By Karen
"If you haven't become a manager by 30, you'll never succeed in life!" My university professor said this during my student years, and then…I turned 30.
"Principles: Work and Life" covers all aspects of career and life. It introduces the Five-Step Process for a Successful Life. According to the book, a successful life involves repeatedly completing these five steps to evolve toward higher levels of achievement:
- Establish clear goals.
- Identify the problems preventing you from achieving those goals, and don't tolerate them.
- Accurately diagnose the problems and find their root causes.
- Design solutions that can solve those problems.
- Do whatever is necessary to execute those solutions and achieve results.
I believe the essence of "Principles" lies in this passage, particularly in the concept that "Pain + Reflection = Progress," which resonates deeply with me.
My professor's words stayed with me, but I delayed my master's degree graduation and did a student exchange abroad. Compared to my peers, I started working quite late. When I entered the workforce, I was anxious and nervous, terrified that by 30, I would have accomplished nothing.
At 28 and 29, I was earning an unbelievably low salary, always feeling I couldn't get ahead. Yet I knew my abilities were decent—why could I only earn so little? I became trapped in the obsession with age and job titles, hoping to gain impressive titles and be recognized by others. My goal was to be seen for my competence.
But my immature mindset trapped me in a mental maze. Within six months, I interviewed with 7 or 8 companies, hoping to switch industries or jump levels. During that period, I had many interview opportunities, but none met my expectations.
A well-known international conglomerate wanted me as a management associate. I passed the interview and my future manager agreed to hire me, but HR called to say, "Your experience is insufficient. We need to lower your position, and with a lower position comes lower pay"—a double blow that shattered my confidence.
There was also a company I really liked, but after interviewing through the final round, I still received a rejection. Another company with decent connections—after negotiating, I always felt I was being taken advantage of.
That period felt like I was trapped in an endless loop. When I stepped back, I realized the real problem was me. I had "insufficient ability." To prevent myself from falling into that confusion again, in early 2019, I decided to "seriously build up my skills and become someone who can take control of my own life."
In other words, I seriously diagnosed my problems and identified the root causes. Beyond insufficient ability, I also recognized a "lack of confidence" that caused me to waver and unable to make decisions for myself.
To escape my stagnant life, in the second half of 2019, I quit my fifth job without backup and flew to the Philippines to reflect on myself. I created space to let my thoughts settle and properly contemplate, hoping that a change of environment would also change my perspective. This was the solution I designed for myself.
Why did I make this decision? Actually, seven years earlier, I had spent half a year in Korea—my first experience of true freedom, where I reflected deeply. In the Philippines, I really did shift my mindset. Seeing the real lives of Filipinos, yet witnessing their optimistic nature, I suddenly understood that "life is about living in the present moment." After returning, I worked hard at everything without chasing specific positions, titles, or fame—because no matter how hard you pursue them, they're ultimately given by others. From then on, I resolved my past confusion and took a big leap forward.
Invited to speak with members of the Agile girls organization.
Friends who've followed me for years often say I've "made tremendous progress" these past two years. I believe this is closely related to "Pain + Reflection = Progress" mentioned in "Principles," perfectly aligned with life's five-step process. Acknowledging your shortcomings, facing problems directly, designing solutions, executing them to overcome obstacles—this is an invaluable experience for upgrading your life.
Hosting a large event at 三創.
In October 2020, I published a personal book, launched an efficient writing course, became a lecturer at Taiwan University of Science and Technology, and was invited as a speaker at Taipei Education Expo. In 2021, I've been preparing new online courses while building a new scale and platform for cross-disciplinary book clubs, transforming them into highly engaged offline communities with my own organization and presence, while maintaining balance in my full-time job performance.
What will your own story of "Principles: Work and Life" be? It must be equally remarkable.
2021/02/07 13:00-18:00 Join 12 selected cross-disciplinary book club members as they share their thorny yet inspiring life stories inspired by "Principles."
#Life Isn't a Single-Choice Question Buy here https://reurl.cc/MZdLpk
