Why did I write “Beating the Algorithm”?
Purpose is an important theme in my book, “Beating the Algorithm” (Chapter 3 revolves around it).
It is a catalyst for action, the fuel for momentum, and the compound that ultimately sustains it.
So what was the purpose behind writing my book? Was it singular or were there multiple reasons why.
I’ve been going back on this question back and forth, and I always come back to what my preface alludes to.
Sharing with others
So they may learn from my mistakes, my missteps, my failures.
You know how since young, your parents have been spinning cautionary tales, of one form or shape or the other?
Words like, “Dont trust others so easily.” or “Be careful when you do this or that!”
It comes from a place called their experiences.
I feel the same compulsion that drives that behavior. The compulsion to stop somebody from making a mistake I have made before, to avoid it, because it was so painful, so costly.
I realize, that is what motivates what I do and enjoy doing. It is my Raison d’être- french for “reason for being”.
It is the reason why I decided post Netccentric, to actively mentor would be entrepreneurs/investees. And also the reason why I’ve always enjoyed nurturing my employees.
I don’t know why I do it. Perhaps it’s me trying to compensate for my own past foolishness or stupidity. But whatever it is, it makes me happy and fulfilled if I can help others avoid pitfalls, and achieve success the less difficult way.
Context for my daughter, Mila
In March 2023, after 8 years of waiting, I finally became a father to my precious daughter Mila.
Being a parent is an experience that is entirely unique to others.
Yes, I am invested in the well being of my parents, siblings, friends, staff and others in my circle, and yes, I do want them to thrive.
But with your own flesh and blood, this goes to a whole new level and takes on new meaning.
A parent can be far more invested in his/her child’s development and well being than even their own.
It is for this reason that well meaning advice is often dished out at the speed of thought.
Due to the sheer volume of opinions on what is best for your child, you have no time to explain yourself, you simply know what is good, what is bad, what is wrong, what is right, what is safe, what is dangerous, and so on and so forth.
With my step dad (@daddytong), I had the good fortune of sitting down with him and hearing many of his stories, and that helped me understand his advice better.
My book, I hope will provide the necessary context for Mila, when the time is right, so she can always see where I’m coming from.
I really don’t expect her to think exactly as I do (likewise for the general reader), but I hope she will be able to glean important bits and pieces, find her own way, and her path will be somewhat less bumpy than her father’s.
My own selfish reason
You would think after 20 years of active and intense entrepreneurship across various types of businesses, I would have seen everything, and learnt everything there is to learn.
And if I’m being honest, sometimes I feel that way.
There are less surprises, and you read the room alot more accurately than you once did.
And yet, the fact is, you really don’t know what you don’t know.
So how do you actually learn what you don’t know. How do you move on and grow?
The answer to me is, by giving up what you do know. Yielding those lessons to others.
When you have done so, you feel compelled to improve to move on.
Because after all, a shifu, always has to be ahead of his disciple.
Even after Po became the “Dragon Warrior”, master oogway and shifu “trenscended” him in a different realm. A spiritual one. One filled with wisdom, and for all his might, the dragon warrior would often find himself confiding in them in his darkest moments.
You need to lay down the cross you carry of your past lessons in order to bear new ones. And that is why, my journey is only just beginning with the publication of my book.
I will never forget what I’ve learnt, but I will push forth more intentionally, to chart a new course, and discover frontiers as yet undiscovered!
Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be!