“ How many decades does one have in his Life Time ? “

If you are a foreigner doing business in Asia , and you come to an impasse in trying to conclude a corporate presentation, or at an oriental banquet dinner table after you have proposed an outstanding idea and the table, the crowd suddenly goes quiet – try saying the following mandarin quote –

“ Ren -Shen -Yew -Chi –Tuo -Ker -Shi -Nian “ ,

 It literally means – “ How many decades does one have in his lifetime? “

... bet you will get a reaction.

 I am a Chinese Singaporean and believe me , when I quote this at the end of a meeting or a dinner table with my Chinese counterparts - the reactions were always positive, smiles and guffaws  - but it always left an indelible mark on the table conversation - Do we take action?

 This simple sentence has many implications :

- It’s a battle cry to take action,

 - it’s a call to commence an undertaking, go on an adventure ,

 - it’s a challenge to the psychic - more importantly ...

    It’s a simple truth.

Steve Jobs had 5.6 decades to change the world with Apple , Nelson Mandela had 9.5 decades to release South Africa from apartheid . Fame English Football coach Sir Alex Ferguson took 2.6 decades in Manchester United that created one of the world’s most beloved and supported soccer clubs.

 How many decades do we have to make our dreams a success?

 Can a man change his destiny ? Maybe a man should do what he can until his destiny is revealed to him.

Tomorrow , when you look yourself in the mirror – ask yourself in mandarin ( just try it ) :

“ Ren -Shen -Yew -Chi –Tuo -Ker- Shi -Nian “ - How many decades do I still have?

I bet all the excuses in the world would disappear and you may only need just one reason to make your dream happen.

Kenneth is the Principal Consultant with The Shipping Academy in Singapore. His firm trains and consults businesses /courses with a strong maritime edge.

Kenneth is widely travelled and strongly believes that -