MADNESS IS JUST A STEP AWAY FROM GREATNESS
MADNESS IS JUST A STEP AWAY FROM GREATNESSMADNESS IS JUST A STEP AWAY FROM GREATNESSMADNESS IS JUST A STEP AWAY FROM GREATNESSAlan Lim
THE ALCHEMY OF PURPOSE
Work is heavy when it’s driven by obligation. But when it's fueled by a clear vision and genuine passion, it transforms into something weightless. People who say they “never work a day in their life” aren’t idle—they’re simply aligned.
They’ve found the bridge between effort and meaning, and when you cross that bridge, time flies, stress fades, and results multiply.
Studies by Gallup show that employees who are engaged and feel their work is meaningful are 21% more productive and 59% less likely to look for another job.
Passion isn't fluff—it’s performance fuel. And vision? It’s the compass that keeps passion from burning aimlessly. Without vision, passion is a fire without direction. With vision, it becomes a laser.
This quote is a blueprint for lasting fulfillment. You’ll still grind—but it won’t feel like a grind. When your daily to-do list connects to something bigger than you, “work” becomes a joy, a journey, a calling.
THE GOLDEN CHAINS
In today’s world, the pursuit of wealth is often glamorized as the pinnacle of success. From Instagram influencers to billionaire biographies, money has been elevated from a means to an end into the end itself. But when money becomes a passion rather than a tool, it quietly assumes the role of master. Your decisions become dictated not by purpose, but by profit.
Your values can shift to accommodate more gain, and ironically, the freedom that wealth promises begins to evaporate the moment it becomes an obsession. Research backs this up. A Harvard Business School study found that beyond a certain point, more money doesn’t make people significantly happier. In fact, people who are intensely focused on wealth tend to report lower levels of well- being and life satisfaction.
Why? Because constant comparison, the pressure to
maintain status, and the fear of losing it all lead to anxiety, burnout, and relational breakdowns. In short: you don’t own the money—the money owns you. True wealth isn’t the size of your bank account; it’s the ability to choose.
The freedom to say no. The ability to walk away from deals that compromise your integrity or time. When money is your servant, it works for you. But when it’s your passion, it puts you on a leash you might never notice—until you try to run.
about the author
Alan Lim is a veteran of Malaysia’s advertising industry and the founding member of Naga DDB, one of the most respected creative agencies in the country.
Starting his career as a visualizer, he rose through the ranks to become Art Director, then Creative Director in just four years, and eventually served as Managing Director and later Chairman over a span of two decades.
His work has shaped some of Malaysia’s most iconic
campaigns, including the wayang kulit concept for Chap Ibu dan Anak and the unforgettable “Smart Like You” campaign for the Perodua Kancil. Alan was instrumental in building major brands such as Panasonic and Peter Stuyvesant, and remains the only creative to have won Gold, Silver, and Bronze for three different Panasonic campaigns in the same
category—an unmatched record to this day.
Alan now runs his own creative hotshop, Piranagraphics, where he continues to mentor young minds. With a laid-back but powerful teaching style rooted in visuals and storytelling, his mission is simple: to pass the baton to the next generation and elevate the nation through smart, effective branding.
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So you think you are smart? Maybe you are. But smart doesn’t always mean wise—and in an age where opinions shout louder than truth, we’ve forgotten how to think clearly. This book isn’t here to flatter you. It’s here to challenge you.
Each quote in this book carries a sharp edge—a reflection of the
world, a jab at your assumptions, or a push toward better clarity.
You don’t need to agree with everything. But you do need to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: what do I actually believe? What am I doing with that belief?
This book is not a lecture. It’s a nudge. A prod. A dare. So turn the page—and let’s find out how smart you really are.