Nobody is perfect. But that doesn't stop us from always trying to be a better. Some people might erroneously assume that once he/she graduated, have a good career and partner, no further development and training are required. It is in reality that the peak of feeling too secured and overconfident will be the time where most of us lose our persistency; the fire that is burning inside ourselves to ensure we will be doing our best in whatever that we do will be blown away.
Changes are inevitable and although it is often humbling, we must not forget to assess our own strengths and weaknesses. Some people find it is hard to accept that we are lacking in certain areas but even if you believe you possess the right traits and character, there is always room for improvement. Somehow, the people around you especially your superior could notice that you are working yourselves up and this is a plus point in your career or life.
Some friends of mine would not spend a dime to travel. They feel that material possession by having a large cash so that wealth could be showed externally through fashion and gadget is far more better than traveling. One has to remember that things might be once, nice and new but it will fade over time, decreasing in value and stature. Memories, on the other hand, are priceless and last much longer.
When you travel, you will be able to see and feel things you have never seen and felt before. These experiences could not be forced, purchased and hard to reproduced. It is an investment on traits that you would not get domestically. If you travel to less fortunate places, you may realize that you already live well, making you appreciate your origins, family and home even more. Without leaving your comfort zone, you put your character at risk by thinking that you are always the master but unfortunately, only at your place. If we travel to places better than ours, it could teach us a lot of things too. Ideas to improve what existed in our place and traits possessed by people in a civilized nation could be obtained.
Some may brag about their modified imported sport car and their latest mobile phone but far more important than what you possess physically is the traits inside you. By traveling, you gained experiences and charisma, thus, altering the way you carry yourself by boosting your self-confidence naturally without showing even a glimpse that you are trying too hard to be what you are not.
Let us continue improving what we do and each part of ourselves too in a dynamic ongoing process. The people in life that are always working to improve are the ones having massive success, in whatever they do. Get rid of the idea that someday we will "arrived" cause life is a journey itself. Work hard, believe in God and be open to growth. Soon, It will be autumn here in Kyoto but the summer's heat must be kept in ourselves, to keep the momentum going and to drive us with the same pace throughout the upcoming cold season.
Happy Merdeka Day and Happy Malaysia Day to Malaysians; Salam Eid-Fitri to Moslems and Happy Autumn to all!!!
Zul Ilham a.k.a koJACK
