Rise and Shine

The alarm went off at 4:30 AM. Without hesitation, I hopped out of bed, walked to the kitchen, and drank some water before starting my morning meditation. There is something magical about the quietness of the early morning—when the world is still asleep, and the only sound I can hear is my breath. This solitude allows me to go deep into my meditation, setting the foundation for a powerful and intentional day.

By 5:30 AM, I was ready for my usual cycling practice on Saigon Bridge. The ride was refreshing, and the city was slowly waking up. As I reached the bridge, I had the unexpected joy of meeting one of my idols—Minh Nhan, whom my team calls “Super Woman.” She began her endurance journey a few years ago as a hobby, but through relentless training and dedication, she has become one of the top endurance athletes in the country in her age category. Balancing a full-time job with an intense training regimen, she embodies resilience and determination. Whenever I get a chance, I spend time with her to learn and be inspired.

One of my most memorable experiences with Super Woman was last August when we cycled 90 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City to a rural area in Vung Tau. Our mission was to donate bicycles to local students. That trip reinforced my belief that training is not just about physical fitness—it is also about community, purpose, and giving back. Surrounding myself with people like Super Woman fuels my drive to push boundaries and constantly improve myself.

Finding Purpose Beyond Training

After my morning ride, I dressed up a bit more formally than usual to prepare for a sustainability event where I was scheduled to give a presentation. My office is usually a short 15-minute drive away, but the traffic was heavier today, stretching my commute to 25 minutes.

To make the most of my time, I opened “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness.” This book was a gift from Nam, a close friend I deeply admire. It blends philosophy with actionable wisdom, challenging us to rethink the way we approach wealth, work, and happiness. Naval’s philosophy centers around leveraging our unique strengths—what he calls “specific knowledge”—which lies at the intersection of what we love, what we’re good at, and what feels like play. If we align our strengths with what the world values and apply leverage—whether through code, capital, or media—we can build a life of freedom on our own terms.

This perspective resonates deeply with me, as I am still in the process of identifying my edge. The journey of self-discovery and mastery is ongoing, and I embrace the lessons I learn along the way.

Embracing the Simple Joys of Life

After finishing my work commitments, I left the office a bit earlier than usual to avoid the evening rush hour. As I rode home on a Grab bike, I treated myself to some good music, allowing the melodies to uplift my spirit. The light drizzle on my face felt refreshing—it was a reminder of how small moments of joy can make life feel extraordinary.

Later that evening, after a quick dinner, it was time for my swimming practice. Given my coach’s packed schedule, my sessions take place every Tuesday from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. To perform well in my next race, I need to improve my swimming technique—a challenge I am determined to conquer through dedication and practice.

As I prepared to leave for practice, heavy rain started pouring down. My mind immediately began making excuses—”It’s too cold, I might get sick.” These were valid concerns, but I knew that growth comes from pushing past discomfort. So, I hopped onto another Grab bike and headed to the pool.

Coach Hung was already there, waiting for me. As I dipped into the water, I was pleasantly surprised—it was warmer than I had expected. However, the heavy rain made it difficult to see the lane lines at first. Yet, as I continued swimming, I started enjoying the experience. The contrast between the warm water and the cool raindrops on my skin was invigorating. I reminded myself of my commitment to improvement and whispered encouraging words: “Sunny, I’m very proud of you. You are putting in your best effort.”

Lessons in Resilience and Self-Discipline

This day reminded me of the power of resilience, self-discipline, and finding joy in the journey. Life is not just about crossing the finish line—it’s about the lessons we learn, the people who inspire us, and the obstacles we overcome.

Here are some key takeaways from my experience:

1. Start Your Day with Intention – A structured morning routine, whether it’s meditation, exercise, or reading, sets the tone for the rest of the day. Find what grounds you and make it a habit.
2. Surround Yourself with Inspiring People – Being around individuals who push their limits and strive for excellence will motivate you to do the same. Learn from those who have walked the path before you.
3. Make the Most of Every Moment – Whether you’re stuck in traffic or commuting, use that time productively. Read a book, listen to an insightful podcast, or simply observe the world around you.
4. Push Through Discomfort – Growth happens outside of our comfort zone. Whether it’s showing up for training in the rain or tackling a challenging project, commit to the process and trust that you will emerge stronger.
5. Celebrate Small Wins – Progress is not always linear, but every step forward counts. Acknowledge your efforts and take pride in your journey.

As I wrapped up my swimming practice and headed home, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Life is not just about what we achieve but also about how we show up every day. No matter the challenges, we have the power to rise, push forward, and embrace each moment with gratitude and resilience.

Tomorrow is a new day, and I am ready to take on whatever comes next.