Get together with loved ones for a International Happiness Day celebration! (^.^)

It is quality rather than quantity that matters. – Seneca

I am a firm believer and practitioner in quality time, especially concerning the things and people that matter most to me.  I am going for quality time with a few of my favourite people today.  What about you?  Unleash your creativity, permit yourself to be Happy, Happier, Happiest!  Not just for today, but for many many many days to come!

For those following the VIA strengths alignment, this action is in line with Loving and Allowing Oneself to Be Loved.

A Happy you, a Happy life, a Happy work, a Happy family, all this can be yours only if you choose to.

A very Happy International Happiness Day to you!!!

Shanshine smiles and cari saluti!
Shan
Your International Happiness Day Ambassador (Singapore)

How did yesterday’s actions go for me?

I am very pleased that my once conscious incompetent actions have evolved into unconscious competent actions!

I was so thrilled and enlightened that I wrote Focus on the positive: It works! A real life story immediately after I had the revelation!  I still remember Napoleon Hill’s words in Think and Grow Rich, along the lines of we cannot afford the luxury of a single negative thought.  I would like to add,

We have the luxury of infinite positive thoughts! – Yip Pei Shan

Notice the optimistic thinking in action!  Did it take a lot of time and effort to do so?  No.  Initially, it took a lot of time and effort.  With continuous usage and a laser beam focus, it became a habit.  Once it becomes a habit, it’s ingrained into your system.  Need support with this?  Contact me.

Be a Shanshine Smiler!  Give everyone you meet a Shanshine smile.  Share your smiles by uploading your Shanshine smiling photo on Facebook and tag me! (^.^)

A smile is a heart-to-heart communication: it emanates from your heart, radiates on your face, and lights up the hearts of others – Yip Pei Shan

Have you ever noticed how people who smile and laugh a lot are so attractive?  A smile is a terrific icebreaker, and it does not take much effort to do so!  Smiling possibly enhances our strengths in Social Intelligence/Personal Intelligence/Emotional Intelligence; Kindness and Generosity; Loving and Allowing Oneself to Be Loved; and Playfulness and Humour.

Smile!  Are you shining yet?

How did yesterday’s actions go for me?

I had a whale of a time laughing with a video of  my friend’s standup comedy performance!  A good friend encountered a nasty client yesterday, so we shared some laughs over Russell Peter and a funny joke!  Go for the funnies!

Tell someone special “I love you!” (^.^)

These three little words exemplify your courage, sincerity and commitment to yourself, your character, your life and the people that you say this to.

These are in line with capitalising on strengths such as social/personal/emotional intelligence (how you express it is an art and science in itself); bravery (it takes courage!); genuineness (by being true to yourself and the one you express to); and loving and allowing oneself to be loved.

It can be anyone that you love – your family, your husband, your wife, your children, your friends, your partner, etc.  Give it a go!

How did yesterday’s actions go for me?

I did not get the number of an attractive stranger because the most attractive (not to say the best) are my friends already!!!  Nevertheless, I shared the meaning and value with my friends.  It was wonderful seeing stunned and passionate reactions when I shared!  I encourage you to use these actions as often as you wish.  It is not for one day, but for many more days in your life to act upon.

Start Having Action Now, Start Having Infinite New 3nergy!

To my loved ones, I love you!

I took part in the International Speeches and Table Topics Contest and won the International Speeches Contest!!!

Jubilations!!!  I literally jumped and was on a high ever since!

I’ll like to thank all my wonderful and encouraging supporters, especially to Hua and Gary!!!  Thank you for your physical presence, which gave me added strength and charisma!  Thank you for your uplifting words of encouragement which gave me added motivation to speak better and better!  Without all of you, I would not be where I am today.

Without listeners, there would be no speakers – Yip Pei Shan

Remember my message.  Trophies will fade, but the message I share with you, I want it to be imprinted in your hearts and gain inspiration when you need it.  You are never alone!

A big thank you to my mentors, friends, Shun, mum, who have guided me in their own special ways. Thank you! Last but not least, to my late Grandfather, my inspiration and icon who lives in the hearts of everyone who loves him, this is for YOU!

Congratulations’ wishes from some loved ones

“When you take part, it’s a walkover.  The others are just wasting their time!  Congratulations!” Grace Soo

“Congratulations!  Excellent speech!”  Yong Jinhua

“You did great today …!  And again, congrats on your first winning with more first prizes to come! …” Gary Loy

“You won?  Congratulations!  I knew you are the best!” Anita Yip

“Congrats, well done champ..:)” Sylvester Dorai

“Well done …” Gea Ban Peng

“Wow!  Congratulations!” Brennan Khor

“Congratulations Peishan!  Your passion on making people happy through your speeches and life outlook is overwhelming.  Keep it up!” Christine Gonzales and Marco Rubi-Cruz

“Congrats!:)” Azizah Sapari

“Nice!  Congrats! …” Darren Lim

“Wow!  Congrats!  That’s good news! … Can’t wait to see you speak again!  Wish you all the best and hope you can make it to the international level!” He Huang Xin

“Congrats!” Lim Hock Ming

“Congrats!” Au Ji Yin

“Congratulations.  Wow.  All the best … you will do just great.  Keep it up!” Michael Chang

“Congrats.” Samsudin

“Wow.  Congratulations:D  Must celebrate …!” Serena Lim

“Wow congrats! …” Kong Xieheng

“Congrats.” Jerlynn Ang

“Congratulations!  You are great:D” Nicole Tuo

“Wow that’s great! Congratulations:) …” Divya Shankar

“Congrats Peishan I’m really happy for you… I’m inspired by you:)” Kiranjeet Kaur

“Congrats!” Koh Chi Wei

“Hey Peishan, congrats …”  Brian Wong Jia Jie

“Congrats(:  Will look forward to hearing your speech once again…” Sally Tan

“Congratulations:)  Shan!  You can be international champion!  Keep it up! …” Lwin

“Congratulations my shining friend!  Keep reaching for the stars!” Dexter David

“Oh great. Congratulations…” Gopal Srinivasan

“Hey, well done!…” Byron Nifakis

“… Congrats …” Sng Yao Le

“1st place?  Congrats:)” Gerald Ong

“Congrats!  Well done! …” Wekie Tay

“Congratulations to you.  Keep up the good work…” Jenny Au

“Congrats!  You certainly are an inspiration to us…” Alvin Ong

“Well done!  I know you can do it! …” Bai Jinshun

“Congratulations!:D” Weng

“Ha ha I am sure no one is your match because you are the best…” Tavis Tan

“Well done, I’m up there flying with you! No idea what it is but I’m sure you were fabulous … Well done Shan, you are still an inspiration to me.” Felicity Picken

“Congrats… So happy for ya. …” Jessica Tang

“Congratulations” Willy Wong

“Congrats!” Evelyn Goh

“Congrats! Hip! Hip! Hooray!” Jean Lee

“Hi Shanshine, that’s absolutely great! Expected nothing less from you.Just fly…..” Klaus Nienhaus

“Congratulations!” Patricia Tan

“That’s great, congratulations dear!” Wenjing

“Congratulations Pei Shan! Am so glad for you” Antonia Beetsma

“Well done, Ringlets, you deserve it!” John Bittleston

“What a marvellous success! Congratulations!” Cathy Chen

“Congrats! You are a good + clever girl… Cheers…” Jessie Lee

“Congratulations. …” Edmund Chew

“Congratulations!! This feeling of winning is always great.” Ang Chew Hoe

“Congrats!” Daphne Loo

“Well done Pei Shan. I shall have to come and watch your next performance.” Dennis Heath

“Wow. that’s great. Congrats…..” Fredy Siloy

“Wow you have won!  Congrats..” Emeline Koh

“Congratulations Shan! May the Sun Shine on you Shanshine!” Coen Tan

“Well done! *pats*” Alvin Ho

“Congrats.. It’s a nice feeling to be a champ …” Sylvia Ang

“Wow! Congratulations! =D” Joanne Ng

“Shan, Congrats ~ Congrats ~ on your winning of the international speeches contest )
Am sure you will do even better as time goes by..:)) :p” Yu Long

“… congratulations on your victory! I KNEW you could do it!
Keep reaching for the top, and know that I’m pulling for you, ALL THE WAY!!” Ed Hearn

“You must be really good to win that…keep it up.  Congratulations… wish you [the] very best and I believe you can…cheers” Serena Lim

I just got onto Facebook yesterday and it was a phenomenal experience! Wow!

Now I know why people can get addicted to Facebook. It is a social networking tool that relies a lot on psychological principles.

It’s addictive because:

1. You know that there are people behind the screen who are clicking and moving their mouse for YOU.
2. They are doing this because they are THINKING of you.
3. If they are thinking of you, it means that they FEEL some sort of emotions for you, be it LIKE or LOVE or CURIOSITY or HATE, etc (I think hate will not come into the picture because you can ignore them)
4. This makes you feel LOVED, WANTED, NEEDED, IMPORTANT, VALUED, FAMOUS, ESTEEMED, which is vital for the emotive side of people.

Some other powerful uses of Facebook:

1. Get people to notice you in a more personal manner (may be bordering on narcissism, beware of this)
2. Another alternative method to keep in touch with people globally
3. Know more people
4. Know the RIGHT people
5. Know more people for a motive (eg. to market your services, market and look for career advanced opportunities, source for talent, share knowledge)
6. Have cyber-fun (I prefer face-to-face fun)

I use the word “know” loosely as it is really depends on how you want to “know” people.  Some questions to help define what you want from Facebook.

• What do you want to achieve from Facebook?
• How do you define “know” specifically?
• When do you say “no” to “know”?

I’m playing on the pun here, as I experienced firsthand the addiction of Facebook.  Get these questions answered, and you’re on your way to a great dose of Happiness and fun marketing!

P.S. Let’s have fun if you need help in solving what’s the “right” people for you to know.

I was asking myself this question and discovered two things.

Motivate (n.d.) is to stimulate toward action and inspire (n.d.) is to influence or to arouse thoughts, feelings, etc.

A call to action is great.  However, without the intrinsic motivation, action loses its meaning.

How can we obtain intrinsic motivation?  It is through our emotions that are fired off from inspiration.  Consistent doses of inspiration will propel our motivation to higher planes.

Am I an inspirational speaker or a motivational speaker?  With this definition in mind, I can surmise that I am not only an inspirational speaker, but an inspirational motivational speaker.  Touching people’s hearts and lives with a conviction, that is a facet of the sunshine within me.  Motivating through inspiration, that is yet another facet of the sunshine in me.

References

Inspire. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved October 14, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/inspire

Motivate. (n.d.). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved October 14, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/motivate

Do you have zest for life?  Zest is the last of the 24 strengths in the VIA, and is categorised under Transcendence.  Vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment encapsulates zest (Zest, n.d.)!

September 13th is my first performance on the big stage in a grand theatre.  Having been to Victoria Concert Hall several times as a spectator, it is a dream come true not only to intimately experience the performance area, but also to experience first hand a live performance on stage, with a 500-strong audience!

Awesome is the word, zest is my feeling!  Have you experienced totality in your encounters and activities?  Do you experience the passionate drive that fires up your engine for the entire 24 hours?

Looking at the positive aspect of things does wonders.  I conducted an experiment on searching for positives, and I’m getting addicted to it!  Cars vacate their parking lots when we arrive in the carpark, seats become instantly available when we arrive at a restaurant, great offers abound with each corner turned in shopping malls, and countless other positives occur when I take the effort to search for it!

Furthermore, testament to my search for positives, my singing group and me have the honourable privilege to perform in the Shanghai Arts Festival in China!  Better still, we will be performing together with the best Chinese singers as well!  This privilege is very much coveted by many Singaporean singing groups, which makes it even more precious.

Having a zest for your life, and to build in a natural search for positives, colours your life into a rainbow of spirit, passion and drive.  By your very own zest, you become an inspiration for others to follow in your footsteps.

Have a zest for life, because

Living

Is

Fantastically

Excellent!

References

Zest. (n.d.). WordNet® 3.0. Retrieved September 10, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/zest

Yes, and if so, even more important in today’s context.

What is authenticity? Authenticity, one of the VIA‘s strengths, is defined as “owning one’s personal experiences, be they thoughts, emotions, needs, preferences, or beliefs, processes captured by the injunction to know oneself” and “behaving in accordance with the true self” (Harter, 2002, p. 382). In essence, authenticity is being real and true to yourself.

Definitely, authenticity is vital in the extrapersonal (dealing with groups of individuals), interpersonal (dealing on a one-on-one basis) and intrapersonal (dealing with yourself) domains. However, the crux of the issue lies not in being authentic, but in daring to be authentic.

Wanting to be authentic is one thing, however, having the courage to be authentic is another. Sometimes in our interactions with people, we may display a certain measure of inauthenticity. For example, when we are thrown into an unfamiliar situation where we need to collaborate with strangers, we may display our best behaviour or perhaps inhibit our personality. Reasons for doing so may be attributed to our extroversion-introversion levels and our defence mechanisms (examples such as negative feelings caused by being judged by others, our insecurities and our confidence levels).

My point is, do not let your negativities restrict your authentic self. Instead, let your authenticity shine. By being authentic, greater self-esteem, better psychological well-being, increased feelings of friendliness and heightened performance may be experienced (Grandey, Fiske, Mattila, Jansen, & Sideman, 2005). This translates into holistic happiness and radiant health. In other words, this suggests greater efficiency and effectiveness at work, deeper satisfaction and involvement in relationships, as well as a keener and developed self-awareness.

How can we be authentic? A powerful blueprint could be Bill George’s (2003) concept called Authentic leadership with three main points:

1. Self-awareness

Understand ourselves especially our strengths and weaknesses. Understand also the sparkles within us that encapsulate our self. Moreover, gain insights into ourselves and become aware of our influence on others. This may be achieved through people interactions and psychological interventions.

2. Develop and practice your values

Determine, enhance and enforce your values in all situations. Our values are visible in the actions we perform, and staying true to our values inspires trust, building on our authenticity.

3. Lead with your heart

Be open and share of yourself with others fully. Also, inculcate and show a genuine interest in others. Inspire others with your empathy, compassion, passion and courage. And always listen, listen and listen.

Are you ready to be authentic?

References

George, B. (2003). Authentic leadership: Rediscovering the secrets to creating lasting value. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Grandey, A. A., Fiske, G. M., Mattila, A. S., Jansen, K .J., & Sideman, L. A. 2005. Is “service with a smile” enough? Authenticity of positive displays during service encounters. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 96: 38-55.

Harter, S. 2002. Authenticity. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology: 382-394. London: Oxford University Press.

I believe there is an abundance of knowledge and power, and ever increasing goodness as well. The crux lies in using our signature strengths, and in particular, how well we use our signature strengths. The flow diagram below details the stages of signature strengths.

1. Self-awareness of signature strengths concept

2. Identification of signature strengths

3. Application of signature strengths

4. Mastery of signature strengths

As seen in the flow diagram above, we can contribute to knowledge, power and goodness at any stage.  The only difference is that with using and mastering our signature strengths, compared with just being aware of and knowing our signature strengths, we can lead increasingly meaningful lives with the least effort expended and most happiness guaranteed.

What is the meaningful life in aid of?  The mindless augmenting and pursuit of knowledge?  The bottomless thirst for power?  The pious search and protests for goodness?

In these times of excess, the awareness for excellence is greater.  What is excellence?  Excellence is quality.  Quality knowledge and quality power.  This leads to another question.  What is quality?  Quality is governed by choice and goodness.  We have the choice to choose our knowledge and our power, and this choice is influenced by our definition of goodness.

In summary, a meaningful life contributes to the proliferation of knowledge, power and goodness.  A need for excellence, in terms of quality, is required to select the appropriate knowledge and power to lead a meaningful life spearheaded by what we call goodness.

References

Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realise Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. New York: Simon & Schuster.

A few weeks back, I remembered having a burning curiosity about the timing gadget used in a meeting.  I got so engaged in finding out about this marvellous gadget, how the buttons worked, what made up the lights; I started leaning forward and nearly fell off my chair while doing it.  Sylvester, the gadget operator, was eyeing me in silent mirth.

At this point in time, I am experimenting writing this in a public setting.  Distractions of all natures arouses my curiosity.  What I am doing is to have a change in environment, to ignite a different perspective in doing things.

Curiosity opens up many more doors than you think.  It broadens your perspective and gives life a playful and refreshing slant.  A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, why not learn more?