At some point, inevitably, we all die. 

There are no if’s or but’s, just how it is’s. 

We’re all born, nurtured, grown into the people we become, and then we all die. 

If death is a pre-planned part of the life cycle, why is it that we make decisions to make our lives more complex and difficult than it should be?

When we see and face the realities of death, we ought to start living simply and freely. 

We don’t have all day to be dwelling on what Freddie or Sally would say if we brought up an unconventional idea to the boardroom; what our parents might think if we left our current jobs in search of another one that would make us feel happier; or what your friends might say if you started a Twitter account that highlights all of what you personally believe is right or wrong in the world. 

We never know when the end of our life cycle hits, so it’s okay to try something different today. 

Like many of my close friends, I wish to do my part in leaving the world a better place and doing good and important work. 

Growing up, I always loved school and all the things we had the opportunity to learn and do. BUT, the one detrimental thing that too much schooling does is analysis paralysis—where we hesitate to make actionable decisions against problems we know about, simply because we know too much information. 

It’s funny, but it’s also true. 

This past year, I’ve learned a lot (and never really enough) about the current state of the world. 

I’ve learned that although we know much about polluting industries and climate science, better action is slow to follow. I’ve learned that the most environmentally responsible way of living is to learn to love what you already have, and to live a more health-conscious lifestyle—not with bandaid solutions that give the illusion of good health, but to truly sleep, eat, and exercise (like how our parents and grandparents taught us). Most importantly of all, I learned that a healthy and clean life is fairly simple. 

As an industrial designer, I couldn’t bring myself to create anything new using virgin materials for a long time. I didn’t want to make the situation worse than it already was by producing things (more garbage) that weren’t necessary to my life. 

I was in my own phase of analysis paralysis. 

A few months passed by, and it came to me that by doing nothing, I was also not contributing anything to make the situation better. 

Now that it’s the end of the fall semester, I’m using this opportunity with all of you to introduce a small but fun project of mine which I call, Seconds. 

Seconds is the fashion repair service for your garments. Starting from $24 a piece with local delivery back to you. AND, it’s launching this Sunday in person, at OCAD’s Artist Alley Holiday Market from 1pm-7pm in the Great Hall. 

Drop off your jeans, sweaters, shirts, and pants that need a repair (or tell me where I can find you to pick them up). I’m accepting requests and orders in person at the Holiday Market at 100McCaul, 2nd floor, Dec 15 from 1PM-7PM. I’ll see you there.

What happens when you overpromise yourself and underdeliver? 

We get flustered and upset. 

And we do so because we haven’t budgeted for time or learning curves. 

The first couple of times we commit to something, we should set ourselves in a true beginner’s perspective. Where we let go of all preconceived notions and learnings, and be prepared for dramatic change. 

When we’re young and still growing, we’re bound to still be at the beginner’s stage. Don’t tie your worth too closely to what you’re able to deliver. See things the way a pure beginner would, and let experts handle the teaching for you.