The importance of psyching for success for Singapore businesses

In Singapore, it is common to see plants in office reception areas, little waterfalls in a corner of the workplace, aquariums brimming with fish, and furniture placed at precise angles to the main entrance.

While any of these practices might be attributed to aesthetics alone in another country, Singaporeans would jump to the conclusion that the business is making use of fengshui principles in order to get ahead of the competition.

The traditional Chinese saying “一命，二运，三风水” lists the three most important factors that determine our general fortune in life, and in turn the health of where we work. The phrase can be translated as “first comes destiny, then luck, followed by fengshui”.

By fengshui, we mean the creation of a natural harmony in the environment and the enhancement of positive energies. Therefore, fengshui most closely relates to offices and homes, where we spend most of our time.

However, longer versions of this Chinese saying exist: “一命二运三风水，四积功德五读书。六名七相八敬神，九交贵人十养生。十一择业与择偶，十二趋吉要避凶”. For those of us who study fengshui, destiny, luck and fengshui remain at the top of a list of 12 factors that affect individual lives.

Seven more are described in the phrase above: karma, pursuit of knowledge, name, appearance and posture, respect for higher powers, cultivation of worthy individuals, and physical and mental health. The last two are a compatible spouse and job, and lastly the avoidance of negativity.

According to fengshui theory, many of these factors are related to ‘human will’, or personal priorities that can enhance wellbeing and in turn success for the business.

Basically, happiness is important as you are not aware of positive energy otherwise. If you feel good, you will easily see opportunities that can help you to improve your fortune and are more likely to act on them.

If you are tired or in a self-defeatist mood, you are more likely to walk right past any opportunities, if you see them at all.

To keep in positive spirits therefore, avoid sources of stress, agitation and irritation. Looking after yourself physically can affect your spirits. Exercising regularly, eating and sleeping well all work towards ensuring an abundance of positive energy.

Surrounding yourself with ‘individuals of worth’ could be beneficial too. Look for friends and business acquaintances who have strengths you can emulate, rather than weaknesses to imitate.

If you surround yourself with people who are better than you in some way, it is an opportunity to learn from them, or to be inspired by them. Other worthy individuals could be in a position to help you in your future career, or with business opportunities.

On the other hand, if those around you are associated with negativity, it is likely that peer pressure could lead you in the wrong direction.

A good job environment and a good domestic environment offer constructive influences as well. A spouse who is compatible with you can influence your fortune as he or she is likely to affect your mood in a positive manner, ensuring that your life’s journey is a smoother one, working life included.

Frequent domestic quarrels are bound to affect your mood, your career, and ultimately your future.

Similarly, a good work-life balance and smooth working relationships both inside and outside the office ensure that you will always be able to put your best foot forward.

Finally, respecting others’ religious beliefs even if you do not believe in them yourself promotes external harmony.