#109 To My Future Self (30/06/2024)

As the first half of the year draws to a close, I wanted to write a short summary but wasn't sure how to do it. So, I thought I'd write something for my future self to read in the second half of the year or next year, like writing a letter to my future self, summarizing what I've learned along this path, and reminding my future self of these things:

Hello, future you! I wonder how your life is going? I wonder if Re Pillow Co. has gone bankrupt yet? Please forgive my bluntness, but recently your friend Eddie told you that 90% of startups go bankrupt within their first five years. And lately, "going bankrupt" has become a hot topic in Hong Kong. There are even fan groups on Facebook called "Bankruptcy Concern Groups," where netizens collect photos of bankrupt shops they've seen and post them online, making it a hot topic in the city. Given this "bankruptcy wave" and the fact that " 90% of startups go bankrupt," asking if you've gone bankrupt isn't about what I think; it's just that I know things aren't easy, and it wouldn't be surprising if you really did go bankrupt. If that's really the case, my only thought is that you shouldn't take it too seriously. I know you will, but try your best to be more open-minded. It's not a big deal. I think you've already done your best, and you will succeed. If you still can't save Re Pillow Co. , then there's nothing I can do. Go find a job and live a stable life.

I know you've always longed for a stable and healthy life. Although you enjoy your work, you sometimes crave relaxation. I wonder if you've achieved that kind of life today? Is your work still a multi-faceted affair? Or do you have someone to help you? I know you often worry that delegating tasks to others will result in poor performance, and coupled with company resource constraints, you end up taking on too much work. You think being young is okay, but you know your body can't handle it in the long run. You need to find a more sustainable workload , and you remember you need to free up some space to do things long-term. Also, while you're busy, don't forget to spend time with those around you. You know everyone's life is finite. Don't wait until it's too late, when it's too late to let them know you loved them. Happiness can pass quickly; love must be given in time.

Furthermore, business ups and downs are normal. Try not to be too unhappy during slow periods; you need to maintain a balanced mindset. It's not a big deal; business naturally fluctuates. Remember how much you loved reading the books by former YATA CEO Zhuang Weizhong? He wrote that the earth has gravity, so there's no such thing as business only going up and never down; it will definitely fluctuate. When things are down, don't be too unhappy and make those around you worry about you. A man should be strong. Keep working hard; someone will eventually see it. Of course, you know that hard work is just the basics; do your best.

There are too many practical details I don't know the specific difficulties and situations you're facing, so I won't comment too much. I also won't give overly positive or negative advice; just follow your heart and do what you believe in. Whatever the outcome, good luck. I support you in mid- 2024 .

Your Past

30/06/2024