I will remember fondly of my days as an international MBA candidate at Tsinghua University in Beijing. There were so many diverse activities I took part in. And it really opened my eyes to the wonderful world of business.
I remember being part of a ragtag band called Never Too Late. It was started by a fellow Tsinghua University alumnus, who was passionate about music. He was the guitarist. I was the pianist and the drummer. And we had another pianist to accompany us as well. We weren’t the next Beatles or anything. It was more of a part-time hobby to keep ourselves busy.
But it was fun. We had a blast creating music and performing on stage at talent shows. I’m never really sure why we chose the name, Never Too Late. I think at that time, our band leader was in his late 30’s. And he was probably at that moment in life where he was reflecting on where he wanted to go.
The name resonated with me as well. Because I think it sent a message that it is never too late to go for your dreams. To reach for the stars. To be proactive in your goals and do things that you truly enjoy.
I think that name can resonate with the average citizen. The stay-at-home mom that dreamed of becoming a singer. The fresh graduate stuck in a mundane 9 to 5 job looking for greater passion and meaning in life. It can resonate with the retiree looking for renewed purpose in his everyday actions.
It can resonate with a lot of people. And I think we should all know that it is never too late to set new goals. To pursue things that we are passionate about. To start from scratch again if you feel like it. We are free beings on this planet with the freedom to choose what we want to do and what we want to strive for. So, take control of whatever you can. Be willing to sacrifice and realize that everyone is in the same boat.
When I was a part of that band in Beijing, I just wanted a chance to try something new. To have fun. To showcase my musical talents on the piano. And to be a part of a meaning and mission that was a little bit larger than myself. For me, it was a win-win situation. And I’m glad that I can think back fondly to that part of my life over a decade ago.
Much has changed since then. But, these days, I’m also continuing to strive for things that I feel to be meaningful. I’m continuing to improve my daily skills. I’m continuing to give back every little way that I can. I’m continuing to enjoy my life.
I’ve recently started the habit of writing a potential book. Every little helps. Just 500 to 700 words a day to get my juices flowing. I hope that I can continue to practice this habit. So that when one or two years roll around, I can look back to myself and say that I am a published author.
I will use my Toastmaster friend as inspiration. She recently published a book as well, and I was inspired to get started after reading it. It really taught me the importance of simplicity, gratitude, and optimism – no matter what external trials and tribulations we face. I think that her message was important for me.
And I will similarly try to tie in themes of optimism and gratitude into my future book, which will hopefully become a personal memoir of sorts. But, again, baby steps at a time. It’s never too late to get started. And I’m glad to say that I’ve recently started on this journey.
Regardless of how many copies my future book sells, I hope that it can provide an opportunity for me to crystallize and reflect on my past. On what I learned from my accumulation of life experiences over these 30 something years. I hope that I can contribute something of value to the reader thru my own life experience. Hopefully, he or she will come to terms with some of the struggles that I encountered. And realize that no life is perfect, regardless of how perfect it may seem from the outside looking in.
Sometimes, you don’t really know a person until you know his or her deepest fears, struggles, and insecurities. I definitely know that my family and relatives have their own struggles and challenges, no matter how much they seem to have their acts together. It’s up to us to provide strength and support for our fellow community in times of need.
So overall, it’s never too late to start something fresh. It’s never too late to forgive. It’s never too late to enjoy your blessings. It’s never too late to be grateful and accept the things that you cannot control. It’s never too late to get help and support for your struggles and challenges. It’s never too late. Because at the end of the day, we only have one life to live. So, take it easy, enjoy it, and make it count all at once.