What would it take for Singaporeans to venture beyond their comfort zone and achieve more?

Question

Answers staff note: This is the real Khoo Swee Chiow, Singapore's first professional adventurer! To take part in the Y!ureka contest for a chance to win Dopod phones, register at http://yahoo.com.sg/answers

Answer 1

It takes a Singaporean with guts to move out of his comfort zone. And when I say 'guts', I mean courage and perseverance to take on challenges in life.

First, examine our Singaporean kids...what kind of education system are they trapped in? Rote learning? Exam-based syllabus? If we want our kids to grow up and be truly courageous, don't strap them to mere academic pursuits. Tell them from young to truly follow their hearts, their dreams and aspirations. And every December comes, every mother's son yearns for 4A stars in his PSLE...why? Sadly, we draw a chorus of responses like 'Because I want my mother to be happy!' or 'I want my mom to buy me that X Box!', or even more tragically 'I want 4A stars because if I don't, I won't be a doctor....actually I don't want to be a doctor. My mom wants me to be one, that's all!' If only every Singaporean mother could tell her child to chase his/her own dreams, Singapore will truly be a dynamic society.

Next, re-evaluate the lessons our kids are going through in school. Are we truly teaching them that every child is unique and he/she has the ability to excel in his own ability? Or are we teaching our kids that there is only ONE WAY TO succeed in life...to snub out all their non-academic talents.....study really hard....if better, MEMORISE every piece of their teacher's notes....get 9 straight As for O levels....get 4As and 3 distinctions for whatsoever Special Papers.....ace in your CCAs because that will allow them better entry into a JC.....ace again in your CCAs so that they get prestigious scholarship. What are we teaching our young? That every action that you make is tied to eventual material success and wealth?

If Singaporeans, young and old, wish to venture beyond their comfort zone, the most important thing they should do is to extricate themselves from the vicious cycle of materialism. Don't be afraid of hunger and poverty. Physical suffering is merely temporary while living with a feeling of self fulfilment makes living rewarding.

How many of us here are culprits of the following scenario: Rushing to finish up our double degrees in a local universities so that we can plunge hastily into our well-paying jobs in cushy air-conditioned swanky offices? Why? So that we can all acquire our cars, condominiums....

And at the end of each day, we ask ourselves, could we have done so much more with our lives? What happened to that long-forgotten childhood dream of being an astronaut, a singer, a football star, a movie star, an artist? Were they all merely dreams that were destined to remain as just dreams? Did we swiftly sweep our dreams under the carpet simply because our parents told us it's time to 'wake up'? Or did we simply give up our once-desired dreams because all our peers are earning bing bucks, therefore we should too?

Speaking of peers, that leads to the next important point: Should Singaporeans really place so much value on what their friends/peers say? The reason why Singaporeans refuse to venture out of their comfort zone is because they constantly use their peers' so-called achievements as a gauge for their own success. Once you stop comparing yourself with your peers, you become more focussed on what you wish to truly achieve in life.

Answer 2

I guess, it would be challenges or in simpler words, competition. Big ones and not small ones. The only things that are on our minds are work work work, money money money. The mindset is locked onto the phrase "As long as i earn enough for my own keep, i am satisfied" , "aiya, can live comfortably good enough already" or "I am happy with what i have, so why bother to do more".

These, sadly are the mindsets of some of us out there. Only a certain number of people get motivated to strive better when there is competition, meanwhile the rest just cannot be bothered.

When the foreigners come into the schools[there was a report in the Newspaper[can't recall which] on foreign students and local students, if not remembered wrongly it is the locals cry of unfairness] and workplace that we are in. Some of us will be furious at the competition it gives us. But, hey, this is your chance to learn from them and help each other and also prove yourself. But sadly, most Singaporeans are a pampered lot. They will complain that it is unfair and all.

So what exactly would it take?

I already said challenge and competition.But that would not wake all these people up. What they need is a real wake up call.
Challenging and tougher education standards in schools. Stricter on working discipline and work results. Perhaps a pay cut for not producing good working results. That is an extreme wake up call i guess. But, it would be good...

Answer 3

You can't do anything about it. Eveyone's mired in the mundane of everyday life. No amount of Government support can change it.

Think about it. If a lot more Singaporeans were like you, they'll be a hundreds and thousands of us trying to climb Mt. Everest, walk across Antartica and exploring the Amazon. We'll be a nuisance to the world of adventure. There will be a dearth of sponsors because there's just too many 'adventurers'. It'll become farcical.

Sad to say, quite a number haven't even climb Bukit Timah or explore it's nature reserve. Of course, most have been to Mt. Faber and finally end their days at Mt. Vernon. (use to, anyway).

What is adventure? For some people, everyday living is an adventure. Getting married is a journey into the unknown. Having children is risky enough, you never know the result until years later.

As for the other type of adventure, there will be only a few Singaporeans willing to lead that kind of life. Why? not that we are contented by what we already achive so far, but it could have been worse. For most, the motto is: No pain, good.

Answer 4

I know you move beyond comfort zone that majority is having, just that you are success and famous in attempting physical challenge and limitation, not all people are suitable nor like that style.

Everyone has its own lifestyle and preferences. What is so wrong with being in the comfort zone, when the person is satisfy with it?

So, I think the answer should be, let it progress naturally, and tell people the fact and risk on what if, you venture our from the comfort zone, then this will allow people to make the decision. I think by just stating the fact and what it is like outside the comfort zone is a good start.

A too agreesive or pushy approach in getting people to venture out from comfort zone, will likely get a drawback reaction.

So, making a good start or introduction to it, will be the best. If the person is interested and keen to it, after reading the introduction, then you can further offer coaching or advice to the person.

Then you have a higher chance of person in succeeding moving beyond the comfort zone, cause is driven by the desire and keen interest.

So, there is no fast and quick scheme to get all Singaporeans to jump into the adventure; just like last time, a question was asked, how to promote the art to Singaporean, a similar issue.

Answer 5

I love u Khoo Swee Chiow


This is really a difficult question to answer. The problem isn't with Singaporeans who are very willing to venture beyond their comfort zone. The problem lies in the fact that when they enter the world stage they are greeted with an external perception of Singapore, a perception that the Government has done little to change I might add. We joke about Singapore being a "fine" city, but really the joke is on us as no-one out there takes us that seriously. And that's one part that's got to change. I'd also mention funding as a major obstacle. If people don't have money to live on a daily basis how can they excel at what they are good at since they don't have the time to practise it as they also have to earn a living. Sponsorship programs would also help a lot.

Answer 6

Let us look at this question from a different angle. We have to face the facts. Much of the Singaporeans born in this generation are exposed to this comfort zone ever since they are born. Thumbs up to the government of Singapore who has established a world-class public transport system, an ever alert police force to provide a strong sense of security, a strong economy, a fantastic pension fund to take care of everyone, affordable public housing etc. the list goes on. In simpler words, Singaporeans are overly too “well-protected” by its government. We don’t have to look far. Let’s just look across the bridge. Would anyone (who doesn’t speak the local language) dare to take a public cab in the streets? However, one of the good things that Singapore government had done is national service which gives all Singapore males a chance to stay out of comfort zone. There are also some schools which have an international exchange program. We have to understand that this forum is not promoting more adventurers to turn professional. How about those Singaporeans who gave up the comfort of their home and venture out of Singapore through overseas employment and business opportunities? Wouldn’t Mr. Sim (Creative founder) be a daring business adventurer? I’m not being critical of Mr. Khoo, but what he chooses is a different route of entrepreneurship, first of its kind in Singapore to be a professional adventurer. It indeed scores to be a first in Singapore. One will always get to enjoy better publicity, higher chances of getting sponsorships deals, making headlines in the media etc. But on the other hand, is Mr. Khoo the only one? Does that mean that those who had venture out of this island, but doesn’t enjoy any media attention, don’t deserve any credits? Personally I do know plenty of Singaporeans offering their technical knowledge/ services around the globe.

Answer 7

I don't believe the problem just lies with Singaporeans; the human condition, by default, is geared towards the pursuit of a safe, prosperous, stable and secure life. It takes a special kind of individual, in any society, to seek something more than ordinary and walk down the road less travelled.

However, Singaporeans do seem to be more serverely ingrained into the achievement of such a lifestyle than citizens of other countries. This was no doubt induced by national policy which sought to manufacture a nation and citizens who would be employable. Sadly, this meant more people bought into the idea of "study hard, get an office job"; so much so that people's attitude towards alternative ventures (like mountain-climbing, reaching the South Pole or even starting a business) is usually meet with skepticism.

Since the problem lies with ingrained attitudes, the only place we can start to alter this perception is through our young. Already I see some attempts at remedying the situation with the establishments like the Singapore Sports School, but that's just a drop in the ocean.
Since we're talking about 'comfort zones', there are still other disciplines (such as professional video gaming), other than sports, which many do not see as being a viable alternative in Singapore and they all need institutions of their own in order for the general public to acknowledge their potential.
The rest, however, is all up to the individual; only they themselves can answer the question of "Can I achieve more?" We may cultivate Singaporeans to be more adventurous in moving out of their personal comfort zones and even train them in their chosen field. But in the end, it all boils down to ability and perseverance to achieve beyond the norm.

Answer 8

The problem isn't with Singaporeans who are very willing to venture beyond their comfort zone. The problem lies in the fact that when they enter the world stage they are greeted with an external perception of Singapore, a perception that the Government has done little to change I might add. We joke about Singapore being a "fine" city, but really the joke is on us as no-one out there takes us that seriously. And that's one part that's got to change. I'd also mention funding as a major obstacle. If people don't have money to live on a daily basis how can they excel at what they are good at since they don't have the time to practise it as they also have to earn a living. Sponsorship programs would also help a lot.

Answer 9

Thumbs up to the government of Singapore who has established a world-class public transport system, an ever alert police force to provide a strong sense of security, a strong economy, a fantastic pension fund to take care of everyone, affordable public housing etc. the list goes on. In simpler words, Singaporeans are overly too “well-protected” by its government. We don’t have to look far. Let’s just look across the bridge. Would anyone (who doesn’t speak the local language) dare to take a public cab in the streets? However, one of the good things that Singapore government had done is national service which gives all Singapore males a chance to stay out of comfort zone. There are also some schools which have an international exchange program. We have to understand that this forum is not promoting more adventurers to turn professional. How about those Singaporeans who gave up the comfort of their home and venture out of Singapore through overseas employment and business opportunities? Wouldn’t Mr. Sim (Creative founder) be a daring business adventurer? I’m not being critical of Mr. Khoo, but what he chooses is a different route of entrepreneurship, first of its kind in Singapore to be a professional adventurer. It indeed scores to be a first in Singapore. One will always get to enjoy better publicity, higher chances of getting sponsorships deals, making headlines in the media etc. But on the other hand, is Mr. Khoo the only one? Does that mean that those who had venture out of this island, but doesn’t enjoy any media attention, don’t deserve any credits? Personally I do know plenty of Singaporeans offering their technical knowledge/ services around the globe.

Answer 10

Think this is a very subjective and open question on self actualisation. Everyone has their own "defined" comfort zone and what it means by achieving more?
I have lived out of Singapore for the past 5 years. 4 in Italy and recently in HongKong. In my opinion, I think that Singaporeans do not necessarily lack a sense of venture nor are reluctant to come out of the shell. What they need is a chance and the courage to do so. Despite being a red dot in the world map, I have come to realise the beauty of the country when I lived in Italy. Singapore in many terms have gone forward a lot more in terms of infrastructure etc but after l moved to HK. I realised that HK has a lot Singapore has to learn from.
Again, that is just general again since I tend to compare what I can do and can do better compared to 5 years ago and now. Paper chase and the importance of education, the pursuit of the how many "C"s (which I have not been updated by now)...These were the "commandments" I grew up instilled in my mind. What I feel is, the government to a certain extend, has done quite a good job in the systems ie education and CPF.
I used to have my caucasian boss telling me that Singaporeans are spoilt. That everything has been laid down by the government for them.
Tell you what, now that I am out of Singapore and making a living in HK, I have not looked back. Somehow, the potential of making it and achieving more seems higher in HK for me and Singapore would just be a place I would go home to when I finally retire. meanwile...I will put my best foot forward....

Answer 11

First of all let me ask what do I gain if I venture out of my comfort zone? This might be a typical question for most Singaporeans. To achieve more, well, most Singaporeans will want to do that but only after weighing the risks against the benefits! So it needs more than entrepreneurship, a little self-motivation, some rewards and recognition and most of all a little "push" from behind, be it from friends, family, business associates, sponsors or even the government! After all an achievement by a Singaporean is an achievement for Singapore!