Can you share with us a little about your background, experience and your passions in life?
Hi, my name is Sasha Sim and I am currently a Barrister- in-Training. I love sharing my knowledge on Quora and also run several e-commerce websites with my partner.
What would you say are your top 3 core values in life?
My top three core values are courage, kindness, and positive thinking. Courage is important because I don’t want to be limited by my fears in life. Kindness because it causes a ripple effect when you are kind to others, the more kind people you create. Positive thinking because you open yourself up to more options in life.
If you could choose any new skill, what would it be?
The skill to be fluent in all languages. I love traveling so it would be amazing if I could communicate with the locals. As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart”. Currently, I speak three languages fluently and am learning Levantine Arabic, and I planning to learn more.
If you could select one piece of advice that you feel the world needs to listen to and bring into reality, what would it be?
Help the homeless.
We subconsciously judge homeless people for being drug addicts or lazy, but the truth is that many people become homeless because they had a bad streak in life. Most homeless people have some form of mental illness, were evicted by their landlords, escaped from domestic violence and etc.
You don’t have to give money, but just sit down and talk to them once in a while. They are ignored by hundreds of people every day, it must be so lonely. Better yet, if you own a business, take a chance and hire them. All they need is a chance.
What is your “secret ingredient” for a happier and fulfilling life?
I avoid complaining as much as possible.
The truth is we can't control what happens in our life, the only thing we can control is how we react to it. I refuse to be a victim no matter what, if I continue to complain, I am letting that bad event define me. I choose to be happy, therefore… Share on XWhich habit do you think is making you a better, happier and healthier person?
I always push myself out of my comfort zone. I was very shy so I pushed myself to be a barrister instead of a solicitor. Having to speak in a courtroom was very daunting but it has cured me of my shyness.
I also pushed myself to join national competitions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as I was afraid of failure. Although I lost many competitions, I was finally able to win double gold in my last competition. Overall, putting myself in hot water encourages me to improve myself.
What helps you when you are stressed or anxious?
Playing with my dogs. I could never have a bad day when I see those three bundles of joy. Their love and excitement remind me that there is still good in this world.
What book changed your life, and in what way?
48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene.
I was going through a very rough time last year, and the advice in this book was a good wake up call. This book taught me a lot about the real world such as the need to stand up for yourself and to avoid being manipulated by others.
Do you practice mindfulness? If yes, why did you start and what do you like about the practice of mindfulness?
Yes, I started meditating a year ago because I was very stressed by my work and social life. Meditating has helped me to accept and understand my emotions. Specifically, it helps me to separate my thoughts into irrelevant and relevant thoughts. Most of the time, I find that I had just been psyching myself out!
What do you do when you don’t know what to do?
I list down my possible options on a piece of paper, try to predict the outcomes, and compare the pros and cons. Listing them down lets me view everything with a clearer head. It always works for me!
What is the most unusual thing you are grateful for?
I am really grateful for trashy reality tv shows like Love Island and 90 Day Fiance. Watching these shows gives my mind a break and sometimes makes me feel better about myself. It’s my guilty pleasure.
What makes a “Good Day” a good day for you?
I’m an insomniac. So if I can fall asleep before 3 am, the following day would be great regardless of what happens. Oh, I truly envy people who can fall asleep within minutes. What’s their secret?!
