Happy Tuesday!
Today marks the beginning of a new training week, and as I sit by the window with a cup of warm green tea, watching the rain gently kiss the river outside, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of calm and gratitude. Tuesday is always special to me—it follows my Monday rest day and kicks off the week with energy and purpose. This morning was no exception, with a focused cadence cycling session, the perfect blend of intensity and mindfulness.
As the rain continues to tap gently on my window, I want to take you through today’s training reflections, the joy of rainy mornings, and how they connect to one of my favorite mindset books: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth.
The Joy of Cadence Cycling
Cycling, for me, isn’t just about building endurance or prepping for the next race. It’s a journey of tuning into my breath, my rhythm, and most importantly, my mindset.
Today’s session was a cadence training ride: 40 kilometers with intervals—eight minutes spinning at a cadence of 100, followed by four minutes of free cadence recovery. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
I love cadence workouts. They require a sharp awareness of the numbers on your bike computer, but also an internal conversation—checking in with your breath, your legs, and your mental focus. Unlike long endurance sessions where the mind sometimes drifts, cadence work keeps me engaged and present. Every interval feels like a mini-challenge, a test of how well I can balance consistency with control.
Training, much like life, isn’t always glamorous. There are moments when your legs scream, when your breath is short, and when doubts creep in. But then comes the end of the session—a burst of pride, joy, and clarity. That feeling? It’s unmatched.
Green Tea and Rain: A Mindful Morning Ritual
Right now, as I write this, I’m sipping my favorite green tea and gazing out at the rain-soaked world beyond my office window. The earthy scent of the tea, the warmth of the cup in my hands, and the melodic symphony of raindrops compose the perfect environment for reflection.
The rain today is not hurried or harsh. It falls gently, steadily, like nature’s lullaby. From my desk, I can see tiny beads of water tracing down the windowpane, each droplet moving with its own rhythm. Outside, the river—Giong Ong To—ripples with life. The raindrops tap the surface delicately, creating endless rings that dance and fade into each other. Occasionally, a stronger gust of wind sweeps through, stirring soft waves on the water, blurring the line between raindrop and river current.
There’s a layered beauty in the soundscape too. There’s the soft patter of rain on the leaves, a deeper thud as it hits the rooftop, and a faraway whisper of wind brushing through the trees. It’s as though nature is playing a quiet song just for those who take the time to listen. A song that says: slow down, breathe, you’re safe here.
Inside, it’s warm and still. The contrast between the soft storm outside and the stillness within creates a cocoon-like feeling—cozy, calm, and deeply grounding. This kind of morning feels like a pause in time, a sacred in-between, where the world gently invites you to reflect, reset, and begin again.
These small sensory moments often anchor me in gratitude. They remind me that peace is always available, even on the busiest of days.
Building Sunny Valley: A Vision Rooted in Friendship
This past weekend was a turning point. I had my first official brainstorming session with Dex and Kien about Sunny Valley—a vision I’ve held close to my heart for years. We talked about short-term actions, medium-term goals, and even the ten-year horizon. Having people I trust on this journey makes the vision feel more tangible.
Of course, big dreams come with big challenges. But just like in triathlon training, every struggle is part of the growth. Every obstacle is an opportunity to recommit to the journey. I’m reminded of all the years I spent studying, working, and building myself up—one step at a time.
That brings me to a powerful book that continues to inspire me deeply: Grit by Angela Duckworth.
Grit: A Blueprint for Perseverance and Passion
Angela Duckworth’s Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance is one of those books that shifts your inner compass. While so much of society puts emphasis on talent and natural ability, Duckworth argues that success is more often the result of relentless effort, sustained passion, and unwavering focus over time.
What is Grit?
Duckworth defines grit as the combination of passion and perseverance for long-term goals. It’s not just working hard for a week or staying motivated for a single race—it’s about staying committed to your vision over the years, even when progress feels slow or invisible.
“Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
– Angela Duckworth
For me, this quote feels especially relevant in triathlon training. Ironman preparation spans months, and results are never immediate. Likewise, building a brand like Sunny Valley, creating meaningful content, or launching a business requires unwavering effort day in and day out.
The Science Behind Grit
One of the core insights in the book is that grit is not innate—it can be cultivated. Duckworth’s research shows that people with grit are more likely to succeed not because they’re necessarily more talented, but because they practice more, reflect more, and persist longer.
She also talks about the importance of a growth mindset (a term popularized by Carol Dweck), which is the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. People with a growth mindset see failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as a springboard for growth.
Applying Grit to Life and Sport
Reading Grit helped me make sense of my own life. When I look back on the years I spent applying for scholarships, studying abroad, working in different cities, and eventually diving into the triathlon world, I realize my success wasn’t born from being the best. It came from having a vision and sticking with it—even through years of challenge and uncertainty.
When training gets hard—like holding a high cadence when my legs feel like jelly, or swimming laps when I’m tired from work—I think about grit. It’s not just about finishing the workout. It’s about becoming the person who finishes the workout. Every session is a small act of recommitment.
Rain, Rhythm, and the Beauty of Discipline
As I prepare for my evening swim session with my coach, I carry the energy of this morning—the steady rhythm of cadence cycling, the soothing sound of rain, the quiet power of green tea. I’m also carrying the lessons of Grit: that effort counts twice, that passion is fueled by purpose, and that consistency beats talent over the long run.
These themes show up in small, everyday decisions:
-
Waking up on time for training even when the bed feels too warm to leave.
-
Journaling after workouts to track progress and reflect on growth.
-
Saying no to distractions and yes to the long-term vision.
-
Having the courage to start a company and the humility to build it brick by brick.
Keep Pedaling
Life, like cadence cycling, is made up of cycles—effort and recovery, highs and lows, resistance and flow. But what truly makes a difference is whether we keep pedaling. Whether we choose to stay present through discomfort. Whether we continue sipping tea and dreaming big, even on rainy days.
If you’re on a journey—whether athletic, entrepreneurial, or personal—I encourage you to pause and reflect:
-
What are the small rituals that anchor your day?
-
Who are the people you want to build your dream with?
-
What vision pulls you forward when things get tough?
-
Are you cultivating grit in your own life?
Let the rain remind you that growth often comes during the most uncertain seasons. Let your tea be a symbol of warmth, grounding, and daily joy. And let every workout, every meeting, and every brainstorm session bring you closer to the life you’re meant to live.
