Conceptions of Success #1
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
9:36 PM
What does success means to me?
Well, success to me does not have a fixed definition. It can mean achieving the impossible, or possessing qualities that other people do not have. To put it in a nice way, it means being extraordinary. And, being sucessful does not have to be rich and famous.
Looking at the topic, I took a serious consideration on who I thought was successful. Since I am a soccer fan, I decided to choose...
Sir Alex Ferguson, current manager of Manchester United.
A little of his very, very old playing career
His full name was actually Alexander Chapman Ferguson, but due to his overwhelming success while manager Manchester United, he was knighted by the British queen. His career as a player was not of a glamorous one. He met many obstacles and changed clubs quite a lot of times, including top Scottish clubs Rangers and Celtic. He went to Falkirk as a player-cum-coach, and later finish off his playing career at Ayr United.
The more important part, his managing career
Since he is already 67, he has managed 4 clubs for a long period of 34 years, including clubs like East Stirlingshire, St. Mirren, Aberden and the current one, Manchester United, which is a great success. To cut short, I will just tell you why I think his managing period at Manchester United and maybe a little from other clubs make me feel he is a successful person.
1. He possesed many qualities a good leader needs to posses.
Perservering
His whole life is full of ups and downs, which is very obvious. (You can easily go and check.) At the start of his first few years at the club he managed, he didn't won any medals or trophies, but he never gave up. He perserved, tried year after year until he finally succeed.
Risk Taking
In the world of soccer, injuries are bound to be. Whenever his players get injured or get suspended, and the next match is going to be a big crucial one, he dares to take risks. Of course, it is a smart risk. A leader must be someone who dares to take smart risk, and I feel that he mastered it well, which paid off quite a lot of times.
Trust and confidence
He trust his views and have total confidence with what he thinks. His analysis will never be affected by the public. He beleives it, and goes all the way with it, full heartedly. For example, he trust that Wayne Rooney will be a good striker, and goes all way out to look for a partner that is suitable with him. Throughout this search, many good strikers was rejected, but he didn't care. Though the results of whether how well his judgement is not out yet, he still does not regret it.
Master of mind games
Well, sometimes, strong tatics of mind games can actually make you the winner in the end. This is how Sir Alex gets his trophies, and also being labelled the master of mind games. To prove how far mind games can get you and how well he mastered it, a quote from wikipedia says it all. "Not for the first time, Ferguson had proven to be a master of managerial mind-games, successfully rattling the composure of Arsenal and their otherwise unflappable manager Arsène Wenger."
2. He is just simply sucessful
Besides all the qualities, he is the second-longest serving manager in the history of Manchester United. He has also won more trophies than any other manager in the history of English football.
St. Mirren (1974–1978)
Scottish First Division: 1976-77
Aberdeen
Scottish Premier Division: 1979-80, 1983-84, 1984-85SFA Cup: 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1985–86Scottish League Cup: 1985-86UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1982–83UEFA Super Cup: 1983-84
Manchester United (1986–present)
Premier League: 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08FA Cup: 1989–90, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04League Cup: 1991–92, 2005–06FA Charity/Community Shield: 1990*, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008UEFA Champions League: 1998–99, 2007–08UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1990–91UEFA Super Cup: 1991-92Intercontinental Cup: 1999
*—shared
Individual
Football Writers' Association Tribute Award: 1996Mussabini Medal: 1999UEFA Champions League Manager of the Year: 1998–99BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award: 1999BBC Sports Personality of the Year Team Award: 1999IFFHS Club Coach of the Year: 1999LMA Manager of the Decade: 1990sLaureus World Sports Award for Team of the Year: 2000BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award: 2001English Football Hall of Fame: 2002Onze d’Or Coach of the Year: 1999, 2007Professional Footballers' Association Merit Award: 2007UEFA Team of the Year: 2007FA Premier League Manager of the Year: 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–00, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08FA Premier League Manager of the Month: August 1993, October 1994, February 1996, March 1996, February 1997, October 1997, January 1999, April 1999, August 1999, March 2000, April 2000, February 2001, April 2003, December 2003, February 2005, March 2006, August 2006, October 2006, February 2007, January 2008, March 2008LMA Manager of the Year: 1998–99, 2007–08
Orders and special awards
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE): 1983Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE): 1995Knight Bachelor: 1999
A lot, isn't it?
He has inspired me by letting me know that in order, I need to possess some of the qualities that I stated above. He perserved, stayed determined, not swayed by other people's comments, and his desire for victory for the club and not for money makes me feel that he is a very good person for me to follow. Of course, he may have some bad habits, but I will try to take up the good points.
Scholarship & Service
Thursday, November 13, 2008
7:47 PM
What does scholarship mean to you?
I feel that scholarship is an opportunity to improve and learn things at a faster pace. Also, it means that my efforts are recognized and that I should work even harder. To live up to other people's expectations and learn more things.
What resposibilities does a scholar have?
SInce that he/she's efforts are being recognized by other people, he/she must be disciplined and have strong determination. And in order to achieve that, these values must be inculcated inside. Besides this, he/she also need to repay to other people when he/she can. As scholarship is an oppurtunity given by other people. it is right for them to repay back.
What are some of the obstacles you think you will face?
Expectations that other people give me? Well, expectations are okay. But when they are high and unreasonable, it gives extra and unnecessary stress that causes unnecessary worry. Secondly, maybe tight schedule. Since I have to do well in my studies and CCA, scholarship will be another activity added to my timetable. But I think that I am able to handle this well. As long as I priorities my activities and plan it well enough, not only will this be a problem, it can also train my time management skills and make it even better.
Is a scholar also a leader? How so?
Yes, I feel that a scholar is a leader? (But a non-scholar can also be a leader.) Since the scholar possesses good qualities and is always disciplined, he will become a good leader. He will be able to lead well and influence the people around him in a good manner.
Who and how do you intend to serve as a scholar?
For this question, the answer to it can be endless. So, to put it short, I will serve my best to anything and anyone. Be it the school, my CCA, my country Singapore, I will give my best. I do not know in the future what I can give. But for now, the thing I can do is CIP.
