*"Photo-booth"

Robert Kiyosaki really has an interesting and simple way of writing. Rich Dad, Poor Dad was really an eye-opener. It has awaken the financial giant (or dare I say, Demon) in me. Call me a money minded prig. :)

After completing the book, my interest in investments, stocks and bonds have suddenly grown exponentially. Suddenly, real estate management and blue-chips have became uncannily intriguing!

One particular phrase in the book that I really enjoyed was - "...why bother climbing the corporate ladder when you can actually own the ladder?" Very so often, we are told to study hard and mug like hell, all for the sake of getting into a university therein acquiring a good Degree and thereafter finding a good job, working towards the top of the corporate ladder.

"Own(ing) the ladder" on the other hand really gives one a fresh new perspective; an alternative view on the corporate sector. Why work so hard when you can actually benefit more from being a shareholder or the owner of an actual company?

Then again, Cynics out there would by now be probably crying out - "That is not possible!", "That cannot be done!", "It is way too risky", "Play it safe" etc. Granted, theory is often easier said than done. Theory is often idealistic and practical application becomes the difficult part. The ever so strong and mighty Cynical side of me shares such a view as well. Excuses such as "He (Robert) makes it seem so easy because he is doing it in America. Stocks are more volatile there." tend to flood my mind.

Yet, can I actually apply this theory at my current age? Given my laughable capital and income generated from National Service, all I can do is just to wait and observe the current trends in the Market. Sure, it'll be great to own a free-hold condominium, rent it out, earn some profit and sell the estate for a much higher price in future. Lets just wait and see :)


National Service on a whole has been manageable. Booking in on Sundays have become routine for me and it does not feel as dreadful as the first book-in few weeks ago. On the contrary, I tend to look forward to yet another challenging and rewarding week, every week. I guess its safe to say that the Company that one is in; the people who share the same pain and joys around you, make it all the more rewarding and memorable.

It is captivating to see how our mindsets have changed so drastically over the past few weeks. Initially, it was always a chore, a sense of dread, whenever we were told to do push-ups etc for punishment purposes. Now, this has become such a norm for us that we really feel nothing when we are 'punished'. Occasionally, we may laugh about the stupidity of the whole thing at the end of the day in our bunks, but really, what is noteworthy is our transcendence to a positive mindset.

A Positive Mindset.

That itself speaks volumes. It shows maturity perhaps? It reflects a growth in tolerance? It exudes a sense of acceptance? Whatever it is, it has made NS all the more tolerant and (dare I say it?) enjoyable.

Somehow, it is really true when many say that "it is all in the mind", "put your mind to it and you'd be successful" etc. As cliched as the aforementioned may sound, I do agree (after running 7km in one shot), that ultimately, the pushing factor for many of us lies within the depths of our mind. There is always that tiny bit of untapped potential that allows us to carry on, to persevere and to 'suck-it-in' and complete the given challenge.

That being said, I'm looking forward to the familiar sense of booking in later tonight. The knowledge of another challenging week inspires me and energizes me. :) It is a common sentiment that is shared throughout my squad mates.

On an ending note, I'd like to dedicate the following to my best-friend, Lester.

Congratulations! You really are a Lit-Genius :)

Well done man, you deserved it. It was great catching up with you again today.

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~*Chris* Was Here At 2:27 pm~
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