Are you having trouble running your own race?

Time flies. It comes to the end of the first half of tumultuous 2020. During this time, things changed rapidly beyond our control and I was forced to take a gap year and slow down. For those who knew me well, this was definitely anti-normal as I could always find a reason for myself to take on projects and travel around. Similar to many people, I experienced a loss of direction. I felt helpless not being able to see things moving towards my favor. I wished I could become a master to sweep away coronavirus from the earth.

However, it did not happen. Though limited by physical travels, things could still take place online through synergies regardless of time constraints or geographical boundaries. Why not taking advantage of the internet?

Realising this, my engagement with people over the internet enabled me to leverage my strength to help other people, but also recharge myself for what I didn't know. With the support of my mentors, after the self-exploration period through arts, I came across a freelancer job to help Chinese students with their application to world-leading universities overseas. In the meantime, building a team of talented young women at Women's Network enabled us to continue spreading our influence across the world. Having the water bottle half full ensured me to never stop learning along the journey.

I would like to share three things I've learned while working remotely from home, the longest period for me since adulthood.

1. Every job is worthwhile and valuable. It is about building your character - go-gettedness.

When I first started the role of an academic consultant for students, many people were asking me, "oh wow, are you taking the role of an agent?" They were shocked as some of them had terrible experiences with agents before, and they could complain for hours how bloody terrible they were treated. However, I think no matter what the job is, as long as I am able to leverage my strength to create value for other people, it is worthwhile. The job is defined by whoever is doing it, not whoever did it.

Hollywood Cosby Show actor, Geoffrey Owens was once being shamed for working at Trader Joe's. He said, "No One Should Feel Sorry for Me". Interviewed by the media, he hoped his experience would reshape what it meant to work, the honor of the working person, and the dignity of work. The idea that some jobs are better than others is not true. "Some may look better on a resume or on paper, but actually it's not better. Every job is worthwhile and valuable."

Seeing students get their dream offers could not be more joyful, and it was a great learning experience for me as well, learning how to build one's characters in the essays and elaborate the motivation to achieve one's ambitions. "Start on the ground floor, get started first, and work your way up is more powerful in a difficult economy and says a lot about your personal character." Said by my mentor.

2. Take the time for ourselves and our loved ones - they are important too. 

For younger generations like me, many of us always wanted to make the best use of our holiday and achieve as much as we can. When I was hustling around, I did not realize how much a family had to sacrifice and sometimes even just took it for granted. Coronavirus gave me a perfect time to appreciate their efforts, understand them more, and accompany them in daily lives. It is the time that is of the essence to the loved ones, not money or anything else. For example, cooking a meal together, going out for a road trip together, or just sitting together for a TV show, communication can put misunderstandings away and enhance the relationship further.

Let's think about it; it is true that not everything is canceled: sunshine is not canceled, spring is not canceled, love is not canceled, relationships are not canceled, reading is not canceled, naps are not canceled, music is not canceled, dancing is not canceled, imagination is not canceled, kindness is not canceled, conversations are not canceled, hope is not canceled. Be grateful and don't forget to send love to those who care about you.

3. Give back for all that has been given to you, and you will be surprised at what comes to you as well.

As the saying goes by Lao Zi, "The highest form of good is that of water; it carries all things in its immaculate righteousness (上善若水)." Every month, I would spend a lot of time on team development and understand how I could help my team with personal or professional growth. It was a slow process at the beginning and quite time-consuming, but it was proved worthwhile as what they demonstrated on their role was always beyond my expectation. I felt extremely fulfilled, which also gave me a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what leadership meant.

In addition, I was invited to several webinars to share my own story, insights, and advice for university students. Although it took a lot of time in preparation for the speech and liaisoning with organizers leading to the event, I enjoyed the opportunity of reflecting my journey and inspiring fellow young people to become the "Next wave" (后浪). As Jack Ma said, if you know how to help others succeed, you will be more successful. I couldn't agree with it more. When you genuinely would like to help others, you have taken the plunge to open a new door for yourself.

These are the three lessons I learnt during coronavirus. I trust many people are not satisfied with what they are at now and anxious about the future, but happiness is what you give for yourself, coming from your inner energy. I'd say, get creative with how you are spending this time and invent a job for yourself. Any job is a good job. Yet there is little work and it is hard to find your "ideal job", but employers will look for what kind of initiatives you demonstrated. Build the character and your reputation will follow. Essentially, you have to run your own race.

I wish you a blessed 2020! Any learnings for the first half of the year? Please feel free to comment below.