My Forte

Received a constructive criticism from my boss, glad that he cared enough to point it out to me despite his ORD mood. That indeed, I need to consider more, to come up with my idea and to push for it to be done, or at least, be ready when I'm asked.

I didn't realise that I needed that because my boss has been in the trade for 11 years: so anything I can think of, it would have been thought of by him. Though it is true, I need to come up with something myself before I can grow.

Just realised that I learnt to be passive over my time in Japan. Was talking to Ben the other day and he told me not to compare with others because I have my own strength, having trained in Tokyo. I haven't realised what strength I have because it isn't much of a strength, instead, it is a hindrance:

Japanese drudge and grind on when the going gets tough, and it is something I picked up. I don't mind something tough and uncomfortable (perhaps that's why I enjoyed my army life); Japanese stay loyal to a group and the company (I can feel belong to my network); Japanese appreciate harmony (I dislike those who have loud and unnecessary comments).

But I shouldn't be 'just another guy at Kasumigaseki who wears the same suit and the same tie and walking in the same pace as everyoneone else', I need to stand out more and to polish my 2-cents-worth of ideas because it is the only way for future ideas to grow to become 4-cents-worth of even 10-cents-worth.

I may be able to last in a marathon but it's time to do some sprints, something showy before it is too late. I'm glad it was pointed out within the first 2 months at work. Hope I didn't appear too demoralised when it was told to me.