#115 Witness your most authentic self in the worst-case scenario (11/08/2024)

Photo: Preparing for the renovation of the new store in Tseung Kwan O.

Recently, I've encountered various problems at work (I'm trying to be more specific, not just saying "I'm busy with work"). Personally, I think these problems are all good; they force me to improve and test my abilities. Being in business has taught me that a company will encounter new problems at every stage, and my task is to quietly and discreetly resolve them behind the scenes. Because I have to run a business every day, I can't say, "I'm facing this problem now, it's so annoying, there's so much to do, I can't handle it alone, and I don't have the money to hire someone to help. Can I take a break?" In the real world, that's not possible. Everyone has their own problems and worries. Even if it's tough and stressful, my responsibility is the same as everyone else's: to fulfill my responsibilities. What needs to be done must be done; doing a lot of things is not an excuse.

Moreover, the current situation is quite challenging, testing and forcing me to lead Re Pillow Co. to solve problems, and I hope that things will go more smoothly in the future. Every company encounters new problems at every stage. If you don't encounter new problems, it's not good; it means you're not progressing, you're not experiencing change, and you're just doing the same thing over and over, which is actually worrying. I often think that everyone has a certain amount of hardship and difficulty to bear in life, and it's always better to bear it sooner rather than later. I remember my father (I rarely mention his teachings, but as I've grown up, I truly feel that he taught me many very relevant principles) once said: Some people walk a more difficult path when they are young, but the path becomes easier as they grow older. Conversely, some people go on vacation when they are young, and the path they walk as adults becomes more difficult.

I know this doesn't explain anything profound, but I think I'm starting to understand. Therefore, I'm willing. Problems and difficulties, let them come! I will calmly face them and solve them one by one.

Furthermore, when facing problems and difficulties, especially in the worst and most critical moments, you can truly test your most authentic self. The Chinese saying "a friend in need is a friend indeed" speaks to the true nature of friendship; you can experience how genuine it is during difficult times. And I personally believe that when you're in business, how you make decisions when faced with urgent issues that could significantly impact company revenue or even your colleagues' salaries reveals what you truly value.

I often feel that when we hear people talk about "businessmen" on the street or in society, the general image seems to be somewhat negative. I think we, as business people, really need to reflect on this.

Thank you for reading this. The longer I write, the fewer people read my journal. I keep running, even though there aren't many people left on the track, and it's not as glorious as before, but I will still keep running quietly.

I'm just an ordinary person. Thank you for reading my journal, which records every step of my journey. I'm also very grateful for your support.