5 Success Habits: Lessons from Silicon Valley's Coach

I recently watched Joe Hudson share insights from coaching executives at Apple, Google, and OpenAI. His ideas resonated deeply with my experience working in Singapore’s high-pressure environment.

Movement Beats Perfection

Living in Singapore’s results-driven work culture, I used to get stuck in endless planning until everything felt “perfect.” Now I understand what successful CEOs know - momentum matters more than perfection because “it’s really hard to steer a ship that doesn’t move.”

In a city where 70% of workers report poor work-life balance due to overwhelming workloads, this mindset freed me from perfectionism. Using “Ready, Fire, Aim” has accelerated my progress while still maintaining the high standards expected in Singaporean workplaces.

Feel Emotions to Move Through Them

The biggest revelation for thriving in Singapore’s “always-on” environment was learning that we avoid situations not because of failure itself, but because we fear the emotions failure triggers.

With nearly half of Singapore workers feeling drained after work, getting curious about uncomfortable feelings instead of avoiding them has been transformative. When facing tough decisions in our high-pressure workplace, examining the emotions underneath brings clarity much faster.

Joy Creates Efficiency

In a country where professionals often clock over 44 hours weekly, Joe’s “First Law” is revolutionary: enjoyment equals efficiency. When we find joy in tasks, we bring more creativity and get better results.

I now ask “how could this be more fun?” for tasks I usually avoid. This approach helps me balance Singapore’s strict workplace expectations with personal wellbeing, especially during those famous 12:30 PM “lift rushes” when everyone heads to lunch.

Choose Instead of Should

Singapore’s strong hierarchical structure often creates a culture of “shoulds” - killing motivation and creating resistance. Converting “I should finish this report” to “I choose to complete this report because…” reconnects me with my own agency.

This simple shift helps navigate formal communication norms while maintaining autonomy in a system where respect for authority is paramount. It’s especially valuable for millennials and Gen Z Singaporeans seeking more work-life integration.

Make Time Your Friend

With Singapore’s competitive job market creating intense time pressure, seeing time differently is game-changing. Instead of viewing time as an enemy, successful people plant seeds for future growth.

I now ask “What one thing could I do today that makes everything else easier?” This cuts anxiety and helps me prioritize in a work environment where being constantly available is often expected.

These habits have helped me navigate Singapore’s structured workflows while creating more personal balance. Despite our culture’s emphasis on long hours and formal processes, I’ve found more alignment, energy and even peace.