3 words that creates instant credibility for you

According to this article in Inc. 3 Words That Create Instant Credibility, the words are “I don’t  know”.

I never saw that coming.

Because I have to deal with a real life manifestation of that 3 words daily at work, these 3 words completely irk me. Well, to be honest, they irk me even before now but I never knew that I will have to deal with it on a daily basis.

How do those 3 words build credibility? The author claims that it will impress upon the listener that you are not trying to BS them by acting like a know it all. No one likes a know it all anyways, the author points out. But then he is also careful to add that after uttering these 3 gospel words, it should follow with an effort to find out.

I do have to admit that I agree with him on a professional level. No one likes to be BSed, especially bosses who are cleverer than you. But having to deal with it daily makes it kinda personal for me now. And on a personal level, I simply cannot accept it when someone utter “I don’t know” at every question I post. Too much of a good thing is bad. Too many “I don’t know”, sincere or otherwise, no longer interprets into willingness to admit one’s ignorance but rather “i don’t f***king care, you are not worth my time.”.

However, the one thing I do agree 100% with the author is; the follow up action. Apologising for your ignorance coupled with the promise to find out and eventually delivering will put a gold star on your credibility and capability.  The worse kind of people are the ones who says “I don’t know” and never bother to make the effort to gain that knowledge they lack.

Bottom line, admitting that you are lacking is not a shameful act, it will not sully your reputation in any way. But you have to prove that you are not scared to admit that you don’t know something and you are not above it to find out.

Or as one customer service training taught me; you should not say “I don’t know”, it triggers negative feels and attracts negative responses. Just pause a bit and say “I’ll find out for you right away.”.

Meet the New Japan campaign 2013

It is a campaign that targets foreigners traveling to Japan during the campaign period and that is based on the idea that people are sure to find something they like about Japan and discover a new appealing aspect of Japan. During the campaign, various special benefits will be available to foreigners in Tokyo and the Kansai.

 

Meet The New Japan 2013 campaign period:

December 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013

Where Meet The New JAPAN 2013 is being held:

Tokyo: February 1, 2013 – March 31, 2013
Kansai: December 1, 2012 – February 28, 2013

Details of Meet The New Japan 2013 campaign:

During the campaign, foreigners who present their passport at locations in Tokyo and the Kansai can obtain access to events that are normally not available and wonderful benefits. Foreigners traveling in Japan will be greeted with hospitality that will make them fall in love with the country.

Click HERE to many exciting details!

Hakone Sweets Spring Collection 2013

In case you haven’t heard.

It’s Hakone Sweets Spring Festival again! 11 years running and 35 chefs stores participating, you will be spoilt for choice. I know I was drooling buckets just looking through the brochure  =_=;

This years theme – “Delicious energy boost”. Boy, I could use some energy boosting through delicious sweets!

So stop wasting precious time, everyone!

Get ready, get set…..1February to 4March….GO!

 

Have a look here!

And here!

Don’t forget your Visa card!

2013 may just be the year you shop like a king in Japan!

Well, you know the usual grouses about Japan being one of the most expensive place to shop. Not this year.

Visa is offering a range of discount coupons for you to use in many of the major shopping place across the whole of Japan; Tokyo, Sapporo, Osaka, Fukuoka and many more.

Visit Japan with Visa

End of Week 1 challenge – 8 glasses of water a day

Today is the end of my first 2 week quest to pick up the first healthy habit and make it stick.

This is my experience:-

There are bound to be days you will slack for any reason. For me, it was the loss of concentration when work became too hectic. I had to make a conscious effort to carry it through and losing that concentration resulted in failing to complete it for two whole days.

For the days that you slack, don’t beat yourself over them. Just move on and get back on track. Forcing positive changes is never easy, don’t make it any harder by adding unnecessary pressure to the equation. It is that much easier to come up with an excuse when the tough got tougher.

And my conclusion is:-

2 weeks really is too short a time to form a new habit. But it is an ideal number of days to keep things interesting enough so you will be consciously persistent to challenge yourself.

After the 2 weeks is over it is anybody’s guess if the habit will stick.

Ultimately, it is your choice if you want to do something good for yourself.

And who am I to tell you what is good for you at this point? You need to come to that realization yourself, but till then….enjoy your life!

As for me, onwards march to my second quest 2 week quest!

Memories of Batam 2013

Took a one day trip to the infamous isle of Indonesia closest to Singapore. It is so close that Singapore can be seen from the shores of Batam! 55 minutes is all it took to get there. And let me tell you, Batam’s weather is ultra dry heat there.

The tour guide told us that Batam is the size of Singapore but only will 1/5 of its population. And because it is crazy hot most of the time, its residents rather not be venturing the streets till sun is out of sight.

The day’s itinerary is so typical you will probably roll your eyes in boredom. Shopping. That’s it. Well, considering that Batam imports almost everything, and has nothing to show in the way of scenery, what can we expect? Keropok (fish crackers), Kueh Lapis (layered cake), and Ralph Lauren Polo tee (they are very proud of the authenticity).

I saw a bunch of Koreans going a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y nuts over this brand of coffee.

While I went ga-ga over this giant poster *haha*

Time to go home!

Funny looking boat sailing across our path

Sentosa on the opposite shore as we reach home harbor at last!

My 140 days challenge – Learn a new health habit

Take it slow.

That’s what the latest health guru to catch my eye said.

I believe 90% of what he was expounding; picking up a new habit is all about constantly practicing it every day till it sticks. Much like learning a new language or a new skill. And start simple and slow ‘cos really, good habits are hardest to break into.

And that’s why I decided to adopt his list of 10 new health habits. And for every habit, I’ll give it 14 days to stick.

That’s 140 days.

And hence I embark, to learn 10 new health habits for 2013.