Archives for June 2025

24th June 2025. 2 min read

My car, as expected, had started to show signs of aging- putting sounds, failure to pick up speed and jerky starts.

I sent it to the mechanic and expected a hefty bill, as it is with the costs of everything that has gone up in tandem with inflation everywhere.

Which is really no big deal about getting around in Singapore, as our infrastructure is excellent with functional and reliable subways, buses and grab taxis.

I was privileged in a way as there was a spare car that I could use – a very old but functional Mercedes but it had posed a supposedly big problem to me.

I was intimidated by its size, being huge like a tank( at least to me)with a different operating drive system. Fear instilled a sense of helplessness in me – what if I get knocked, being so conspicuous or that I bump others? What if I failed to park? What if I could not manage the car?

I had briefly driven it before in my younger days but getting older could rob one of being bold and brazen.

Then I remembered the article they I had written recently about “Just Do It”. It was about procrastination and fear.

If I had failed to accept this challenge, my article would have lost its teeth to make me more courageous. So, I gathered myself together and went through the drive system one by one – the levers, controls and switches at the steering wheel. My memory did not fail me.

I had done my homework, so “Just Do It!” beckoned in the back of my mind.

I recalled witnessing lady drivers operating trucks and buses and even my pint sized friend had driven her family station wagon. Why was I impeded by my imagination?

Indeed , it was not the size of the dog in a fight but the size of the bite in the dog, they say.

“There is nothing to fear but fear itself” as Franklin D. Roosevelt had said during the Great Depression.

I started the car, and discovered that the steering wheel was light as a feather. Driving it was a breeze, going slower did help me, much to the chagrin of other drivers but soon I was on my way, to run my errands with my choices of taking the subway, buses and grab taxis as other options. And putting a fear to rest.

What a Blessed Life!

2nd June 2025 . 4 min read

Photo by Branden Collin on Unsplash

One slogan applies to me each time I

procrastinate due to uncertainty, fear or laziness.

‘Just Do It’

This catchy and compelling phrase was created by Dan Wieden, co-founder of the advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, in 1988.

Dan Wieden, known for his innovative advertising campaigns, was inspired by Gary Gilmore’s last words, “Let’s do it,” when he was facing execution in 1977 so Dan had tweaked the words.

A mere three words, they have not only boosted brand awareness, Nike became a coveted sports brand. Together with its distinctive logo, they have been etched into our minds when shopping for sportswear.

‘Just Do It’ has infliltrated into my psyche which has moved me forward in many instances.

Isaac Newton famously noted that an object in motion tends to stay in motion, while an object at rest tends to stay at rest.

A book on the shelf that is unread will remain unread unless one opens it, read and discover its gems.

A skill that one would like to master will remain unmastered unless one gets excited about it, plans and start and persist in it.

A dream remains unfulfilled unless one obsess about it, be positive and works towards it.

There were many instances where my goals did become just goals, left on the back burner for years.

There were instances where I had realized the power of this phrase after I executed it.

For a while, I have made up my mind to improve my Mandarin but the mass of words and the length of the articles on the language app looked too formidable.

To read and stop to check on the pronunciation and meaning of words and idioms did waylay me from my learning goals. It was time consuming and laborious.

I decided to get started. By Choosing a suitable reading ap with contents that interested me was a big help. I discovered that a good read is useful and informative so I had continued to read at least an article a day.

I will not forget how the first wordy article seemed like an obstacle course to me but ‘Just Do It’ rang in the back of my mind.

At my turning point, the mass of words did not deter me anymore. The checking of words was not bothersome anymore but important part of my learning. They have become legible, coherent, and precious words of wisdom that I craved to devour.

Rock Climbing was something that I had considered to do. You have to first overcome obstacles; snide remarks from younger members who do not expect older people to share their game, my fear of height and lack of time.

‘Just Do It’ prompted me again. I engaged a coach who recognised that I am a serious and respectful student, always show up and observe the rules of the sport.

The first time I hit the top, I looked down to survey the height and assured myself that my fear was imagined.

The view was panoramic in a sense, the feeling was exhilarating from the sense of conquest and it was very safe.

After all, one is tethered to the rope. Learning how to respond appropriately to a sudden slip from its footholds or handgrips is a safety tip.

I am glad to have made a start on this sport. Far from a passive looking, mundane, and onerous sport, it has endowed the learner with inner strength, strategy, stillness, and stamina that one can carry into our daily lives to accomplish our tasks.

In addition, I have made friends both young and old and they now want to get their parents off their butts.

What are you waiting for? There are many hobbies to enjoy, skills to master, life to savor.

1 Find something you like to be passionate about

2 Plan ahead to allow progressive steps

3 Get started immediately

4 Commit the time to it

5 Be patient

‘Just Do It’ opens up the possibility of success in your endeavours. Or at least it could bring you closer to your goals with each try and you will finally hit a home run.