughts, half of them disappeared into my dreams already. But then it would be good practice. Especially for HR exams since i'll need to write two essays and then there's thesis which is due in one months time. My target, 30 pages! Write write write and dont think too much!
Till next time =)
With graduation around the corner and the looming fyp deadline, (or should I have reversed the order) the constant topic of work, interviews, future plans seems to be a staple in conversations. I cant help but think about my future. I've heard from three different people that life as a site engineer in my company will be shit. I actually typed out my company name, but then that would be a baddddd idea. Haha. If all I do as a site engineer is to liaise with suppliers, sub cons and labourers, where exactly does the stuff I've learnt in the past four years go? Will it be of much use to me in such an industry where a simple foreman or experienced person can replace me? What goes on on-site is pretty much different from what we study in practical. Especially when construction quality isnt really there. I kinda feel that it is a waste of all that studying, all those mediocre grades and above average grades. Of course I have the option to swtich jobs in two years to lets say consulting, but then again, why would a company take me when I would be starting quite afresh as compared to a fresh grad then? Consulting and contractors live pretty much two different worlds. What should I do, what should I do. Of course, I might be put into the design office from the very beginning, but then again, history does not lie. I dread such conditions that I have been hearing, but a secret part of me hopes that I can look past the bullshit and endure through what most people cant. Wish me luck.
I'm pretty surprised that I'm typing and all this typing is just coming off the top of my head. Usually I think about what I'm going to post, then write about it. I guess thats why some posts are half written like the one I have dated Feb 14 and left there in drafts. By the time I get to type down those thoughts, half of them disappeared into my dreams already. But then it would be good practice. Especially for HR exams since i'll need to write two essays and then there's thesis which is due in one months time. My target, 30 pages! Write write write and dont think too much!
Till next time =)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Its been a while since I've sat down to actually think about a proper post. Usually I do it before I sleep, but whatsapp has in a way become my blog. Best of all, it replies!
I honestly havent had this feeling in a long time. Its been more than a year since I last felt it. The feeling of being so occupied with work and things to do that thinking about the bigger picture actually takes a back seat. Things thats on my mind at the moment in order of priority; Korea > HR project > Cina > FYP > TE. Yes, in that order. Surprised?
There's the Korea trip which I'm really excited to go for, but problem with it is that its so last minute. Buying plane tickets were a headache, espectially with prices rising every few days. Organizing where to go is another issue. With the expectations of other group members under me, I can't hlep but wonder if they are okay with the itinerary. Too many days in Seoul? Not enough educational programmes? Not enough time to play? But I guess in a way, their lack of input or voice cancels out their right to complain. I hope this trip is educational and fun enough for the team. Its much easier to enjoy this trip as a participant, rather than leading the team. I guess I have a tendency to shy away from taking responsibilities. Time for a change?
Somehow, I feel a drive inside amongst all this busyness. Theres a tendency to work harder, clear off all assignments and settle all the email correspondence without delaying further. Maybe its just the feeling of being under pressure. You actually have a goal to work towards, rather than spend time aimlessly with deadlines a few blue moons away...
The meme craze has caught up to me. I feel that some memes actually very aptly capture a situation pretty well. And the one that goes for this busy-period would be:
But when all is said and done... life restores to normal. But what is normal?
I honestly havent had this feeling in a long time. Its been more than a year since I last felt it. The feeling of being so occupied with work and things to do that thinking about the bigger picture actually takes a back seat. Things thats on my mind at the moment in order of priority; Korea > HR project > Cina > FYP > TE. Yes, in that order. Surprised?
There's the Korea trip which I'm really excited to go for, but problem with it is that its so last minute. Buying plane tickets were a headache, espectially with prices rising every few days. Organizing where to go is another issue. With the expectations of other group members under me, I can't hlep but wonder if they are okay with the itinerary. Too many days in Seoul? Not enough educational programmes? Not enough time to play? But I guess in a way, their lack of input or voice cancels out their right to complain. I hope this trip is educational and fun enough for the team. Its much easier to enjoy this trip as a participant, rather than leading the team. I guess I have a tendency to shy away from taking responsibilities. Time for a change?
Somehow, I feel a drive inside amongst all this busyness. Theres a tendency to work harder, clear off all assignments and settle all the email correspondence without delaying further. Maybe its just the feeling of being under pressure. You actually have a goal to work towards, rather than spend time aimlessly with deadlines a few blue moons away...
The meme craze has caught up to me. I feel that some memes actually very aptly capture a situation pretty well. And the one that goes for this busy-period would be:
But when all is said and done... life restores to normal. But what is normal?
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Feels damn good to be back home this Chinese New Year, after a one year absence.
The familiar cookies on the table, the playing of high pitched Chinese songs from special CNY programs, the familiar sounds of firecrackers, and last but not least, the company of family.
Would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Chinese New Year. May the year of the Dragon keep you protected from all that is evil.
P/s I apologize in advance for what I'm about to do to my body over the next week. Will live healthy and exercise more after this season of celebration =)
The familiar cookies on the table, the playing of high pitched Chinese songs from special CNY programs, the familiar sounds of firecrackers, and last but not least, the company of family.
Would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Chinese New Year. May the year of the Dragon keep you protected from all that is evil.
P/s I apologize in advance for what I'm about to do to my body over the next week. Will live healthy and exercise more after this season of celebration =)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
I guess since I came back Singapore, there hasn't really been time for reflection. Most of the time I'm worrying about where to eat, who to eat with, what to do next, and my thesis.
Anyways, heard this from church a couple of weeks back. It actually helps to remind myself what forgiveness is when I'm not up for it. As the saying goes, "to err is human, to forgive is divine"
The ten commandments of forgiveness
1. Forgiveness is not easy. It simply takes time
2. Forgiveness is not forgetting. It doesn't mean a change in memory, it is a change of heart
3. Forgiveness does not overlook evil. It is not avoidance, it is not denial
4. Forgiveness is not indifference
5. Forgiveness is not the same thing as approval
6. Forgiveness is based on recognizing and admitting that people are always bigger than their faults
7. Forgiveness is willing to allow a person who has offended us to start over again
8. Forgiveness recognizes the humanity of the person who has offended us and that we are afterall, only human
9. Forgiveness surrenders the right to get even
10. Forgiveness means wishing the person who has offended us the best
Sent via BlackBerry from SingTel!
Anyways, heard this from church a couple of weeks back. It actually helps to remind myself what forgiveness is when I'm not up for it. As the saying goes, "to err is human, to forgive is divine"
The ten commandments of forgiveness
1. Forgiveness is not easy. It simply takes time
2. Forgiveness is not forgetting. It doesn't mean a change in memory, it is a change of heart
3. Forgiveness does not overlook evil. It is not avoidance, it is not denial
4. Forgiveness is not indifference
5. Forgiveness is not the same thing as approval
6. Forgiveness is based on recognizing and admitting that people are always bigger than their faults
7. Forgiveness is willing to allow a person who has offended us to start over again
8. Forgiveness recognizes the humanity of the person who has offended us and that we are afterall, only human
9. Forgiveness surrenders the right to get even
10. Forgiveness means wishing the person who has offended us the best
Sent via BlackBerry from SingTel!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Goodbye 2011 - the twelve months to remember
January - The year started off with a bang. I was as excited as I would ever be. Flew to Sweden on exchange, and having the time of my life. It was the start of my six months travelling adventure. Meeting new friends from all over the world and having a taste of Europe. There's no better way to learn the geography of a region then to travel it yourself.
February - Spent my first ever Chinese New Year away from home. Miss my own brother's wedding dinner and celebration back in Kuching. I guess I would say I'm pretty upset that I missed the wedding, but hey, no better way to make up for it then to crash their honeymoon when I met up with them in Paris. =P I watched the greatest show on earth in Sweden, the northern lights show out in -25 degreens. Snowmobiles, ice fishing and snowfights for the win!
March - Its really quite ridiculous that I got three whole weeks for Easter holidays. Don't see the real reason for the break, but we took it as a chance to explore europe of course! Was eventually rather worried that the places I go to in Easter will clash with plans in Summer, but there was no problem at all! Grew closer to awesome friends. Kinda sad that I don't see them much anymore though. One is all the way in the US, and the other two are over in Pulau NTU. Oh wells, miss them travel buddies who have similar aims and budgets. Countries covered includes England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Spain!
April - Hrm, there isn't much to April as the first week was spent still on easter. After the trip, was the recovery period. Travelling for too long will eventually take its toll. There's a pivot point some time after the two week duration that you just want to stay at one place and not having to think of where to go and what train to catch next. Back in Lund, this is probably the month for visiting friends and all the cookouts in Lund. Projects and courseworks too started to build up.
May - Summer is coming! Lund is starting to get really pretty! Swedish people are always out along with the sun. Impromptu barbeques and chicks suntanning just outside my corridor 0.0 These people don't need to beach to suntan man. All they need is sun and an open field! People were just happy with the awesome weather when shorts enters the what-to-wear today vocab. On the other side of up, May wasn't such a good month for me. I had my suspicions confirmed. And it hurt. The other thing I remember about May, is the weird exam atmosphere. There's really no need to tell students not to cheat, no need to ask for permission to visit the washroom and lecturers answered your queries even with diagrams. Odd indeed but an enlightening change.
June - In the summer of '11, I travelled Europe with my best friend. Summer! A whole month of travelling for me. Starting in Manchester, and ending in Kuching! Countries covered includes Italy, Rome, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Holland! Photos, rain, private rooms, expensive food, breathtaking scenery, trains, buses, planes, chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates! Oh yes, the nightly beer, chocs and card sessions. If only life in NUS had a little more of these. Its probably the best that my summer could be. =)
July - Home Sweet Home. There's really no place like home. Its probably the longest I have ever been away from home. Six whole months away from home. I spent the month lazing around, eating, playing mahjong and not having to worry about anything in the world. Food was provided, money came from daddy and love came from all around.
August - Back to reality of NUS after an eight month break. Uni felt different, but it started off mostly with design project which occupied prety much the whole month. It was good in a way that I could concentrate on it. There were people around to eat lunches and dinners. All those poor souls in the design lab that worked overtime and some late into the night, while others camped over.
September - Uni now felt really different. Its like first few weeks in a school. Or rather like learning how to take baby steps again. In a way its starting with a clean slate, but that looking on the brighter side of things. Something always felt missing. Its just a phase till the void gets filled up and the world is whole again. My birthday came and went. I finally took a look at the big picture. To think and reflect on life. Turning 23, one more till the year of the dragon.
October - Somehow, NUS seems to warp the concept of time. Every month pretty much feels the same unlike on exchange where there's very significant landmarks for possibly any month. In the month of October, I pretty much used computer games to fill the void. A temporary but self destructive measure. Some modules actually started be be more fun with the friends that you make and go to classes to, and have meals before or after.
November - In doubt of whether I should, I went ahead with my gut feeling. Exams are such a pain. They take up all your time, or are supposed to take up all your time until you get sick and tired of it such that you switch of to fb, twitter or just to randomly surf around. I was constantly thinking of my FYP, but didnt do much as I probably was supposed to be studying for exams. Such a horrible feeling. Exam ended. For the penultimate time in NUS.
December - FYP aside, Christmas is in the air. Class chalet was an awesome idea. Getting to know acquaintances from school outside of school. Seeing the crazy side of things, and hopefully avoiding awkward moment. Also had fun watching my friends chior perform at orchard. Being part of the mini entourage and singing along to krysmas carols which I lovee! Haha. Didnt get to stroll through Orchard that night as it was raining. Its the first time that I spend most of December in Singapore. Coming back to Kuching never fails to recharge my strength to face the coming year. Eventually, these holidays will be cut short and come along less frequently due to work and then family. Who know who, who know when, and who knows where. Some people find love in the least expected places. I wrapped up the year going back on my words that I said on the first day of last year. But it was awesome!
January - The year started off with a bang. I was as excited as I would ever be. Flew to Sweden on exchange, and having the time of my life. It was the start of my six months travelling adventure. Meeting new friends from all over the world and having a taste of Europe. There's no better way to learn the geography of a region then to travel it yourself.
February - Spent my first ever Chinese New Year away from home. Miss my own brother's wedding dinner and celebration back in Kuching. I guess I would say I'm pretty upset that I missed the wedding, but hey, no better way to make up for it then to crash their honeymoon when I met up with them in Paris. =P I watched the greatest show on earth in Sweden, the northern lights show out in -25 degreens. Snowmobiles, ice fishing and snowfights for the win!
March - Its really quite ridiculous that I got three whole weeks for Easter holidays. Don't see the real reason for the break, but we took it as a chance to explore europe of course! Was eventually rather worried that the places I go to in Easter will clash with plans in Summer, but there was no problem at all! Grew closer to awesome friends. Kinda sad that I don't see them much anymore though. One is all the way in the US, and the other two are over in Pulau NTU. Oh wells, miss them travel buddies who have similar aims and budgets. Countries covered includes England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Spain!
April - Hrm, there isn't much to April as the first week was spent still on easter. After the trip, was the recovery period. Travelling for too long will eventually take its toll. There's a pivot point some time after the two week duration that you just want to stay at one place and not having to think of where to go and what train to catch next. Back in Lund, this is probably the month for visiting friends and all the cookouts in Lund. Projects and courseworks too started to build up.
May - Summer is coming! Lund is starting to get really pretty! Swedish people are always out along with the sun. Impromptu barbeques and chicks suntanning just outside my corridor 0.0 These people don't need to beach to suntan man. All they need is sun and an open field! People were just happy with the awesome weather when shorts enters the what-to-wear today vocab. On the other side of up, May wasn't such a good month for me. I had my suspicions confirmed. And it hurt. The other thing I remember about May, is the weird exam atmosphere. There's really no need to tell students not to cheat, no need to ask for permission to visit the washroom and lecturers answered your queries even with diagrams. Odd indeed but an enlightening change.
June - In the summer of '11, I travelled Europe with my best friend. Summer! A whole month of travelling for me. Starting in Manchester, and ending in Kuching! Countries covered includes Italy, Rome, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Holland! Photos, rain, private rooms, expensive food, breathtaking scenery, trains, buses, planes, chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates! Oh yes, the nightly beer, chocs and card sessions. If only life in NUS had a little more of these. Its probably the best that my summer could be. =)
July - Home Sweet Home. There's really no place like home. Its probably the longest I have ever been away from home. Six whole months away from home. I spent the month lazing around, eating, playing mahjong and not having to worry about anything in the world. Food was provided, money came from daddy and love came from all around.
August - Back to reality of NUS after an eight month break. Uni felt different, but it started off mostly with design project which occupied prety much the whole month. It was good in a way that I could concentrate on it. There were people around to eat lunches and dinners. All those poor souls in the design lab that worked overtime and some late into the night, while others camped over.
September - Uni now felt really different. Its like first few weeks in a school. Or rather like learning how to take baby steps again. In a way its starting with a clean slate, but that looking on the brighter side of things. Something always felt missing. Its just a phase till the void gets filled up and the world is whole again. My birthday came and went. I finally took a look at the big picture. To think and reflect on life. Turning 23, one more till the year of the dragon.
October - Somehow, NUS seems to warp the concept of time. Every month pretty much feels the same unlike on exchange where there's very significant landmarks for possibly any month. In the month of October, I pretty much used computer games to fill the void. A temporary but self destructive measure. Some modules actually started be be more fun with the friends that you make and go to classes to, and have meals before or after.
November - In doubt of whether I should, I went ahead with my gut feeling. Exams are such a pain. They take up all your time, or are supposed to take up all your time until you get sick and tired of it such that you switch of to fb, twitter or just to randomly surf around. I was constantly thinking of my FYP, but didnt do much as I probably was supposed to be studying for exams. Such a horrible feeling. Exam ended. For the penultimate time in NUS.
December - FYP aside, Christmas is in the air. Class chalet was an awesome idea. Getting to know acquaintances from school outside of school. Seeing the crazy side of things, and hopefully avoiding awkward moment. Also had fun watching my friends chior perform at orchard. Being part of the mini entourage and singing along to krysmas carols which I lovee! Haha. Didnt get to stroll through Orchard that night as it was raining. Its the first time that I spend most of December in Singapore. Coming back to Kuching never fails to recharge my strength to face the coming year. Eventually, these holidays will be cut short and come along less frequently due to work and then family. Who know who, who know when, and who knows where. Some people find love in the least expected places. I wrapped up the year going back on my words that I said on the first day of last year. But it was awesome!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Been lazy. Absolutely lazy to do anything at all. All I know is the year is ending, Christmas has come to an end, I'm going back to Singapore in a week and that my interim is due really really soon.
Since I'm lazy to come up with a proper post, here's what is needed for the coming days while I/you/we think of resolutions to make in the coming year.
Plagiarised and copied 100%.
============================
*Who: Who is involved?
*What: What do I want to accomplish?
*Where: Identify a location.
*When: Establish a time frame.
*Which: Identify requirements and constraints.
*Why: Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal.
EXAMPLE: A general goal would be, “Get in shape.” But a specific goal would say, “Join a health club and workout 3 days a week.”
Measurable - Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set.
When you measure your progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to continued effort required to reach your goal.
To determine if your goal is measurable, ask questions such as……
How much? How many?
How will I know when it is accomplished?
Attainable – When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You develop the attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to reach them. You begin seeing previously overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to the achievement of your goals.
You can attain most any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame that allows you to carry out those steps. Goals that may have seemed far away and out of reach eventually move closer and become attainable, not because your goals shrink, but because you grow and expand to match them. When you list your goals you build your self-image. You see yourself as worthy of these goals, and develop the traits and personality that allow you to possess them.
Realistic- To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be. But be sure that every goal represents substantial progress.
A high goal is frequently easier to reach than a low one because a low goal exerts low motivational force. Some of the hardest jobs you ever accomplished actually seem easy simply because they were a labor of love.
Timely – A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there’s no sense of urgency. If you want to lose 10 lbs, when do you want to lose it by? “Someday” won’t work. But if you anchor it within a timeframe, “by May 1st”, then you’ve set your unconscious mind into motion to begin working on the goal.
Your goal is probably realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished. Additional ways to know if your goal is realistic is to determine if you have accomplished anything similar in the past or ask yourself what conditions would have to exist to accomplish this goal.
T can also stand for Tangible – A goal is tangible when you can experience it with one of the senses, that is, taste, touch, smell, sight or hearing.
When your goal is tangible you have a better chance of making it specific and measurable and thus attainable.
Since I'm lazy to come up with a proper post, here's what is needed for the coming days while I/you/we think of resolutions to make in the coming year.
Plagiarised and copied 100%.
============================
Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely
Specific: A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. To set a specific goal you must answer the six “W” questions:*Who: Who is involved?
*What: What do I want to accomplish?
*Where: Identify a location.
*When: Establish a time frame.
*Which: Identify requirements and constraints.
*Why: Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal.
EXAMPLE: A general goal would be, “Get in shape.” But a specific goal would say, “Join a health club and workout 3 days a week.”
Measurable - Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set.
When you measure your progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to continued effort required to reach your goal.
To determine if your goal is measurable, ask questions such as……
How much? How many?
How will I know when it is accomplished?
Attainable – When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You develop the attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to reach them. You begin seeing previously overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to the achievement of your goals.
You can attain most any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame that allows you to carry out those steps. Goals that may have seemed far away and out of reach eventually move closer and become attainable, not because your goals shrink, but because you grow and expand to match them. When you list your goals you build your self-image. You see yourself as worthy of these goals, and develop the traits and personality that allow you to possess them.
Realistic- To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be. But be sure that every goal represents substantial progress.
A high goal is frequently easier to reach than a low one because a low goal exerts low motivational force. Some of the hardest jobs you ever accomplished actually seem easy simply because they were a labor of love.
Timely – A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there’s no sense of urgency. If you want to lose 10 lbs, when do you want to lose it by? “Someday” won’t work. But if you anchor it within a timeframe, “by May 1st”, then you’ve set your unconscious mind into motion to begin working on the goal.
Your goal is probably realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished. Additional ways to know if your goal is realistic is to determine if you have accomplished anything similar in the past or ask yourself what conditions would have to exist to accomplish this goal.
T can also stand for Tangible – A goal is tangible when you can experience it with one of the senses, that is, taste, touch, smell, sight or hearing.
When your goal is tangible you have a better chance of making it specific and measurable and thus attainable.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Krysmas to you.
This season of giving, and receiving has left me reflecting on the past year. Of the times I've been good, and the ones that I've been bad. Somehow out of it, there's this particular memory that keeps resurfacing, rearing its ugly head... Not my proudest moment. And I'm sorry.
Sent via BlackBerry from SingTel!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Results originally never really mattered much to me. First class honors was never exactly the goal as it still is today.
In semester 1, it was the first test into uni. I didn't expect to hit first class or anything. Just to do my best and see where it gets me. From there, I'll have a gauge of my performance, and just work towards sth better. My grades that semester were very mediocre. I wasn't very unhappy, I was satisfied with my grades considering the other coursemates I knew.
Actual results: Second class lower
NEW aim: Second class upper
By sem 2, there was an aim. However, I was still pretty jaded with the modules I was taking. Most of the modules have nothing to do with civil engineering. Only statics which is the bread and butter of civil enginneering. Did well for that, but low and behold, I got trumped in maths by the chem engins and in physics by the mech engineers. Wait a minute, I think I actually got an A or A- for maths. Haha. Can't check atm cause I'm on the plane. Oh yes, I was pulled down by a lousy econs module. But in the end, my results surprised me and I was really much closer to my aim.
Actual results: Second class lower
Aim: Second class upper
Semester 3. Hrmm.. not too impressive semester at all. Can hardly recall what this sem was about. All I know is that I finally hit my aim of second class honors! Yay for me =)
Actual results: Second class upper
NEW Aim: Maintain Second class upper
Semester 4 is no doubt the toughest semester ever by workload. I was pretty actively involved in two CCAs, taking six modules and two of which were year 3 modules, not to mention also taking one even though I skipped a prerequisite module. What on earth am I thinking? It seems that I just wanted to maintain my second upper. The bell curve god wasn't satisfied though. He wanted to give me more. Somehow with all that to do, I came with an awesome deans list catapulting my cap into the possible to hit first class range! Suddenly, perspectives changes, and so do goals.
Actual results: Second class upper
NEW aim: First class honors
Semester 5 is yet another, but last semester that I'll ever need to take six modules. The sem probably contained the most amount of project work, most notably our campus design. All in all, I did well, but not as good as the last. Got screwed upside down by the easy foundation module, okay, a tinge of over-exaggeration here.. I do not do well for easy papers. I pride my work in knowing and being very familiar with concepts. I can do tests pretty quickly, but with allowance for careless mistakes. And that's where I didn't fare too well, being careless. Nevertheless, my cap moved ever so slightly towards my first class goal!
Actual results: Second class upper
Aim: Continue aiming for first class honors
So what does tomorrow hold? Its probably the make or break, whether it remains theoretically possible or impossible to reach my goal of first class honors. I told myself early in the semester that I would work towards it. Two deans list is all I need. Possible? Yes. In truth, I did work for it. But the hard truth remains that I could have done more. So many times during the semester I lost my motivation. Lost my drive to do well. Lost myself. I could study in school, study in the day, but it when I return to my room that all falls apart. Thats when all the hard work on the day time becomes average work done due to the night. My mind would wander, and it seems that I've developed a kind of allergic reaction towards studying in my room. Doesn't help the fact that I began playing games. Post-SEP syndrome? Maybe..
I guess if tomorrow when I'm no longer on track, there will be no pats on the back. Just a "Chris, you let yourself down". But if somehow I am, I will be thanking my lucky stars...
doomsday beckons.
In semester 1, it was the first test into uni. I didn't expect to hit first class or anything. Just to do my best and see where it gets me. From there, I'll have a gauge of my performance, and just work towards sth better. My grades that semester were very mediocre. I wasn't very unhappy, I was satisfied with my grades considering the other coursemates I knew.
Actual results: Second class lower
NEW aim: Second class upper
By sem 2, there was an aim. However, I was still pretty jaded with the modules I was taking. Most of the modules have nothing to do with civil engineering. Only statics which is the bread and butter of civil enginneering. Did well for that, but low and behold, I got trumped in maths by the chem engins and in physics by the mech engineers. Wait a minute, I think I actually got an A or A- for maths. Haha. Can't check atm cause I'm on the plane. Oh yes, I was pulled down by a lousy econs module. But in the end, my results surprised me and I was really much closer to my aim.
Actual results: Second class lower
Aim: Second class upper
Semester 3. Hrmm.. not too impressive semester at all. Can hardly recall what this sem was about. All I know is that I finally hit my aim of second class honors! Yay for me =)
Actual results: Second class upper
NEW Aim: Maintain Second class upper
Semester 4 is no doubt the toughest semester ever by workload. I was pretty actively involved in two CCAs, taking six modules and two of which were year 3 modules, not to mention also taking one even though I skipped a prerequisite module. What on earth am I thinking? It seems that I just wanted to maintain my second upper. The bell curve god wasn't satisfied though. He wanted to give me more. Somehow with all that to do, I came with an awesome deans list catapulting my cap into the possible to hit first class range! Suddenly, perspectives changes, and so do goals.
Actual results: Second class upper
NEW aim: First class honors
Semester 5 is yet another, but last semester that I'll ever need to take six modules. The sem probably contained the most amount of project work, most notably our campus design. All in all, I did well, but not as good as the last. Got screwed upside down by the easy foundation module, okay, a tinge of over-exaggeration here.. I do not do well for easy papers. I pride my work in knowing and being very familiar with concepts. I can do tests pretty quickly, but with allowance for careless mistakes. And that's where I didn't fare too well, being careless. Nevertheless, my cap moved ever so slightly towards my first class goal!
Actual results: Second class upper
Aim: Continue aiming for first class honors
So what does tomorrow hold? Its probably the make or break, whether it remains theoretically possible or impossible to reach my goal of first class honors. I told myself early in the semester that I would work towards it. Two deans list is all I need. Possible? Yes. In truth, I did work for it. But the hard truth remains that I could have done more. So many times during the semester I lost my motivation. Lost my drive to do well. Lost myself. I could study in school, study in the day, but it when I return to my room that all falls apart. Thats when all the hard work on the day time becomes average work done due to the night. My mind would wander, and it seems that I've developed a kind of allergic reaction towards studying in my room. Doesn't help the fact that I began playing games. Post-SEP syndrome? Maybe..
I guess if tomorrow when I'm no longer on track, there will be no pats on the back. Just a "Chris, you let yourself down". But if somehow I am, I will be thanking my lucky stars...
doomsday beckons.
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