10 Lessons I learned from 2010

  1. I need accountability – I am very lazy by nature. It’s a weakness. I don’t deny it any more.
  2. Do more due diligence when going into business or partnering with someone – I once heard that if you want to know what someone is like, figure out their three people who are around them most of the time and ask them what they are like and watch what the person does.
  3. It’s a total bummer, but don’t trust people out right. – This one kind of goes along the one above, but I put my faith/trust in too many people who didn’t deserve it.
  4. I am not in control and that’s okay. 2010 has been a hard time for me financially and emotionally. I’ve applied to over 120 jobs in 2010, received 10 phone calls back, and 5 job offers.
  5. God is in control. Since returning to Korea. I’ve burned through my savings of $30,000. God has given me side jobs and projects here and there to survive till now. Even with some of the poor decisions I’ve made this year. Buying a car out of my price range, living in the most expensive apartment in Irvine. (Speaking of which if you’re interested in moving to the Park at the Spectrum and want to split the referral fee 50/50 let me know)
  6. I need to work on my selling skills or partner with someone who is good at sales. I realized I am very bad at talking to people about buying my services and products. I don’t know where this insecurity comes from.
  7. Surround yourself with people you want to be like. I consistently went to the gym for 16 weeks and hung out with people who go to the gym. Wife, came back and everything went out the window.
  8. If you don’t initiate nothing is going to happen. I’ve tried to build a couple of relationships at church and around the apartment, but they don’t come “naturally.” You have to make an effort or nothings going to happen.
  9. I know it sounds cheesy, but I have a passion for helping people find their passions. I love watching people’s eyes light up when I help them dream and search out what they love.
  10. Progress is gradual. Babies don’t come out in one day. I can’t have a super-rich person mindset over night. You can’t lose 50 lbs in one night and live.
  11. Bonus. Learn from other peoples’ mistakes rather than make your own. I’m still learning how to learn from others.

I hope  I don’t forget what I learned in 2010, but I’m afraid some of these lessons I will.

Interactive Part: What are some lessons you learned in 2010?  Extra Credit: What is one lesson you want to learn in 2011?

Barry Schwartz: Using our practical wisdom

There’s a lot of great insights in this video:

  • What is practical wisdom?
  • We need practical wisdom?
  • What are the real reasons for rules?
  • And the different types of people
  • Why you shouldn’t use incentives and punishments

The surprising truth about what motivates us

This lively RSA Animate, adapted from Dan Pink’s talk at the RSA, illustrates the hidden truths behind what really motivates us at home and in the workplace.

Review: Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh

I was lucky to be chosen to receive an advanced copy of Tony Hsieh’s book, Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose.  I heard about the book from Tim Ferriss and Kevin Rose on their Random Show.

Simply put this is a mini autobiography of Tony Hsieh’s adventure with business, more specifically, Zappos. Tony goes through a lot of ups and downs and provides honest insights and gold nuggets throughout the book. It was nice to read about another immigrant Asian entrepreneur, because there were a lot of similarities on how we were raised in America.

The biggest thing I got out of the book is how important people are and how to treat them. I appreciate the out-of-the-box thinking that he provided and how to create a culture. Any company can be cloned in a matter of months and the ultimate competitive advantage is the people, both customers and employees.

Another major point that I appreciated was in the last couple of chapters where he discusses the “science” behind happiness. I think that’s all that life is all about.

After reading the book I ordered a copy of the well-known culture book and look forward to reading that as well. I only hope that I will be able to create companies that have such passionate and loyal people.

I highly recommend the book. It was a very quick read and was difficult to put down after I started reading. You can buy the book on Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose. If you know me and are close to me in Irvine, CA. I can give you my copy to read.

We need more amazing companies that truly make a positive difference in peoples lives and bring the overall happiness level up around the world. When I get the chance I plan on attending one of the free tours at Zappos’ Head Quarters in Las Vegas.

Disclaimer: Per FTC guidelines. I received an advanced review copy of the book and promise to provide an honest review.

Raising Kids to Be Entrepreneurs

This is what I am going to do with my children.

Successful business leader passionate about raising kids to be entrepreneurs. For over 20 years, Cameron Herold has been coaching, speaking to, or helping entrepreneurs build companies on five continents. He launched BackPocket COO to coach & mentor young, fun, entrepreneurial, growth companies and help make their dreams happen. He is one of the countrys most innovative business leaders and was a leading force behind one of the most successful businesses of the decade, 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. For more information about this TEDxTalk or TEDxEdmonton, visit http://www.tedxedmonton.com.