A list of tips for geeks on how to "harness their superpowers" and succeed in a challenging and competitive world

1. How to rule the world! A geek’s survival guide By Ash Alwi

2. Geek Test
Are you naturally curious?
Do you have a strong passion in something?
Do people go to you to seek advice or help on a particular subject?
Are you good with computers / gadgets / gizmos?
Do you think that you are too mature for your age?

3. Did you answer ‘Yes!’ to most of those questions?
Congratulations, you’re a geek!

4. Geek /ɡiːk/
Noun 1. A digital technology expert or enthusiast 2.A person who has excessive enthusiasm for and some expertise about a specialized subject or activity 3. A peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, especially one who is perceived to be overly intellectual. 4. A carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken.

5. Geeks Vs. Nerds
Extreme interest in Academics
Introverted
Highly dedicated
Prefers to use a PC
Extreme interest general knowledge
Extroverted
Street Smart
Prefers to use a Mac
Creative
Conservative
Confident, with a hint of arrogance
Careful, often calculating risks
Essentially we are the same…

6. Notable geeks & Nerds
YOU?

7. The world that we live in today…

8. How do we harness our superpowers?
“Opportunities can be manufactured” – Biz Stone, Twitter co-founder

9. 1. Embrace your differences
* Pharrell Williams was called “Oreo” in school due to his African American complexion and was often beaten up by the “bigger kids” as a young boy When asked about his growing pains, his response was: “The truth is, it doesn’t really matter who I used to be, it’s about who I’ve become”

10. 2. Channel your anger into stuff you’re passionate about
* Eminem grew up in a trailer, fatherless and in poverty. He was always seen ‘battling’ in freestyle rap competitions and mastered a gift no other white rappers could achieve. His struggles and frustrations were channeled into his songs and it went from hit to hit 13 Grammys later, Eminem is one of the most successful rap artists of all time

11. 3. Stop studying, start learning
* Albert Einstein was a slow learner, only started talking at 4 years old. He famously quoted “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results He inspired the invention of the modern day global positioning system (GPS)

12. * Lady Gaga was dropped by her label, she persevered and signed on to another label, She exploded as the pop star comparable only to Madonna her former label boss regretted his decision till today
4. Focus, never give up

13. 5. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and learn from them
* Thomas Edison famously quoted: “I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that wont work”,
he went on to invent the light bulb, and the phonograph

14. 6. Always keep an open mind and take risks
* Daft Punk, in an interview believed that in order for you to successfully bend the rules, you have to understand the rules and always be open for new ideas and draw inspiration from unlikely sources They won a Grammy for ‘Album of the year’

15. 7. Build your mentor network
* Bruce Lee was trained by Ip Man, of the greatest martial artist who taught Wing Chun. Bruce Lee perfected his art he calls ‘Jeet Kune Do’. Today, ‘Jeet Kune Do’ has a global following and has spurred many training centers.

16. 8. Read. Read. Read.
* Nike founder Phil Knight so reveres his library that in it you have to take off your shoes and bow
His net worth is USD$18.7 Billion, and is #37 on Forbes World Billionaire’s list, making him one of the richest people on the planet

17. 9. Speak to people, learn how to “sell” yourself
* A then 9 year old boy Caine Monroy built an arcade with cardboard boxes,his dedication paid off when he managed to get his “first customer” who happens to be a short film producer His story went viral, raised enough money to fund his college education and started the ‘Imagination Foundation’, a global movement for creativity and entrepreneurship

18. 10. Don’t forget to have fun!
* Sir Richard Branson, dressed up as a flight stewardess and served passengers on flight as a result of losing a bet with Tony Fernandez, he honored it despite many attempts to avoid doing so The funds from the flight went to the Starlight Foundation for ill children
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19. Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, everything will be alright…

20. Yay! Thank You…
Send money to: ash@tm.com.my