Kenneth Goh, Director of Private Wealth Management at UOB Kay Hian, shares a profound perspective on life’s journey one that revolves around energy, mindset, and resilience. In a world filled with distractions, challenges, and differing perspectives, Kenneth Goh believes in consciously choosing the people, environments, and habits that shape our success. His approach is simple yet impactful: run toward positive energy and away from negativity.
Kenneth Goh’s philosophy is not just about physical movement but about mental and emotional navigation. One of his favorite places to take a walk or jog is near the Bund, by the Huangpu River. While this area often attracts many people, Kenneth Goh appreciates the ease of movement it provides an apt metaphor for life. Navigating through the crowd and making progress despite the hustle and bustle is akin to making choices about who and what influences us.
Running Away from Negativity
Kenneth Goh emphasizes the importance of distancing oneself from negative influences. He highlights two types of people he avoids:
The Pessimists – These are the individuals who constantly focus on what is impossible. They view life through a lens of negativity, never seeing opportunities but only obstacles. Kenneth Goh understands that such mindsets can be contagious, dragging others into cycles of doubt and inaction. By running away from these influences, he ensures that his own drive and ambition remain unshaken.
The Illusionists – These are the people who claim that success comes effortlessly. Kenneth Goh recalls his younger days when he was led to believe that some students could achieve high grades without studying. Later, he realized that these individuals had actually put in the effort behind the scenes but chose to maintain an air of nonchalance. This illusion extends beyond school into the workplace, where some portray success as effortless while hiding the hard work behind it. Kenneth Goh now recognizes that true achievement requires dedication and persistence.
Running Toward Positivity
On the other hand, Kenneth Goh actively seeks out and gravitates toward positivity. He identifies two key elements that fuel his motivation:
People with Positive Energy – Kenneth Goh values those who maintain a strong mental attitude, even when faced with adversity. Life inevitably presents difficulties, but what sets successful individuals apart is their ability to adapt, grow, and move forward. These are the people who inspire him, and by surrounding himself with them, Kenneth Goh ensures that his own mindset remains resilient and forward-thinking.
Fitness and Vitality – As he grows older, Kenneth Goh has come to realize that health is a fundamental pillar of success. Without physical fitness, it becomes difficult to maintain high performance in one’s professional and personal life. He sees fitness not just as a personal goal but as a signal to prospective business partners and clients. A well-maintained physique reflects discipline, commitment, and energy qualities that extend beyond the gym into one’s work and ambitions.
The Power of Choice
Kenneth Goh’s reflections remind us that we always have a choice in whom we associate with, what we believe, and how we shape our paths. We can choose to engage with negativity or actively move toward environments and individuals who uplift us.
His philosophy encourages us to ask ourselves:
Who do we run away from?
Who do we run toward?
Are we aligning ourselves with the right influences?
In an era where external influences constantly shape our beliefs and decisions, Kenneth Goh’s insights serve as a beacon. By consciously choosing positivity, discipline, and resilience, we can create a life filled with growth and success.
Lessons to Apply
Kenneth Goh’s perspective offers actionable takeaways:
Surround yourself with positive influences – Seek out mentors, colleagues, and friends who inspire and challenge you in a constructive way.
Avoid energy-draining negativity – Distance yourself from people who always see limitations rather than possibilities.
Commit to lifelong learning and effort – Success isn’t about pretending things come easy; it’s about continuous hard work and adaptation.
Prioritize health and well-being – Physical fitness is more than an aesthetic goal; it’s an indicator of self-discipline and a key to sustained success.
Conclusion
Kenneth Goh’s approach to life is both inspiring and practical. He teaches us that our paths are shaped not just by what we pursue, but also by what we choose to leave behind. By running toward positive energy and away from negativity, we set ourselves up for success, both personally and professionally. Kenneth Goh’s philosophy is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to shape our environment and, ultimately, our future.
