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The Straits Times Mind Your Body Fit And Fab Article - Mr Confident

Posted by: lionel on Jan 12, 2012

Tagged in: motivation

There’s an ancient proverb which I came across recently. It reads “once is a fluke, twice is a trend, three times is a habit.”

Maybe I’m getting used to seeing myself in the national papers again. But in all honesty, I’m truly grateful for each and every opportunity. And to be doubly honest, my eyes were wide awake at 4am while lying in bed yesterday…while my ears were straining to hear the familiar sounds of the newspaper vendor delivering the newspaper to my house.

Every article is a new form of excitement to this big kid. And this one is no different.

While the first was more personal and focused on my toy collection; and the second on my business and investments, this third-parter in The Straits Times Mind Your Body ‘Fit And Fab’ column turned its focus primarily on my health and fitness transformation journey from sickly, pimply, low self-esteemed teenager to a lean, toned, confident young man. Interestingly enough, this transformation is one that strikes a chord with many readers out there. 

We all have some areas of our body which we are not satisfied with. I used to be like that too. But the most important difference between the me back then and the me now was that I took action. Make that massive action. I could have lamented my own misfortune. But instead, triggered by Dad’s illness and subsequent passing away, I took matters into my own hands and chose to redesign my life the way I wanted it to be. And this redesigning took time as I did it the natural way. 

I did waste precious time initially experimenting with my workouts and mealplans but I have since hit the right formula. That’s why clients are happy I have let them in to my little black books that document the struggles and how they can avoid the same pitfalls while getting results faster.

Relying on a exercise programme, eating the right foods and a proper skincare regime, the transformation started to breathe a life of its own both internally and externally. And once I started seeing results, there was no stopping. 

And like they say, the rest is history.

I’m happy to share my life story with readers out there as I believe it will motivate them to take action of their own to achieve the dreams they had set for themselves. Let us shape our own destiny with our own hands.

And before I forget, here’s the Mind Your Body article. Happy reading! And yes, I have a new nickname given by the press – Mr Confident :)

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PS: Click here to read about me in Lianhe Wanbao Health & Wellness: Resistance Tube Exercises (29 Jan 2012) 

PPS: Click here to read about me in The Sunday Times: Dressed For Success (4 Sep 2011)

PPPS: Click here to read about me in The Straits Times Life: Collectors Series (20 Aug 2011)

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5 Tips To Making Successful New Year Resolutions

Posted by: lionel on Jan 09, 2012

Tagged in: motivation

A big hello to everyone!

I’m officially back to my work desk after enjoying the winter holidays with my family and taking time off for my personal retreat. And the first thing I thought I’ll do is to write a blog entry for you, my readers.

What did I do over the last few days? Well, I took a retreat of sorts and used this time to reflect, rejuvenate and plan for the year ahead…all in the comfort of my humble home. 

And believe me, it has proved to be an exciting process as how often do we really have our personal space and time? This is sacred as only when we devote quality time to ourselves will we continue to grow.

For many of us, it is customary to make New Year resolutions pledging to change our lives for the better. But even before you sit down and pen down your resolutions for the new year ahead, have you even taken time to ponder and taken stock of where you are currently?

We should never be like a headless chicken running in any direction just because someone said it was good. Instead, do a careful stock-take of our current situation, and then analyze the gap between the current and the ideal.

While it is a common practice for many to make New Year resolutions, have you ever wondered why many have let them lapse after a few missteps?

This was the chief reason one of my clients shared with me on why he gave up making New Year resolutions years ago, because the promise to keep them was forgotten the minute they were made.

To make things simple and this blog post a breeze to digest, let me share 5 key areas to making your New Year resolutions much more meaningful so you will not be kicking yourself again come 31 Dec 2012.


1. There Is No Wealth Without Good Health

A lot of people fail to recognize the fact that staying healthy is the most important asset to possess. No matter how good you may be at work, or in investing, it will amount to nothing if your health fails you.

Just like how we plan appointments for dinners with our friends, meetings with our colleagues, luncheons with our suppliers etc; so too in the same vein do you pencil down (either in your smart phone or on your diary) your exercise schedule. 

The number one rule to good health is simple – exercise three times a week for at least 30 minutes each time.


2. Family Is The Thread That Binds 

Life is so unpredictable that is advisable to start appreciating the people around you, especially your family. 

Do not wait until someone in your family is stricken with an incurable disease before you start showing care and concern. We are not growing younger as each day goes by.

Personally, I make it a point to eat at least thrice a week with my family as we catch up on the small episodes that occur in our lives. Strangely but truly, it’s a very Asian thing to bond over meals. And what better way to bond with your own family?


3. Be True To Yourself

In our eagerness to challenge ourselves, we will many a times overplan believing we are Superman or Wonder Woman. The truth is…we are not.

Instead of writing down ten or more New Year resolutions, trim down the list to only your top five. Five is a much more manageable number. If you recall, I spoke about setting SMART New Year resolutions. And just in case you forget, this is a New Year resolution list. This is not your bucket list.


4. Learn A New Hobby

Just like muscles have memory and will stop growing if we subject them to the same exercise and weight, so too will our personal growth stop should we go about doing the same chores over and over again. In short, break out of your current routine and embark on a new adventure of sorts. This new year is the perfect time for you to pick up a new hobby. It could be anything and run the gamut of baking, mountaineering to photography and a new language.

I hate to be too frank sometimes but I have to. The day we stop learning is the day we start to degenerate.


5. Find Your Own Happiness

There is no secret to the art of happiness. You hold that sacred art in your own hands. You breathe and create your own happiness via your own thoughts, feelings, actions and results. If you are unhappy with your current job (despite its high pay), it’s time to consider leaving and pursuing your own passions.

Life is too short to be living someone else’s dreams and becoming what our parents or elders expect us to become. 

Only when you start living your own life according to your own terms will you unlock the gates and bask in happiness unparalleled.

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Happy New Year 2012

Posted by: lionel on Jan 01, 2012

Tagged in: motivation

As we awake today, we’ll be blessed with a most amazing gift – a fresh set of 365 days. These days are pure and flawless and most importantly, limitless. They offer all of us an opportunity to move forward, demonstrate courage, ignite brilliantly, connect compassionately and instill new habits that will get us to even greater heights. Not forgetting, these 365 days will also offer all of us the space to laugh, add value and accomplish our fresh dreams with renewed vigor.

As we approach this new year, it’s like we have all been given a fresh piece of canvas again. What images you desire to draw, what colours you decide to paint – it’s all up to you. What is the same white canvas will ultimately turn out to be different for all of us. It’s the power of our thoughts, coupled with our actions that determine our outcome.

Seize this brand new day and make the best of every day following it.

There will never be a better you that you. There will never be a better me than me. Others may copy the way you think, speak or dress. But no matter how hard they try, they are at best a second-best. The reason is simple – because you are unique and you have talents which others lack.  

It’s time to make our New Year resolutions again and walk this magical ride through the next 365 days.

Wishing everyone a blessed and fruitful New Year ahead. Happy 2012!

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PS: One of my facebook friends left a message on my wall saying it's 366 days in 2012 and not 365. That makes the deal even sweeter right? One more day for us to fulfill our dreams :)

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Life Skills Training Workshop For REACH Community Services Society

Posted by: lionel on Dec 05, 2011

Tagged in: motivation

Having a business is not just about making money. It’s also about adding value to other people’s lives and contributing back to society at some point. The best scenario of course would be to combine all three elements.

I’m really fortunate I’ve been able to accomplish all three today at the customized lifeskills training workshop held at REACH Community Services Society.

Playing coach, trainer and mentor to 14 teenagers who come from diverse backgrounds with their ages ranging from 15 to 19 years old was again a refreshing change.

Away from the corporate world and school environment is this new found haven in Bishan that the teenagers can seek solace in, find new strength and move on in life regardless of what past mistakes they may have made.

We have all made mistakes in the past. Who hasn’t? It doesn’t matter if it’s a major mistake or a minor one, as long as you are not a rapist or murderer; we all deserve a second chance.

But honestly, everything boils down to just one word – “self-esteem”, to which the participants all agreed. It matters not how others perceive you. It’s how you value yourself that is of greater importance. So what if you were a rebel or gang member in the past? As long as you have turned over a new leaf, there’s still light at the end of the tunnel. Haven’t we read inspiring stories of reformed teens becoming role models for society?

There are many ways for us to build self-esteem, like what they shared with me today. I particularly liked the sharing that included ‘smile more’, ‘rest early’, ‘dress well’ and ‘engage in sports that I like’. All these and more are definitely positive ways to build self-esteem.

Our self worth comes from within. It isn’t the result of what our parents or society determines it to be. We are who we are because of the path we have chosen for ourselves. And with our own hands, we can mould our own future, whether it is to become a hairstylist, engineer, millionaire or prime minister. As long as we open our hearts and minds, the sky is truly the limit.

I cannot help but agree with some of the teenagers that one of the fastest and most effective ways of increasing self-esteem is through dressing well.

If you just take some effort to dress appropriately for the occasion, be neat and tidy; chances are your self-confidence will also skyrocket as people tend to form a better impression of you and what you have to offer. In this practical world, where the type of clothes maketh the man, the returns are significantly higher should you look good, feel good and act good.

If the initial self-exploration part was more geared towards helping them find a sense of purpose in the years ahead, then the sharing on personal grooming was the reward for all of them. Getting naturally excited and understandably so as teenagers of their age generally are, exploring ways on how to up their image quotient must be the order of the day. What when they were told by the group-in-charge that there would be a bonus a few weeks later, just before Christmas, in the form of a photoshoot and makeover in the studio. And what they learnt today would be of direct relevance and of help to them.

As teenagers, being able to create a positive first impression augurs well on many fronts. When it comes to impressing a girl, it makes the task easier. When it comes to blending in with others in society, it becomes effortless. When it comes to creating our own unique identity, it becomes distinctively memorable.

I cannot help but recall Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s immortal words “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

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New Year Resolutions: Eliminating Self Sabotage

Posted by: lionel on Dec 03, 2011

Tagged in: motivation

Self-sabotage is a very common problem, and not just in fitness. It’s not because of a lack of knowledge or desire to achieve your goal, but a deeper psychological reason. Perhaps you, like all of us, are guilty of it sometimes.

The worst part is that it hits you just as you’re beginning to achieve results. It usually starts with the excuses you make when you start to slack off. Let’s recall some of the most common ones…

“I have to work late.”

“I’m not up to it yet.”

“I’m tired after a long day.”

“It’s raining so heavily…”

“I don’t want to miss that dinner.”

All are valid, but it’s a slippery slope because one excuse invariably leads to another and before long, you have negated all your hard work.

How time flies. It’s December 2011, the last month in this year. Are there any goals which you set out to achieve earlier this year but have yet to make any progress?

If you have any unfinished goals, then it’s time to take note, ask yourself why this happened and take charge of your life again.

Planning for the new year again is always a challenge. But to make it less of a challenge for you, here’s 3 useful tips to kickstart your preparation.

First, focus on the goals you wish to attain and adopt a process that will keep you on track. It could be in the form of a smartphone app, diary or a trainer. Having a human buddy or a technological one makes all the difference as it’s like a report card. When you monitor your progress closely – be it your body weight, how much further you can run or whether you should revamp your entire wardrobe, this helps you stay on track. When you are on track, you boost your own self-confidence and this in turn, creates momentum.

Second, pay attention to negative self-talk. These include “I can’t lose weight” or “Exercise is a pain” or “I’ll just wear whatever I have in my wardrobe”… Very often, all this negative self-talk causes a mental struggle that will eventually work against you , zap again your original good intents and bring you down.

Third, reward yourself each time you achieve a significant milestone. The goal is the final destination but along the way, there are many minute steps that lead you there. When you reward yourself for each positive achievement along the way, the entire journey feels more meaningful and achieveable.

See all of you at the top :)

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Setting A New Record

Posted by: lionel on Nov 22, 2011

Tagged in: motivation

If one continues to do the same things that other people do, then that can only be considered as ordinary as you are following the trend. So in order for a feat to be considered extraordinary, it has to be impactful, meaningful and most importantly, encompass the ‘wow’ effect.

What started off as a dream into the realm of training back in May 2008 has now morphed itself into a business model that works. When I first started doing training and accepting speaking engagements to do talks and workshops, there wasn’t any grand plan underlying. After all, it was just passion driving me along.

But a fateful day in 2010, I glanced into my own crystal ball and told myself I wasn’t content to be just another run-of-the-mill trainer. I aspired to be someone who would chart my own journey and mark my own milestone.

And today I achieved that. Today is a remarkable celebration in itself simply because I have achieved what I thought was only a dream to many.  In the span of three and a half years, I have trained 100 companies and schools. Today marks the 100th company. 

Seriously, words in themselves are insufficient to describe how I feel now. Gratification and satisfaction are perhaps understatements. 

Records are not broken unless you have demonstrated you have given enough and are deserving of it. The magical 100 number – once I thought was so far and out of reach is now warmly etched in my heart. I have been there and done that. 

Many thanks to one and all who have believed in me, spurred me on and been the guiding light. Now for even greater things in life…Cheers! 

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The Straits Times Life Article: Collectors Series

Posted by: lionel on Aug 20, 2011

Tagged in: motivation

We all have many roles to play – the first role being our public role. That means who we present ourselves in front of others. For me, I’m a lifestyle coach. The other role is our personal role – who we are when we are relaxed and chilling out at home.

Many would already know my public role from the numerous grooming workshops, health and fitness talks and other trainings which I conduct. But much less is known of my personal role.

Well, at least until today when The Straits Times Life team interviewed me and shed more light of the personal life of Lionel Lim in the Collector’s Series.

Reading the papers on a lazy Saturday morning, it may come as a surprise to many that I actually collect toys. What makes for double the surprise is I have a private glass toy museum at home to house all my toys from my childhood days.

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When I was approached for the interview, The Straits Times Life team decided to pitch it around my collection of 103 Smurfs. After all, the first Smurf movie was going to open in local cinemas in barely two weeks’ time. We all agreed it would make an interesting read.

But as the Life team dug further, they realized that I actually collect more toys than just Smurfs. Like most other guys who grew up in the 1980s, I also collected Star Wars (mine is the original 1984 collection), Masters of the Universe (think He-Man and Skeletor), MASK, Matchbox Toys and Transformers. In more recent years and from my travels around Asia, I started collecting Momo Bears as well.

I love Smurfs because they strike a chord with me being small, blue and cute. They also teach us the right values such as respect for your elders (think Papa Smurf), community before self (protect the Smurf Village) should Gargamel invade. Also interestingly, Smurfs project the different personas that are in all of us. We have Grumpy Smurf, Brainy Smurf, Clumsy Smurf, Vanity Smurf…the list goes on. 

Life to me was more than just growing up with the small, blue, barely three apples tall Smurfs. It was a time for bonding with Dad who started buying me toys and getting me interested in them. Growing up with no Internet back then, my only playtime was with my toys and with Dad teaching me how to take good care of them…to such a great extent that the toys are still in excellent condition today.

Looking at the creatures behind the glass toy museum, happy in their new enclaves, I cannot help but reminisce about the good old days when Dad was still alive. This was a legacy which father and son shared, a bond so intimate that only the toys themselves would live to speak of the tale. And this would be the same legacy I would share with my children and grandchildren in time to come…

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PS: Click here to read about me in The Sunday Times: Dressed For Success (4 Sep 2011)

PPS: Click here to read about me in The Straits Times Mind Your Body Fit & Fab: Mr Confident (12 Jan 2012)

PPPS: Click here to read about me in Lianhe Wanbao Health & Wellness: Resistance Tube Exercises (29 Jan 2012)

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Singapore's 100 Most Loved Beauty Professionals Award By Cozycot

Posted by: lionel on Jul 19, 2011

Tagged in: motivation

Birthday presents come in many shapes and forms. While those from family, loved ones and friends surround the heart with aplenty emotions, other unexpected ones bring boundless joy to the birthday boy.

Many a times in life, it’s when you least expect it that you cherish it the most.

Away in the Philippines for a business networking trip, I had to miss the awards ceremony of Singapore’s 100 Most Loved Beauty Professionals organized by Cozycot as part of the Cozycot Beauty Awards 2011 at Orchard Central over the weekends. But the Cozycot guys didn’t forget me and were very nice to send me an email asking to drop by their office to pick up my award. 

Away from the awards ceremony event proper, in the peace and quiet of the Cozycot office, I received my 100 Most Loved Beauty Professionals award. There was no fanfare, no cameras clicking away, no media. Just me and my award.

If you ask me what I wish for this birthday, I wish for good health, happiness and more opportunities :)

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