Tuesday, April 25, 2006

A Balanced Life

The Honest Grouch and I embarked on a long, long journey to discover the meaning of 'A Balanced Life' and I think we have found something - It's not about dividing time equally between work and home, it's more like this :

I have a balanced life when I have equal fulfilment at work and at home.

And what produces fulfilment is having a goal that I am working to achieve. What produces disappointment and disatisfaction is having expectations instead of goals. Because when I have expectations, I won't lift a finger to do anything. I will expect it to be done for me. And that is the surest way to guarantee disappointment.

So fulfilment depends on whether I have goals or expectations.

Can it be that simple?

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Welcome to fairyland...



No matter how hard I work to project a professional front, people still experience me as a fairy (ya, just got feedback again).

Well, fine! I do have a fluffy fairy side (and I'm in mega fluffy mood today hehehehee ...) and I've finally figured out how to include photo in my profile - so here's the Fairy!

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Hey, we have a testimonial!



This guy was a participant at our first One Day Workshop for Copywriters on 6th April.
Thanks Tim, for giving us this testimonial, without us having to bribe you or threaten to kill anyone.
The next workshop is "One Day I'll Write Ads That Touch People" on 25th April. Call 2287 7095 for details.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Strategy? What strategy?

I've been looking at students' portfolios and seeing a sore lack of strategic thinking. Seems like the emphasis is on coming up with 'creative ideas' - with little consideration (I'm being kind here) as to whether the idea means anything to anyone other than the creator. Sigh... And even these kind of ideas are rare. Most are just trying to be so clever that they end up incomprehensible.

In the old days, creative people started work by looking for something good to say about the product. They took the time and trouble to understand what the product can do, how it affects people's lives and why people would want to buy it.

Nowadays, advertising students seem to be out to prove how clever they are, instead of how great the product is. So they end up with ads that are clever but shallow. I think true advertising calls for deeper thinking and sharper insights.

So for fresh grads who want to improve, I'd say get to know people: really, really get to know what they want. Talk to them, listen to them and find out how they really think and feel about things. (Like how Sue spent time getting to know her security guard)

That's where you'll find the great ad ideas.

Not in award books, but in people.

Monday, April 17, 2006

The Adrenalin Addiction

Been talking to people about the last post and also doing my own soul searching (what to do? the honest grouch is championing 'balanced' life).

I admit I am addicted to the whole adrenalin rush : the pressure, the stress, the challenge of beating the deadline, of solving the puzzle, of pushing myself to do more than humanly possible : it's become a habit, a way of life. And I love it cos it makes me feel alive. Makes me feel triumphant - that I've beaten the odds and Oh My God YES! I've done it!

I love it when at the end of the day, I fall soundly asleep in minutes - it means I've played hard, worked hard all day, given myself fully to the day, squeezed out every drop! That's when I feel satisfied. Can rest, no worries.

Yes, it's been tough on my family. If there was one thing I would have done differently, it would be that I would have taken the time and trouble to involve Mom a lot more in my work - I would share with her all my ups and downs (like how I share with my husband now) so that she will feel involved in my life rather than alienated. Yes, I was a cold-hearted bitch when I was younger.

I agree with Rae that when I am pursuing my passion whole heartedly, my loved ones will support that and be proud.

Like my husband does (dear - i give you goosebumps ah? hahahahaha..)

Hey, to those of you who took time to post your comments - many, many thanks!

Monday, April 03, 2006

Need Your Response...

I'm doing a little reasearch and would appreciate it if you can spare a few minutes to share your POV. Thanks!

1. Is it possible to work in advertising and still have a life?
2. Can quality time replace quantity time with loved ones?
3. If not, what makes it worth it for you? ie, why do you want it?

That's it - thanks again, and Happy Monday!