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Simi Sidhu Writes's avatar

I really resonate with your thoughts about ‘killing time’ - if we live intentionally and have a clear idea of what brings us happiness and our flow state activities, then we don’t need to kill time.

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Exactly! When we live with intention and spend time on what truly fulfills us, there’s no need to ‘kill time’—every moment feels meaningful. 😊 It’s amazing how our perspective shifts when we align with what brings us joy and flow. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Wishing you more moments of fulfillment and purpose.

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Barry J McDonald's avatar

I've found the same too, you can never expect to be successful doing something you've no love for. For me, writing is something that I've come to love doing. I don't need to be motivated, don't need to be inspired to show up every day, and it makes me feel like I'm being productive with my life.

The things I've tried in the past that I'd no love for, were quickly dropped and didn't bring me any results. So I'd have to agree with you, find what you love and build on that.

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

I completely agree with you, Barry! It’s amazing how much easier it is to stay consistent when you truly love what you do. When you find your passion, you don't need motivation or to force consistency; you just wake up and know what to do. It’s inspiring to hear how you’ve embraced writing as a meaningful part of your life. Wishing you continued success on your journey!

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Elisabeth Worth's avatar

It's like we need to have passions to be able to show off – what you said about cooking resonates. We believe that if we do something just for the sake of doing it, we’re lazy and it's pointless. The opposite is true: we should really enjoy things just for the sake of doing them.

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

I completely agree with you, Elisabeth! Not everything we enjoy has to be turned into a goal or a profession—sometimes, the purest joy comes from doing something simply because we love it. That realization was a big lesson for me with cooking. Thank you for sharing this perspective—it’s such an important reminder!

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Aileen Smith's avatar

Beautiful thoughts about being in the flow and seeking joy with purpose.

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Thank you for your kind words, Aileen. Finding joy with purpose makes the journey even more meaningful.

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Wes Lambert's avatar

Thanks for sharing this valuable guidance. The line, "sometimes, passions are best kept as hobbies." is wise counsel. It reminds of the book the E-Myth where he talks about how entrepreneurs get in trouble by starting a business based on their passion and skills but not knowing how to run a business in all that it requires. I also appreciate your resources which I have bookmarked and refer to clients (along with this article) as applicable.

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, Wes! I truly appreciate you sharing that insight from The E-Myth—it’s such an important lesson that passion alone isn’t always enough to build a successful business. I’m also really glad you found the resources helpful and that you’re sharing them with your clients. That means a lot to me. Wishing you and your clients success on their journeys!

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Seema Nayyar Tewari's avatar

If you feel like flying a kite: do so😁

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Absolutely, Seema! Life is too short—if flying a kite brings you joy, do it! I wrote about this in Your Time Is Limited. Check it out here: https://stressfreeliving.substack.com/p/your-time-is-limited. Would love your thoughts! Thank you.

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Migraine Girl 🧠's avatar

This is great! Just added a few to my TBR!

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Thank you! I hope you discover some new favorites.

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Selene's avatar

This is so important for everyone to actually be able to do what their passion and calling is. But only here and there do I actually hear people reaching this point. No one taught us how and why to find our passion, and most people are just stuck in their place.

Like you, I have been lucky enough to have a supportive, strong, and empathetic husband who supports my journey. For a long time, I knew there was something for me, but I couldn’t figure it out. However, I was sure I would find it one day. Different paths led me to writing my story that inspires…

Have you ever had a backup plan in case your husband was not able to support you?

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Thank you for sharing your journey! It’s true—many of us were never taught how to find our passion, and that’s why so many people feel stuck. Having a supportive partner is a blessing, and I’m grateful for that, but I also prepared for this. I had savings from my early career because I always knew I wanted to retire early and spend my life doing what I truly love.

Without my partner’s support, I would still have a few years of savings to rely on, but more importantly, I now have a deep commitment to making a living from what I love. My goal is to become fully self-sustaining within 6 months to a year. Of course, doubts sometimes creep in—thoughts like ‘What if I run out of savings?’ or ‘Can I really do this?’ But whenever they arise, I acknowledge them and let them go. I remind myself that I am fully committed to making this work, no matter what.

I hope this helps, and I truly admire your journey of writing and inspiring others! Wishing you continued success and fulfillment. 😊✨"

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Vanndy Sun's avatar

ahh, i only knew you like singing during our IT Generation Party event, which we shared microphone ^_^ Hope we enjoy dancing once day later haha.

Anyways, thank jj for recommending some good books for my next reading list.

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Hahaha, you have an amazing memory! 😆 Yes, I should definitely rediscover singing too. Who knows—maybe one day, I’ll become a singer! But I’m not sure Aok Sokunkanha would be too happy about the competition. 😂🎤

And yes, let’s definitely enjoy dancing together someday! Hope you enjoy the books—let me know which ones you like the most! 😊📚

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Vanndy Sun's avatar

Yeah, hope one day become day one, JJ ☺️

I read Ikigai in Khmer version which translated and summarized by Khmer author, I think I should re-read again on the original once in EN version after finishing my current listing.

I don't judge a book by its cover, I interested all your listing, but mostly 'Man's Search for Meaning' 😎

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Great then. Let me know if you can't find it there. I can bring one when I visit Cambodia :)

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Vanndy Sun's avatar

Thank JJ

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Nina Yang's avatar

Just what I have been pounding around! Thank you for another thought-provoking piece, bong!

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Thanks for reading it, oun.

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

All excellent recommendations with a few not on my reading list yet. Thank you!

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Sikieng Sok's avatar

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. I hope you discover some new favorites.

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