Springboard: Awareness, Reflection, and Transformation
Ian L Wong, MSPH
Public Health and Higher Education Professional committed to community well-being through prevention, health promotion, and community efforts.
Life is a mix of challenges and opportunities, yet for many of us, it feels more like a steady routine—coasting through familiar patterns. Even when the unexpected happens, it rarely disrupts our flow in a lasting way. Too often, we stay in our cycles, only springing into action when something truly life-altering occurs—an illness, a job loss, or the passing of a loved one. These moments, though painful, serve as wake-up calls. We all foresee something painful that might happen, but we don’t always prepare for it.
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What if we didn’t wait for a crisis to force our growth? What if every moment—big or small—became a springboard, an opportunity to propel ourselves forward
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Many see education as the key to growth. From an early age, we’re taught that formal education—school, books, seminars—is the primary way to advance. Beyond formal school education, there are other ways we educate ourselves for the future. While valuable, this approach is largely passive.
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What if we took a more active approach? What if we used our everyday experiences as a springboard? By engaging fully in the present, reflecting on our interactions, and being intentional with our choices, we can create meaningful change—not someday, but today.
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Embracing the Leap Every Day
Change can be intimidating, so we should embrace it before we are forced to. Whether shifting careers, pursuing a passion, or improving our health, we must cultivate awareness and reflect on our daily experiences to form the foundation for change. Small mindset shifts—choosing curiosity over fear, action over hesitation—can transform our path. Instead of waiting for uncertainty to push us, we can springboard willingly, shaping our momentum.
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Reaching Out and Connect
How many connections do you have on LinkedIn, and how many do you truly engage with? Engage with those you don’t know, and don’t focus on the number of likes, comments, shares, or reactions. You’re moving forward—keep going.
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The Power of Positive Projection
One way to do this is through positive projection—seeing around us the attributes we admire and aspire to develop within ourselves. Instead of passively noticing qualities we respect, we can embody them, letting our observations inspire personal growth. Reach out to those who inspire you. As Randy Mullis suggests, our positive projections elevate those around us and make us better, happier people. Every interaction holds potential. Every moment is an opportunity.
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Unlocking Your Potential
Springboarding your life doesn’t mean making drastic changes overnight; it means adopting a mindset of growth and resilience. Start with small, intentional steps: Dreams remain dreams without action. Commit to observing, networking, and consistently participating, incorporating everyday interactions into improvements. To do this, surround yourself with inspiration. Seek out mentors, positive influences, and environments that encourage your growth. Resilience is the key to seeing failure not as the opposite of success but as a necessary part of the journey. Learn from setbacks and use them to refine your path forward.
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Making an Impact
Springboarding is not just about personal gain—it’s about using your growth to uplift others. Whether through mentorship, community service, or simply leading by example, your journey is to inspire yourself. The ripple effect of one courageous step can create waves of change.
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Your Moment is Now
The perfect time is now, and waiting for the right moment often means being forced to make changes. The opportunities to grow, evolve, and make a difference are already in front of you. The question is: Are you ready to leap?
Springboard your life today—your story is being written. Be the author, not just the editor.
Lead with empathy | Agile Transformation Lead at Audi IT platforms
3 周Hey Ian, many industries are adapting "agile working models" in order to deliver value as soon as possible in contrast to traditional long project plans which rarely work out. Reflection - or retrospectives as you would call it - is the most underrated method which is implemented when working agile. Reflecting on problems, their context, deciding on action to take AND observing the outcomes is key to establishing a learning work culture, growth, agility and a happier work environment with each small positive change. As for work, reflecting in personal life is just as important. Dream, set goals, consistently chase them, reflect, adapt. Great article can't wait for more :)!
retired
3 周Ian, Great article, and a great service given. It was my pleasure to sit on the Health Board with you. Keep up the work to make this a better world. Thank you.
CEO & Founder of Essentia Center for Integrative Health, LLC
3 周Ian L Wong, MSPH thans for this motivational article. In one article, you provide a clear roadmap to those who are hesitant about becoming the CEO of their own lives. Massive gratitude to you