I'm changing it already, and as I grow, I'll do better and better. I won't always succeed, but I'll always learn. I'll get better and better at finding better and better fits between what I'm passionate about, what I'm good at, and what the world needs.

It's not because I can be anything I want to be, but because I'm becoming more of who I am. Let's face it: I'm unlikely to become an Olympic swimming champion or the CEO of a wildly successful social networking platform. But there's so much I can do right now, and there's so much I want to grow into in the future.

There are amazing people around me who encourage me to keep following my passion, keep exploring new areas. They know you can't train people to do what I do, and that I create a lot of value you can't put into a job description. If people around me weren't this supportive, I'd just look for a different environment. I would keep following my passions, because I can't imagine living any other way.

I have what-am-I-doing moments. I have do-I-really-have-to-do-this moments. I have just-get-me-through-this-day moments. But I also have I-totally-rock moments and I-helped-someone-else-totally-rock moments, and I'm going to have more of those.

When people tell me I'm special, I tell them that I'm just like they are, and I ask them what it would take for them to live like I do. What would it take for people to live with passion and joy?

I'm Sacha Chua, and this is not just about Generation Y. =)

Technorati Tags: career, gen-y, life, millennial, passion

Entrepreneurship is nothing about the one who creates a thing and everything about the one who consumes the thing. Entrepreneurs don't care about the thing they create, in and of itself (as much as they may love what they produce or do). They care about creating it because of the impact it can have on someone else. It's about that thing as an answer to a question others have long ago stopped asking, or long before they even consider the possibility of it changing for them. (p.50)

And another snippet:

Unless your idea for a business exceeds anything you have ever imagined doing before, is bigger than anything you have believed yourself capable of before this moment, has the potential of transforming a large enough number of people's lives in the world to make a huge difference in how the world works, and challenges you sufficiently to risk everything you have to make it a reality, don't do it.

Just don't do it, dear reader, because it will likely disappoint you in too many ways to mention.  Don't do it unless you're ready to rumble.  Don't do it unless you can put all your fears behind you. Don't do it unless the pain of not doing it will exceed the probable pain of doing it by a factor of ten.  Don't to it, because it's not a game one plays casually.  Don't do it, because it will confound you, confuse you, threaten to overwhelm you, every single dangerous step of the way. (p.104)

Awakening the Entrepreneur Within: How Ordinary People Can Create Extraordinary Companies by Michael E. Gerber Read more about this book…

Here's what I care about at work:

• I care about helping new hires, interns, and other fellow Generation Y-ers connect with the rest of the company, and vice versa. I care because I think it would be pretty amazing if all of us newbies were engaged, passionate, and sharing what we're learning along the way. Ultimately, I want to affect not only the way IBM connects with its new hires and interns, but the way leading enterprises bring these new voices into the conversation.
• I care about helping interested colleagues learn more about how to use Web 2.0 to improve their personal productivity and collaborate more effectively. I care because I've seen how people use these tools to connect and collaborate across the organization for unexpectedly wonderful results. Ultimately, I want to see these tools become part of the culture not only at my company but also in others.
• I care about helping clients learn from IBM's experience with social media, and helping IBM learn from them. I care because I believe in what we've got inside IBM and I want to help other organizations explore this kind of culture of openness, trust and collaboration. I care because I know we can learn a lot from other companies as well. Ultimately, I want to connect evangelists and champions in different companies so that we can learn from each other's experiences.

So I guess I'm a bit of an intrapreneur after all. Technology evangelism around Web 2.0 and emerging technologies is officially part of my job, but all of these things are things I do because I have to do them, because I can't imagine not doing them. =) I'm going to need a lot of help, but there are a lot of people who are glad to help out because these are their visions too. (I like to think that I'm the one helping them!)

Let's find out how wonderful it can be. =)

What's your dream?

The key thing I learned while preparing the presentation is that people can get by without paying special attention to social networking, but some effort can help people really transform their lives into extraordinary ones. I talked about the intersection of passion, knowledge and skills, and opportunities. If you learn more about what you're passionate about, you'll find or create or attract opportunities to learn more about and practice those passions or to use your knowledge and skills. The more you learn, the more you'll be able to appreciate your passions, and the more opportunities will be open to you. It's a beautiful cycle that makes things get better and better.

I also gave a number of quick tips on how to be more effective at social networking using events, conversations, notebooks, business cards, personal sites, blogs, articles, presentations, and other tools and opportunities. All these things can help you learn, reach out, and share what you're learning.

The key thing I learned while giving this presentation was that although people could quickly identify passions outside work, job-related passions didn't come to mind. I believe that it's possible to love your work. My dad taught me this. I know that even if there are difficult days and boring days and lost days, if there's that underlying passion, all those days will be worthwhile.

I'm glad to say that my work allows me to exercise some of my passions. So, what am I passionate about?

I'm passionate about helping people connect. I believe that interesting things happen when we bring different kinds of people together, and that's why I love how blogging and other forms of social media allow people to bump into people outside their teams. I not only get to help people connect and collaborate, I even get to help companies figure out how to help their people do so.

I'm passionate about helping new hires connect with the rest of the organization and vice versa. I believe that a good social network can not only help new hires learn what they need to learn but also get opportunities to discover and make the most of their passions. I want to help new hire networks challenge and catalyze people's growth in addition to providing basic social support. I want to help new hires get connected and share what they learn. Because I've been helping people connect using these new tools, new hire networks approach me to find out how I can help them. =)

I'm passionate about helping people share what they're learning. I believe that teaching as you learn helps you learn more effectively. I want to help people share the tidbits that they're learning and passing those tidbits along to others who are learning too. I not only get to lead by example, I also get to coach others.

I'm passionate about spreading enthusiasm, energy, and passion. I believe that people can be happy at work and in life. I want to learn from people who are happy and successful, I want to be an example to others, and I want to help others along the way. I not only get to share my passions with my coworkers and with other people outside the organization, I also get to encourage others when they need that extra burst of energy.

I'm passionate about communication skills, presentations, public speaking, and storytelling. I believe that presentations should be more than just bullet points and that communication should be more than just talking at people. I want to share what people are learning, inspire people to action, and help them inspire other people in turn. I not only get to learn more about communication skills and practice them by frequently giving presentations, I also get to share what I'm learning and influence the way other people communicate.

What are you passionate about? What knowledge or skills do you want to develop, and what opportunities would help you be even more effective?

Technorati Tags: passion

Ideally, teachers would focus on one single thing: getting their students really, deeply excited about the subject of the course. Everything else, the students can do on their own.

Peter Turney, Apperceptual: Genius, Sustained Effort, and Passion (blog post)
Link from Michael Nielsen

Here's another of my favorite quotes:

If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

=)

Here are a couple of stories from the presentation.

Oooh, shiny

With only thirty minutes on the clock, the presentation was going to be fast-paced, and I had to have some way to keep track of what slide I was on. I considered standing near my laptop, but I nixed that because I'd have an even tougher time connecting with people behind such a massive podium. I didn't want to constantly look behind and up at the two projected screens a few feet above my head. Running through the slides in my head, I walked to the center of the stage. As my eyes drifted upwards, I caught a glimpse of something shiny.

Oooh, shiny.

The control room at the back of the amphitheatre was separated from the auditorium by a large one-way mirror, which was reflecting all that light. The mirror just the correct angle for me to see it–and was that a backwards image of my slides?

I hadn't noticed that the last time I gave a speech in the same amphitheatre. Nifty.

Thanks to a childhood spent reading everything and everywhere I could, I had picked up the ability to quickly read backwards. My slides were easy to distinguish even when flipped horizontally. I grinned and returned to my seat in the audience, looking forward to giving my totally small-scale "confidence monitor" a try.

After Julie Waterhouse introduced me, I launched into a whirlwind tour of the top 10 Web 2.0 tools the audience should try. I found it easy to make eye contact while avoiding the microphone feedback zones and occasionally glancing at the reflection to make sure I was flipping to the right page. It was like my keynote segment to 700 people using the Hilton Toronto's snazzy audio/visual setup. No, this amphitheatre was better. The Hilton's LCD panel had been in the lower left corner of my vision, and I had caught myself glancing to the side to see it. Here, the mirror was in the center of the back wall of the amphitheatre, slightly above the audience's heads, and visible anywhere I looked.

Now I'm wondering how I can set up a mirror like that in less-equipped rooms. A full-length mirror wouldn't be portable, but maybe a small mirror set up at the appropriate distance would work. I'm not talking about a double-mirror clamped to the podium, though–I really don't like standing behind podiums! Maybe a convex mirror like those car rear-view mirrors? Will the image be too distorted? Maybe I can make a totally small-scale confidence monitor. Hmm…

Reaching the Back Row

I wasn't quite sure if I had effectively reached people today. I felt that I was cramming too many words into too short a time. (If I'm going to do this again in 30 minutes, I'll probably focus on just 5 tools!) I made a few jokes, got a few chuckles, got plenty of nods of recognitions at the problems and pain points I described… but I didn't have time to turn it into the kind of open, interactive presentation I love. When I gave a similar presentation at another conference, the other tools that people shared during the discussion gave me plenty of material for follow-up posts. Due to today's time constraints, I didn't get to open it up, so I ended up doing all the talking. (Pity! I would've loved to find out what was on people's shortlists of tools.)

But people enjoyed it, and I think I convinced a few people to give some of those tools a try. =) I wish I could've stayed for the networking events, but I needed to hitch a ride back home for some other stuff. When I got home and reconnected to the intranet, I noticed that a manager had left a comment on my presentation. He mentioned that he had sat in the back row and that he really enjoyed my presentation and my contagious enthusiasm. If I can reach someone in the back row with my passion, I must be doing something right! =)

Every time I use Emacs+Gnus+Planner+BBDB, LinkedIn, OpenBC or even my little black Moleskine notebook and fountain pen, I always find little things to improve. I'm in that zone again, and I'm having *so* much fun. Emacs and my Moleskine are nearly infinitely hackable within the constraints of computer and paper, respectively. As for LinkedIn and OpenBC—that *itch* is making me want to write code for someone else.

The last time I felt like this was when I was in the thick of Planner development, working with a fantastic community of enthusiastic users around the world. It was *amazing* being able to make all these little differences in people's lives. I stayed with the project until I found myself too content, and then I turned it over to someone else because it was something that deserved passion.

Maybe I've found my coding passion again, something wider in scope than the little ways I customize my blog or my e-mail client or my contact database.

The more I think about it, the more attractive it is. How strange that low-key services like LinkedIn and OpenBC appeal to me more than the big names in the industry! I have the feeling that I'll be able to make more of a difference there (at least for now) than in companies like IBM, Google, or Yahoo - although those three are certainly exciting in terms of the other cool geeks I'd get to work with...

... but oooh, imagine the opportunity to work directly with really cool users? I could so totally rock. I'd *love* to be able to bring my technical *and* social passions to the table. That feels like a good short-term next step.

Figuring out my options...

On Technorati: career, purpose, networking, passion

When your job becomes your mission, your primary concern is giving your best in everything you do. Knowing that you have contributed significantly towards the creation of a product which can make a difference in your company and the larger community is reward in itself.

We can make a difference no matter who or what or where we are. If we know _why_, then the _how_ follows. =)

On Technorati: passion, career, life, motivational, inspirational, teaching, education

Those who are lit by that passion are the object of envy among their peers and the subject of intense curiosity. They are the source of good ideas. They make the extra effort. They demonstrate the commitment. They are the ones who, day by day, will rescue this drifting ship. And they will be rewarded. With money, sure, and responsibility, undoubtedly. But with something even better too: the kind of satisfaction that comes with knowing your place in the world. We are sitting on a huge potential boom in productivity — if we could just get the square pegs out of the round holes.

Maybe there should be third-party "learning designers" who you pay to plan and choose the best options and put together a perfectly tailored custom program from a variety of learning vendors (instead of throwing all your learning eggs into one school basket) that still includes some general education, but in the way that makes the most sense for that particular student, and uses both online, distance, and *some* face-to-face learning.

Hmm. Now there's a fun idea. I like tailoring things to fit people's individual needs, and I'm crazy about teaching...

祖母が生きているうちに、電話もコンピューターも一般的なものとなった。 In my grandmother's lifetime, both telephones and computers have become commonplace.

On Technorati: education, passion

There's a reason why she's one of my idols. Fangirl, fangirl, fangirl...

Even if you're not officially teaching or training someone, you're going to find it useful. READ IT! NOW!

そのコンピューターはかなり時代遅れだったので役に立たなかった。 The computer was so outdated that it was good for nothing.

On Technorati: passion, education

I want to do Something Great. I'm crazy about helping people be all they can be. I want to help people regain control over their to-do lists, finances, and the rest of their lives. I want to help people share their passion and knowledge through better teaching and presentation skills.

Many of my friends also have great passions. Ranulf Goss wants to launch the Philippine PC game development industry. He founded Slycesoft and regularly gives inspirational talks at universities to encourage students to get into game development. Maoi Arroyo wants to jumpstart the Philippine biotech industry. She founded Hybridigm Consulting and also teaches people about entrepreneurship. Gabriel Narciso wants to build the nation. He does free-lance productivity coaching and organizational development for non-profits.

Here are some of the I've learned from them and from many other people I admire:

• Set audacious goals. In the book Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, James Collins and Jerry Porras talk about Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals. Visionary companies are passionate about goals that may seem too daring or even impossible, but they achieve them because they're
• Write down your goals and share them with as many people as you can. Constantly write down and review your goals. Talk about your goals with other people. As you share your goals, you'll not only learn more about yourself but also gain the insights of others.
• Surround yourself with people doing great things. Their passion will inspire you to work on your own goals, and you'll be surprised at how helpful your network can be. Steve Pavlina said that one of the best things you can do is look for a mentor. You'll learn a lot from mentors not only in your field but also elsewhere!
• Don't give up. You'll hear a lot of nos and you'll run into a lot of dead ends. Don't give up! Take criticism into consideration, but keep on going. You can do it!

そのコンピュータは最新式だ。 The computer is up to date.

On Technorati: passion, best, plans

../pics/passion.jpg

I want to make Planner users more than just "satisfied and happy." I want them to get an "I totally rock!" experience every time they start up their Emacs, and I want them to do that every day. How can I help Planner users become even more passionate about planning and life?

Try out Planner today!

そのコンピューターは最新式だ。 The computer is up to date.

On Technorati: passion, planner

- Revolutionize computer science education by making it highly

individualized and experiential. - Become a world-famous expert on creating systems for planning one's life. Instead of pushing a particular methodology, I'd like to work with people's current ways of planning, suggesting improvements and software/hardware to support their life.

I'm at the 1st Philippine Blogging Summit right now with my BHAGs firmly in mind. It's _amazing._

The first person I talked to was J. Angelo Racoma, an old friend from my BBSing days. After chatting about blogging, talk turned to what we're both up to. He told me about his work at http://i.ph . I told him about my BHAGs.

It turned out that his wife is into tutoring, and one of the things they're planning to do in the future is set up a tutoring portal to help students, parents and tutors find each other. Neato. That looks like a great fit for what I want to do. =)

As I explained my BHAG for teaching and training to him, I realized that one of the things I really, really, really care about is quality assurance for teachers and tutors. I firmly believe that it's not just about technical knowledge, but it's also about teaching and communication skills. I don't think we're paying enough attention to that, and I think that's a compelling sales point.

I also got to meet Gabriel Narciso. He started by asking me if I was still into open source. Of course! He then asked me if there was a native version of OpenOffice.org for Mac OS X. I remember OpenOffice.org used to support the Mac, so I should be able to find one. =) Good deed! I told _him_ about my BHAGs too. It turned out that he used to work at Franklin-Covey (as in, _the_ Franklin Covey franchise in the Philippines!), and is now into executive coaching.

Wow!

Let's say that again. Wow!

_That's_ why you should practice talking about your BHAGs until you can squeeze it into a small-talk conversation. Joey Gurango told us how wannabe entrepreneurs would give him two-inch-thick business proposals and expect him to have the time or interest in reading them. He said that's entirely the wrong way to do that. You start with your 90-second elevator pitch. You get people interested. Then you go for your executive summary—the shorter, the better. You get people hooked. When you get them hooked, _then_ you hit them with the business proposal.

BHAGs work the same way. Refine them until you get a sound bite. Say it with confidence and passion. Get them hooked. Explain the rest over lunch another day!

コンピューターが使えたらもっとお金をもらえるかもしれないのに。 They might pay me more if I could use a computer.

On Technorati: blogging, events, plans, passion

Built to Last – Successful Habits of Visionary Companies
Jerry Porras and James C. Collins, 1994.

Here are some links for more information:

http://www.inspired.co.nz/Reading%20Room/Built_To_Last.htm
Book review / executive summary

Big Hairy and Audacious Goals for Business! (interview)
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/earth/stories/s218498.htm

"We found that visionary companies often set these incredibly challenging goals."

Goal Setting with Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs)
http://www.cool2serve.org/tools/pdf/BHAGs.pdf
A workshop outline—great idea for training

My BHAGs are:

• Revolutionize computer science education by making it highly individualized and experiential.
• Become a world-famous expert on creating systems for planning one's life. Instead of pushing a particular methodology, I'd like to work with people's current ways of planning, suggesting improvements and software/hardware to support their life.

What are yours?

昨日は、私のコンピューターが故障していたのです。 My computer was down yesterday.

On Technorati: passion, plans

Part of creating passionate users starts with building curiosity. Inspire them to want to learn, know, and do more.

I love making people curious about things, whether it's Emacs, Planner, computer science, or even far-out stuff like street performance.

Kathy Sierra gives these tips:

1. Be passionately curious yourself.
2. Be seductive.
3. Make them curious by doing something unusual, without an obvious explanation.
4. Offer a puzzle or interesting question... without giving them the solution.

Fun.

私は１匹の黒猫がその家へ走り込むのを見た。 I saw a black cat run into the house.

On Technorati: advocacy, passion

I am overflowing with ideas I want to share with people, and I'm planning to go to different places in the Philippines in order to do open source and computer science advocacy.

• I want to show people that you can be passionate and enthusiastic about computing, and you can share what you know even if you're just talking about simple things.
• I want to help start geek communities so that people know who's working on what. It's important for people to know whom they can ask for help.
• I want to find out what issues teachers face in other schools and how teachers deal with those issues. I hope to share thoughts on teaching introductory computer science and making computer science fun and interesting for university students as well as elementary students.
• I want teams from the provinces to perform better in national programming competitions.
• I want to help show people that they can do funky computing stuff in the provinces so that they're not always envious of Metro Manila and its high concentration of geeks. ;) I want students to be able to consider their local colleges seriously. I want to encourage people to hold their own technical sessions and regular meetings.
• I want to show people that computer science isn't just about money. It helps you learn how to think, and that makes it really useful.

I don't need to speak to large audiences, although I can do that if I'm part of a larger event. If I spoke in front of a large audience all day, I'd bore them—better to reserve that for smaller audiences so that I can adapt to people better. I don't need a grand event. I just need to be there, meeting people, asking questions, exchanging ideas...

I can start with a small thing. I can talk about computing on XTs if that's all they have. I can assume zero background on Linux or even computing if necessary. It's just that I'm mobile (aka unemployed) in a position to do something cool, and I can't let the opportunity pass.

Summertime would be best. That would mean I'd have to raise PHP 10k for airfare or so. There's a Cebu Pacific Air thing running until March 15, but I won't get to talk to teachers and students then, so it might be better to spend that time with my family, use all March to prepare really good presentations, and head off during April so that I can talk to lots of people.

On Technorati: advocacy, philippines, passion, best