Daily Lessons from Life 15 May 2013 - Developer builds on hard work

"Developer builds on hard work - The Straits Times Tuesday, May 14, 2013 As a toddler, Lim Chap Huat would tuck a pencil behind one ear and potter around his home, holding a ruler against the wall. When his mother asked what he was doing, he would reply in Hokkien: "Wah kee chu." The phrase literally translates into: "I build house." Self-effacing and shy, the silver- haired corporate honcho says there is no secret to his success. "If you work hard, you will be rewarded," he says." I NORMALLY read the rags-to-riches stories with a pinch of salt as I find the reporter somehow focused on writing about how big the house is, how flashy the cars are, how nice and expensive the furnitures are, etc to be UNHELPFUL. I like this one though I do not know Mr Lim at all as the lessons to be learned are: 1. 'If you work hard, you will be rewarded.' - some smart gurus have already changed that to 'work hard and smart' or 'work smart and hard' is the way to go. Indeed, is it working hard first and then smart or the other way round or it depends? For me, before starting out, think about how you want to do it in the smartest way i.e. have a few options thought out so there are comparisons and then choose the 'best' for the moment and work HARD at it!!; 2. he realized the need to change: 'I cannot do everything myself!' This awareness is key to opening up more possibilities. One man can only do so much. One great man can only do so much more. But a team of great men and women and ok men and women can achieve a lot more simultaneously; 3. he donates to this alma mater and in youth. This is important. After one becomes successful, rich and healthy, there must be greater meaning in life than just keep making more money! Ok, it is easier for me to say that: 'Happiest is the one who ask not what do I have but how much can I give.' since I am not rich! But Warren Buffert, the 'god of investing' seems to realise that when he decided to give away almost ALL his billions when in his 70s or 80s a few years back! This from a guy who spends his whole investing and building wealth! So, good on you Mr Lim. Good on you on the reporter who wrote this piece. Spared me the many houses that Mr Lim may owned and the many cars which he may or may not possessed as I am not interested. I am glad the 3 things I mentioned above were reported though so that people young and old can learn what is meant to be rich and successful!