How to Rescue Failing Software Projects: Practical Proven Methods That Work

IMG_1712 My book is finally available as an eBook, on Amazon Kindle and on Amazon. I wrote this book to share my experience in how to rescue failing software projects. When I was going through such a situation, I had no one to turn to. My hope is that the information in this book will be useful to those in similar situations. Although the information in the book pertains to software projects, I have come to realize that the techniques can be used in many other situations. I have personally used these techniques in business and technical projects.

You can read more about it here.
My book can be purchased here at Amazon.com.
Amazon Kindle version is available here at Amazon.com


Sunday, March 22, 2015

the value of creating value

The value of an activity, deliverable or artifact depends on the needs, requirement and timing. What was of value yesterday may not be of value today.

So as we create value, think about how to develop and create lasting value and value of substance.

Sounds vague. Think deeply about it for it helps to put things into perspective.

--------------------------- Save This Page
Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2015
All Rights Reserved
http://RescueSoftwareProjects.blogspot.com
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com
http://BuddhismToday.blogspot.com

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Requiements capture

Gathering requirements is both an art and a science. There are numerous project templates on the web that can be used to capture or gather project requirements.

It is a science because these templates guide an analyst to gather the user requirements for a project. It is an art because the template only has headings or guidelines. It is a generic template and the analyst has to use common sense and industry knowledge to probe and distill user requirements into a specific, measurable and deliverable requirement.

Most requirements focus on the functional aspect of a project. These are termed "user requirements". These are the functions or use cases the user must have or would like to have delivered through the project.

The architectural requirements are normally done as part of design, or worse still, an after-thought. I define architectural requirements as other requirements not pertaining to the functional aspect of the project. For example, security requirements, performance requirements, scalability and extensibility requirements, availability requirements. From this list alone, you can deduce that the term "user" goes far beyond the business user or the user that specifies the functional use cases. The project team's interaction must now encompass the customer's security team, systems and infrastructure team, application maintenance team.

If requirements capture is viewed in this manner, the project team will begin to identify the various "users" needed for project success and begin building close working relationships with the extended eco-system. The relationships cannot be a one-off relationship. It is an on-going relationship as the project progresses.

Bernard
---------------------------
Save This Page
Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2011.
All Rights Reserved
http://RescueSoftwareProjects.blogspot.com
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com
http://BuddhismToday.blogspot.com

Friday, April 01, 2011

Reviews are critical in project management!

Core technical skills, software design, writing code are all considered important and critical activities of a project. The perceived "softer" activities such as regular project reviews are considered optional.

This situation is very common in projects. Software design and writing code produces visible results such as the software module or use case that can be viewed and tested. You can't see or view the result of project review. If project reviews are done correctly and properly, and the project progresses without major issues, no one will acknowledge or miss the importance of project reviews. The importance of project reviews are often overlooked.

In my experience, project reviews, if done correctly and properly, keeps the team focused, productive and more importantly, effective. In my opinion, it is a critical activity.

However, how many would agree to this? If the project is on track and progressing well, no one will acknowledge this point. If the project is failing, some may acknowledge this point, others will blame the software design, code quality, coding standards, scope creep. While there is some truth in this, project reviews help prevent major catastrophes and at least, identify and highlight such catastrophe may be on the horizon and the team needs to take corrective action.

Bernard

---------------------------
Save This Page
Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2011.
All Rights Reserved
http://RescueSoftwareProjects.blogspot.com
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com
http://BuddhismToday.blogspot.com

Monday, March 28, 2011

Deluge of Project Documentation

I have heard of projects where a huge number of project documentation is required. The number of project binders sits proudly on desks and shelves, exuding the aura of importance and completeness.


I have found that nothing can be further from the truth. Many of these documentation took a long time to create, edit and review...and never used again. What a waste of effort and time, time that could be have been put to better use.

However, I do agree that documentation is required. There has to be a balance as to what is essentially required, what is nice to have. Those that are essential to the project will always be referenced, used, corrected, modified to reflect the project's current status.

Documentation should be used as a means to record critical decision points, important design elements and motivation behind the through process.

I do not recommend going overboard with documentation. A careful selection of project documentation will serve the project well during its formative stages, through its operational phases and till it is retired from operation. Add in additional documentation only as needed to serve a critical specific purpose that can be used throughout the project's lifecycle.

Bernard
---------------------------
Save This Page
Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2011.
All Rights Reserved
http://RescueSoftwareProjects.blogspot.com
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com
http://BuddhismToday.blogspot.com

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Tight process required to successfully manage projects?

 Is a tight process really necessary to manage a project successfully?

Well, yes and no. A-ha! Another one of those wishy-washy answers! Well, yes and no.

A project manager must understand the need for a process and the benefits it brings, together with the disadvantages it inherently has.

Why is a tight process beneficial?

It allows the project to progress like clockwork. It provides predictability to every activity, every behaviour from team members, every deliverable. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? In my humble opinion, it IS too good to be true. A project is conceptually a set of steps organized into a set of activities that are to be accomplished by a certain time with a set of finite resources (people, technology, budget to name a few). A project is a living, breathing part of life. Life is as predictable as the next second in time. If a project were to be run with such an extremely tight process, it will kill team morale and team innovation. Yes, innovation in a project may seem far fetched. Innovation and creativeness are required in projects to enhance effectiveness of systems, to find solutions to very tough problems.

On the other hand, without a tight process, a project will be run like a country without any government. No direction, no leadership, no guidance and doomed to failure.

So how is a balance struck?

In my humble opinion, there should be a set of strict project processes that are made know to all stake holders. Exceptions are allowed only with approval from the project manager. For example, timely reporting, timeline and duration of project phases and activities, escalation process to name a few. There may be 5 to 7 broad strict processes. No one really remembers more than 7 to 10 things anyway. keep is simple. keep it top of mind always.

There should be a broad set of guidelines that create the boundary of the project. For example, identification-fix cycle duration, how much scope creep is allowable, do not design to perfection but design to usability with resuability that meets performance and security requirements.

These are my thoughts on how tight a process is really needed. A difficult question to answer indeed. This is where the project manager's skill and EQ becomes critical, how he/she manages the team's morale and effectiveness without killing innovation and motivation, while charging ahead to complete the project on time and within budget.

---------------------------
Save This Page
Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2011.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com
http://RescueSoftwareProjects.blogspot.com
http://BuddhismToday.blogspot.com

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Rescue a failing software project?

 Can a failing software project really be rescued?

The answer is YES...with a few qualifications.
Can a failing software project be rescued in the traditional sense? No.

Let me explain.

The word "rescue" is vague. It carries a lot of different expectations and perceptions. To some, "rescue" means saving the project so that it can complete its original objective, on time, on budget. To others, "rescue" means completing the project. Other opinions refer "rescue" to "mercifully" terminating the project.

So you see, rescuing or saving a project is very possible, depending on definition and expectations. But all this is a play on words.

The real question is whether a failing software project can be saved such that the project completes its original objectives and make an attempt to be on time and within the stipulated budget. My honest answer and experience is that sometimes it is possible, at other times it is impossible.

Why impossible?

For example, if a building were built on an extremely weak foundation, or the building plans were drawn out with major defects, the building will be deemed as unsafe and will probably have to be torn down where rectification works will not suffice.

Likewise with software projects. In fact, besides the technical aspects, the more important aspects are expectations of timeline, cost, ego,  and pride. If a failing software project were to be rescued, it has to be looked at from the technical, timeline and cost aspect. If there is too much ego, pride and politics involved, the rescue will never succeed. Maybe it was these softer issues that caused the project failure in the first place.

My humble opinion.

Bernard
---------------------------
Save This Page
Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2011.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com
http://RescueSoftwareProjects.blogspot.com
http://BuddhismToday.blogspot.com

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Live it up...and listen!

Life is short. Live it.

We are all blessed with gifts. Many don't see their gifts or the gifts of others. Everyone has a story to tell, from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs. Some inspirational, some of heartache, some of tragedy, some of fulfillment.

Every story is important. Each story is a learning experience. If we can write the stories of everyone and learn from it, what a truly wonderful this place will be. We will see and learn that we are all connected in some way. What we do touch each life in one way or another, directly or indirectly.

What we think, say and do affect those we know directly, which in turn will affect others indirectly. When we begin to look at things this way. we then realize what is truly important. Everyone deserves to be heard and understood, from the youngest child to the oldest person.

Happiness will pass. Worries and troubles will pass. Glory will pass. Failures will pass. What we have is now, so make use of it.

In my opinion, this is the best way of building strong bonds with family,m with friends, with project teams.

Bernard

--------------------------- Save This Page Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2010. All Rights Reserved http://www.bernard-ong.com http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

Monday, March 08, 2010

Bad project manager?

You may have started a new project or have been managing one for some time. Your project may have slipped, may be delayed a bit or in downright trouble.

Does this mean you are not a good project manager? Not so.

Many factors come into play. Many factors may have been out of your control, although the sage saying is that everything should be in the project manager's control.

Is this really true? What do you think?

I think not. Experienced project managers know that they can control what they can control and only influence what they cannot directly control. For example, inter-departmental politics, vendor politics, customer politics.

The project manager must attempt to influence the situation so that all interested parties move the project in the same direction, which is forward towards the launch date. We all know this doesn't always happen.

So what can we do?

Control what is within your control and influence interested parties. The main point is for the team to keep pushing progress foreward. There will come a point where the project is ready and no matter the politics, the project is simply ready for launch. Nothing else to debate or discuss.

This is easier said than done as it requires skillful management to keep the team morale high and keep the team together.

---------------------------
Save This Page

Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2009.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Managing life and projects

Would you manage your life the way you manage a project? Or rather, would you manage your project the way you manage your life?

Is there a difference? Yes and no. Managing requires skill, expertise and thoughtful planning and execution.

When IT projects are managed, there are lots of flexibility and leeway given to the scope, robustness of testing, and disciplined execution. What if the IT project was to create a system that dealt with life and death situations? how different would that perspective be?

With life and death situations, more careful thought, planning, execution, ensuring all requirements are duly met, robustness and fail overs are included. In many non-critical IT systems, this is not the case. So what if there is a bug here, a failure there? Simply restart the system or simply log the error and rectify it later.

Would you walk into a skyscraper that had been built without a firm foundation, where the developer skimped on materials, had shoddy workmanship, and building approvals were lacking? I think not because your life is at stake the minute you walk into that building and the building could collapse.

If we treat each and every IT project with such a mindset, both the users and vendors will be more careful with scope, requirements, development, testing and eventually, have a system that will meet the end-user's needs.

I'd like to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year 2010. Happy Holidays everyone.

Bernard

---------------------------
Save This Page

Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2009.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Personal effectiveness and project management?

I received questions after my latest post. What has taking action and personal effectiveness have to do with project management?

My simple answer: EVERYTHING!

Let's take a look at an organization structure that is built for a higher chance of success...an army! It's about life-or-death situations with an army. Isn't this true with projects? It may not look like a life-or-death situation, but it certainly feels like one when you are in it! :)

An army functions like a well oiled engine. All moving parts know what each part is supposed to do. Each individual part knows what it is supposed to do, and they are expected to do it well.

The strength of any organization or team lies with the individual.It is the collective individual that together bring a team or organization towards this success. Every individual needs to be effective and competent in what they do. In this way, groups of individuals become effective and achieve their goals. This translates to higher order or groups and eventually, into a larger group known as an organization.

In the project, if individuals are not effective, the team cannot proceed smoothly. The project manager must find ways to promote effectiveness and more importantly, to ensure effectiveness either through mandated processes or through informal means.

Whether I'm involved in reviewing projects that are successfully executed or projects that require assistance, I always want to know the modus-operandi of the individual and processes that were instituted that contributed to the current outcome (whether positive or negative).

I'm old school. I have the belief that everyone in a team wants to do the best job they know how, provided they are given the tools to perform. In my view, knowledge and information are considered as tools. If these individuals to not know where they are headed, the project is headed for big trouble.

This is the linkage between personal effectiveness and project management. Everyone in the team counts. The trick is how to harness that positive energy from each individual so that the sum total positive effectiveness of every individual is greater than the team.

The word "effectiveness" can mean many things, which I will discuss in future blog entries.

This is the trick to successful project management. I have personally used and witnessed the power of an individual and how it can lead to a successful turnaround of a project in trouble.

Bernard

---------------------------
Save This Page

Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2009.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

Decisions you make, when all the stars in the universe align and a cup of coffee!


What a day! It began like any other day. Within one hour, it was as though all the stars in the universe were aligned. The decisions my wife an I made early in the morning caused the stars in the universe (my universe) align.

Decision #1
------------
My daughter had classes really early this morning. I decided to drive her to school at 6.40am, and head to Starbucks by the beach. I had decided to have Bagel and coffee for breakfast with my wife before getting started on my work.

As luck would have it, we were too early. Yup. At 7.30am, Starbucks was closed. We were sorely disappointed. We stood outside Starbucks for 10 minutes, deciding where we could go to fill our growling hungry stomachs.

Decision #2
-----------
Between going to a hawker centre and a McDonald's by the beach, we decided to have breakfast at McDonalds.

Decision #3
-----------
While at McDonalds, we took 5 minutes to decide on our breakfast. It was a difficult choice because we were set on having bagels. As we were about to place our orders, a voice behind me said, "Why aren't you in Korea?".

Conrad, an old school mate and buddy of mine, had also just dropped by McDonalds for breakfast with his wife after sending their kids to school. He is also one person who would kick me if I did not complete writing my book "How to rescue failing software projects", which I eventually did and got it listed on Amazon! (Believe me, you don't want to be kicked by Conrad!)

What a coincidence. We had a really nice chat, catching up on the latest happenings in his field of work and compared notes on family tips.

It wasn't long before Conrad's sister, Gwen, came roller-blading by. Another coincidence. She teaches in an education centre that my son attends. She also mentioned that another common friend of ours was having breakfast with his wife at another coffee joint.

Adam, the other "common friend", and his wife, came by McDonalds and we all sat around a small table, sipping on coffee while catching up with each other. Adam is the other person who gave me the inspiration to write my book.

While we sat around a table sipping coffee, we didn't talk about business. There were no expectations placed on any of us. We were relaxed and comfortable, sharing our experience and insights freely

What are the chances that a group of friends can get together by being at the same place, at the same time and doing the same thing? All the stars in the universe must have been aligned!

What has this got to do with effectiveness and project management? A lot. It may seem like a simple get-together, but the same concepts learned from this simple setting can be very powerful.

Observation #1
--------------
Simple decisions can determine the outcome of major tasks. If my wife and I hadn't made the decision to have breakfast together at Starbucks, this chain of events wouldn't have happened. It takes one decision to get the ball rolling.

Observation #2
--------------
When one door closes, another opens. If we hadn't made the decision to have breakfast at Starbucks, we wouldn't have had the opportunity to make an alternative decision to have breakfast at McDonalds. If we didn't have breakfast at McDonalds, we wouldn't have met Conrad and Adam with their wives, and Gwen. If my wife and I had breakfast just 10 minutes earlier or 10 minutes later, we wouldn't have had the gathering. A closed door or failed opportunity leads to another open door, provided a decision is made to take action.

Observation #3
--------------
Not all get-togethers or meetings need to be about business. In managing projects, project managers and team members are up to their necks with uncompleted tasks. It does pay to have small breaks, or small celebrations on milestone completions. These breaks and celebrations are just that...real breaks. It should not be done on a pretext of having a break, and end up having a meeting about the project over coffee. It is about building rapport. It is about understanding each other in the team. It is about building camaraderie and friendships. People relate best when they are relaxed and not have expectations put upon them. Especially in project teams where there is always a tight schedule and endless number of tasks, these friendships help the project team to have a higher morale and thus, leading to greater productivity.

I have personally experienced observation #3 when I was in the midst of rescuing projects. No matter how tired we were, we remained a cohesive team, We understood each other better, we could relate to each other's challenges better and we were willing to help each other out. There was a strong "give-and-take" attitude that enabled us to successfully turn projects around. Boundaries and walls within the team were chipped away naturally.

So, do not wait for all the stars in the universe to align before having a cup of coffee. Make that decision to enjoy a simple, freshly brewed, steaming hot cup of coffee with your family, with your team, with your boss, or just by yourself. You never know when and how the stars will align for you.

Bernard



---------------------------
Save This Page

Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2009.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Do you believe in luck?


IMG_3384
Originally uploaded by bernong1
"Boy, you're lucky". "I wish I was as lucky as you".

Is there really such thing as luck? Is luck given out to certain people and not others? Can we make our own luck?

I do believe there is luck. It is also another name for opportunity. Opportunities abound everywhere and anytime.

What we do with this opportunity determines our "luck". I believe we make our luck. We make our opportunities. Luck and opportunities do not mean 100% guaranteed success. It is simply a chance given to you to take action and make something out of the situation or need. Whether it succeeds or not depends on the actions you take or not take.

Every single action we take every single minute makes our "luck". We make our "luck" and we make it come true. The one factor that contributes to our success is a passionate and prudent use of time.

Use your time well. Every step you take should move you closer to your goals.


Make you own luck!

---------------------------
Save This Page

Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2009.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

What to manage in IT project management?

What is there in an IT project that needs IT project management?

There are so many aspects to project management. Its a complex yet simple subject. Many project managers will have different perspectives as to what is important in IT project management. Project management associations and institutes have differing views as well. Despite these different views, there are common threads that run through each view.

Ironic? No. Just as a situation can be viewed in many different ways, a job can be accomplished in many different ways too.

IT project management encompasses the technical aspects of IT, which is about well designed architectures, well translated and implemented codes. It encompasses good project management practices such as a clear and well thought-out plan and schedule, contracts that are clearly agreed upon, expectations of the end goal well communicated and agreed. THere are many more facets to IT project management.

All these sound logical and usually requires common sense. However, for those who have been involved in IT projects know that "what will go wrong, will". Despite the difficulties, there are always ways to workaround and get the project delivered to expectations and within time and budget.

In each of these facets of IT project management, there are nuances and issues to be addressed. Some are complex issues that go beyond the technical realm. It requires human interaction, negotiation and effectiveness.

An IT project is like an army mission. Many supporting roles are required such as logistics, long range weapons, foot-soldiers, planning on deployment and timing of troop movement, attack and defence plan. All these have to work in tandem. The commander cannot focus on only one aspect and 'hope' that the other aspects of the mission will go well. The commander needs to know each and every aspect well in order to mobilize troops and make necessary adjustments for a successful mission.

Likewise for IT projects. Most project managers I know focus only on areas they are comfortable with, either on the plan and schedule, or technical, or contract. This is where project go awry.

A competent project manager needs to know every aspect of the project well. He may not be fully competent in a certain area, in which case, he needs to engage the helps of his team leads to provide him with accurate information...and go down to the ground to verify. Nothing beats real information from the ground.

When a project manager doesn't manage a project from a holistic perspective, he cannot manage effectively. WHen the project begins to fail, he will not be able to confidently steer the project to a successful completion. THis is one typical cause of project downfall.

Whether in projects or personal life, situations and projects must be looked at in a holistic manner. Neglecting an area can lead to a stagnation or detriment to the project or personal life.

Bernard


---------------------------
Save This Page

Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2009.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

Friday, August 08, 2008

Happy Birthday Singapore!

Tomorrow 9 Aug 2008 is Singapore's 43rd year of independence. I had the opportunity to attend a preview parade a few weeks ago as the hard working parade participants went through their dress rehearsals in preparation for the big day tomorrow. I must say that I am impressed with the organization.

Do you have any idea the amount of planning and coordination that is required for such a parade to go on like clockwork? Timing for the parachuters, F-15 jet acrobatics, parade contingent and fireworks is precision work. There wasn't a dull moment.

This is done on a large scale and the parade will be televised throughout Asia through Channel News Asia.

This has effectiveness written all over. Every individual needed to know the grand plan, his team's plan and his own personal plan for this parade to function with such precision. Moreover, planning on paper put into...ACTION! Were there mistakes? I'm sure there were. The team must have worked hard to change their strategy and actions to meet the overall parade goals.

Isn't this what we should also strive for? If we plan and take action in our daily lives, how much of our life will move in the direction we want. And we change our actions if things do not go according to plan and take action again and again.

I've posted a few pics for your enjoyment. Take this time to take one of your goals and write down three action items that you will execute in the next 24 hours. Do it now and feel the power of goals. Goals without taking action is only a dream that will lead to regrets and "If only..." syndrome.



"Parachuters landing with precision on a thin strip of tarmac"



"Parade formed up and ready!"




"Marching in of the regimental colours." Very impressive march in.





"Fly-by of Singapore's national flag". The flag is huge and it requires weights at the bottom of it to stabilize it while the Chinooks fly it past the audience.



"Audience simply enjoying themselves"

I wasn't able to capture the night fireworks that were spectacular.

This wasn't an easy celebration to organize and execute. My kudos to the organizing team and all participants who put in so much effort to make this show a huge success, despite the heavy downpour and sacrificing so much time every week in practice. Thank You!

All things require planning. All plans must be executed by taking action to have any impact. Don't be passive goal setter. Go and get what you want and what you are worth. Take one action at a time.

...and once again...Happy Birthday Singapore! Happy holidays to all in Singapore.

Bernard

---------------------------
Save This Page

Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2008.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

Friday, July 25, 2008

Friendship and love knows no boundaries

I found this video so heartwarming. It shows the love and friendship between two guys and a lion. Its amazing the animals remember and are able to reciprocate the love and friendship. Watch it. Enjoy it.






Bernard

---------------------------
Save This Page

Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2008.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Effective change, now more than ever

The economic turmoil happening in the U.S and other parts of the world is truly saddening. I read about bank writedowns, mounting job losses almost on a daily basis. I think of those who lost their jobs and what is to become of their livelihood, their families and their way of life? My heart goes out to them and their families.

Things change. Change is constant. There is no such thing as an "iron rice bowl", or a "guaranteed lifetime job". THere is a need to continually upgrade ourselves to stay relevant. In fact, we need to stay more than simply relevant. We need to be able to add so much value to the organization we work for. If we own our own business, we need to add that much more value to our business for the benefit of our customers.

Effective change is needed. This is where goals play an important role. Every individuals goals add up to meet a greater goal, be it the organization or family goals. If we continue drifting in life, the world will pass us by. The world waits for no one. Its survival of the fittest.

Every step we make towards our goals helps us prepare for the future. We need to train ourselves mentally, physically and spiritually to be resilient in good times and in troubled times.

Effective change doesn't guarantee job security. Effective change enhances resilience, tenacity, perseverance. All qualities necessary to push on when times are tough.

As Rocky said in the movie "Rocky":

"Its not about how hard you hit. Its about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward" (See my earlier post on the video clip)

If I recall correctly Michael Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror", the lyrics say "Make that change". It starts with the man in the mirror. The world doesn't change for you. You are all powerful. You have the power to change, no matter how small. You have the power to take action.

Set your goals. Visualize it.Take action now!

Bernard

---------------------------
Save This Page

Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2008.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Achieved health goal

Today, I achieved one of my health goals. I set my goal to swim 20 laps of an Olympic sized pool...and I did it.

I had set this goal a few months ago. I had not been swimming regularly. However, I had been exercising through practicing Wing Chun Kung Fu. Today, I went on swimming with ease for 20 laps, and it feels great!

I feel really good about myself. It isn't simply the exercise nor endorphins. Its the satisfaction of achieving a goal I set for myself, the execution steps that I took each and every exercise session. The real satisfaction is looking back at the small steps I took to achieve this goal.

As I had written several times, its each small step that makes a whole lot of difference. No one can achieve any goal without taking the first small step. Having a goal without the first small step and hoping to achieve the goal is simply a dream. It takes effort and focus to achieve goals. Anything worth doing always requires effort.

This is not the be-all and end-all. My next goal is to swim 40 laps by 30 December 2008. Having a goal and achieving a goal is not an end point. The larger picture is to lead a healthy life. I use martial arts and swimming as my avenues to achieve this overall objective.

Its a journey and I'm enjoying every bit of it!

Bernard

---------------------------
Save This Page

Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2008.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

Friday, June 20, 2008

Protect your dreams - part 2

As a follow-on to my earlier post on Protect your dreams (Effectiveness, Wealth and Health: Protect your dreams).

I managed to get a clip from youtube of a scene from Pursuit of Happyness. Check this out.



This is so true. How many times have someone told you that you cannot, you can't, you shan't, you shall not, you never. When you were a child, how many times have you told yourself "I can", "I will", "I want to be", "I am capable of". We have let others point a finger at us to tell us why we can't. Check out this clip from Rocky. I find this inspirational.




I have set my goals and slowly working towards it. Yes there are difficulties. Yes there are sacrifices. Anything worth doing is worth sacrificing for. I am now taking this to another level. I have started to write a wish list. A piece of paper that will contain all my dreams. No constraints. No boundaries. No goal too big, No goal too small. And I'm committed to work and achieve each one of them

I will. I will achieve, and I believe you will too. All it takes is one small step. One small step at a time and we move closer to our goals.

Bernard


(All copyright and ownership of the videos belong to the original owners. Videos from youtube)
---------------------------
Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2008.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

Friday, June 06, 2008

Practice makes perfect!

We've all heard of "Practice makes perfect". Do we really believe it? To me, this was simply an overused phrase. I never paid much attention to it, until now. While goal setting is important, execution is equally important. Why do some of us achieve our goals, and many drop out half way through the race?

Its execution. Sustained execution requires tenacity and applied effort. Goal planning and execution takes practice. Yes, practice. We have to practice executing until it becomes a habit. We are all creatures of habit. When execution becomes a habit, we can accomplish many things in life. Take a look at this video clip of advanced Wing Chung practitioners doing ChiSao blindfolded.




Such advanced skill does not come from 1 day of practice or theory or reading a book. It takes years of study, assimilating concepts, putting theory into practice, getting knocked about, learning from unsuccessful experiences to be better. With each practice, sensitivity is built and the mind and body perform reflex responses like habit.

This is the same in achieving anything we want. We must form habits of success. We must form habits of executing, sustained execution. It does take effort. That is why the majority always sets goals at the beginning of the year without any sustained follow through. They wonder why they didn't achieve their goals.

What about me?

One of my goals is to sell 2 books on ebay. I've already sold 1.

Another of my goal is to write a book. I've already done the planning and begun writing. I've got about 30 A4 pages done already. I've spoken to a best selling author to understand the process of writing and publishing a book.

Another of my goal is to spend time with my family on a holiday. I'm going for a short holiday this week to do just that.

And I feel good as I execute step by little step, closer to my goals for this year.

Practice does make perfect. There is truth in that.

Bernard

Copyright for video belongs to the owner and author of the video. Video from YouTube.

---------------------------
Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2008.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com

Friday, May 30, 2008

Wing Chun Masters in action

This video clip from YouTube shows GrandMaster Ip Ching (who is Ip Man's son) doing Chi Sao with Master Samuel Kwok. Its a very highly skilled ChiSao. You can see each manouvering themselves to control the other's advances or intentions.




Just thought I'd share more about Wing Chun.

The ownership and copyright of the video belongs to the creator of the video, or the participants in the video.

---------------------------
Copyright © Bernard Ong, 2006-2008.
All Rights Reserved
http://www.bernard-ong.com
http://mrbolt.blogspot.com