10 Secrets to a Good Life

Lessons from Women of the Chinese Culture

These insights can empower us all to create our best life.

By Giovanna Pang Garcia

Some people manage to overcome incredible difficulties, and soar. I feel I am blessed to be one of them.

As a Chinese American I know many women of similar backgrounds who seem to survive and thrive against the odds. One woman I know of was born in prison and separated from her parents for most of her childhood, yet earned a Ph.D. and is now a successful doctor. Another raised four children by herself, worked her way through college by cleaning bathrooms, and went on to become a best-selling author. And then there is the 16 year old girl who immigrated to a new country by herself, turned $300 into a multi-million dollar company, and retired at 40. That girl was me.

It’s been my experience that Chinese American women are able to create great success for themselves because they follow a recipe that mixes a balance of our Chinese core values with American freedoms and innovations. Anyone can adapt these values into their own lives—or tap into the values from your own heritage, mix them with the American way, and whip up a great life! Here are 10 secret recipes for success.

Giovanna Pang Garcia is the author of Why Chinese Women Are Not Broke: Real Life Stories and Proven Keys for Success. To learn more, visit her at www.whychinesewomenarenotbroke.com

Having a Good Work Ethic

Chinese people have a strong work ethic that derives from their farming culture. Farming teaches that hard work won't pay off immediately. It will pay off eventually, but first you have to plow the soil, plant the seeds, water the crops, etc. The Chinese understand they have to work hard for everything and not to take anything for granted. Young children are taught at an early age about the value of hard work. Most of them have to earn their allowance, either by doing household chores or bringing home good grades. The timeless lesson "There is no free money" helps prepare them to enter the adult world.

No job is beneath you. Do the best you can with whatever job you're given. That is how the Chinese are taught. The truth of the matter is that no one reaches success in life without adversity, and you require this understanding to persevere through the hard times.

Harnessing Our Passions

Greatness occurs when passion drives your movement/action. Your success sweet spot is where your passion overlaps with your work. The key to harnessing your passion is to first recognize what you love. Then find your purpose in serving that passion. For example: If you love music, but are not blessed with a voice, perhaps you could become a songwriter, producer, promoter, or music teacher. There is more than one way to incorporate your passion into your work life. When you determine how, you have determined your purpose.

When your work aligns with your purpose, you will excel. Then you will stop trading time for money and will be paid, rather, for your excellence. Finding that success sweet spot will also bring meaning and happiness to your life.

Creating the Mindset for Success

The kind of conversation you have going on in your head can often make the difference between being stuck in a rut or achieving great things. To own your space, feel good about who you are and be your own number one fan will create a paradigm shift in your perspective on life and help you maintain an attitude that is balanced between emotion and logic.

The Chinese word “crisis” is made up of two characters. The first one is danger; the second is opportunity. It is both the yin and the yang. A person with a mindset for success is one who can see the danger, but can also see an opportunity to leverage the situation. Next time you see danger ahead, open your mind and look for the opportunity.

Understanding Money is Like Water

Money, like water, is necessary for our survival because without it, we can't function. Money is also similar to water in that it flows in and out. And just like water, we have to protect it- make sure it doesn’t leak or evaporate away. We must learn how to store it and make it grow. Once we do that, the possibilities are endless. Benjamin Franklin said, "If you want to help the poor, you can't be one of them." So, in order to do any good in the world, we must have money. Some simple things you can do to start:

-First, monitor your intake and outpour. Are you keeping a river running through your bank account, or are you building a reservoir?

-Who is looking out to protect and grow your reservoir? Are they doing a good job?

-Take the time to learn about money; read books, take seminars, meet with specialists, ask for advice from people who are smart with money... most of all, investigate!

-Have a measurable financial goal; this will keep you inspired along the way.

Living With Integrity

Integrity is the mother of all values. When you do the right thing even when no one is watching, you will naturally gain confidence, power and authority. You will no longer have to justify yourself.

As children, we first learn the value of our word and honesty. And then, from experience, we slowly begin aligning our moral compasses. As teenagers, we develop a sense of right and wrong and begin to figure out our ethics and morals. As adults, we become more aware of our personal truths and more in touch with our individual moral compasses.

Stay connected with your moral compass. Let it guide you to a happy and guilt free life. Do what you know to be right in your heart, even if it is unpopular. The peace of mind gained from knowing that you are acting with integrity is priceless.

Keep Growing

The day you stop growing is the day you stop living. You must be wise enough to know that there is always more to learn. Growing helps you stay young at heart, keeps you out of your comfort zone, and makes your life more interesting, more dynamic, and more responsive to what’s happening in the world. When you grow, we constantly better yourself.

Take the time to do a self-assessment. Identify the things you want to learn, explore or accomplish within a time frame. Write the list down on a piece of paper. Include things you want to improve upon and/or things you know nothing about: i.e. painting, how to be more emotionally involved, etc. Carry that list with you and check on it throughout the year. Before you know it, you will find that you have checked off most of the items on your list and become more of the person you want to be.

Words of Wisdom On Moving Forward

As you start actively striving to live a good life, be conscious and mindful of the big picture. Know that you will have to weather some storms. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:

-When times get tough and you want to quit--don't!

-Believe that you can persevere and succeed.

-Always strive to be a better human being and to be the best person you can.

-Treat everyone around you the way you want to be treated.

-Live with integrity and love, and give generously to the world.

When you can do that, you have reached the ultimate success. You will inspire those around you, and if you can assist even one other person in your life, that individual will go on to do the same. If we all can go out and do that, we will have created a cycle of happiness and success that will make the world a better place. A good life for all.