mental-health – Page 2 – Dr. Mazlan Abbas

Everyone Wants the Spotlight. Few Are Willing to Wait for It

What’s Something Most People Don’t Understand?

Most people don’t understand how long it takes to build something meaningful.

Even after all these years, people still think things happen overnight.
They see the highlight reels. They see the LinkedIn success stories. They see the awards, the recognition, the partnerships. And they say— “Wow, you’re lucky.”

But they don’t see what happens behind the scenes.

When I co-founded FAVORIOT, I wasn’t stepping into a shiny, ready-made startup with capital pouring in and clients lining up at the door. No, it was the opposite. I entered a tiny room with big dreams, minimal funding, and zero guarantees.

I had to reset my ego.
After holding senior positions at MIMOS and CELCOM, I was now doing everything—research, customer support, marketing, writing blog posts, uploading YouTube videos, conducting training, chasing potential clients, and even troubleshooting hardware late at night. I was a CEO, but I was also the janitor.

That’s what most people don’t understand.

They think success is linear.
They think you just launch a product and are suddenly on a TED stage.
They don’t see the years of trial and error, the failed pitches, the near-burnouts, and the countless self-doubts.

I still remember attending an international Smart Cities conference years ago. Delegates were surprised when I told them we were a small team from Malaysia, building our own IoT platform. Some of them didn’t even believe it. They asked, “But how did you build it? Don’t you need a huge team? Venture capital?” I smiled and said, “No. We built it because we believed we could.”

Belief is underrated. And persistence—even more so.

People underestimate how long you must persist when nothing seems to work.

I wrote blog after blog when no one was reading.
I spoke at conferences when no one knew my name.
I kept talking about IoT and Smart Cities when the market didn’t understand IoT.

Even on Medium, when I started writing actively in 2023, I wasn’t writing for an audience. I was writing because I had something to say, something to teach, something to reflect on.

Some articles flopped. Others resonated deeply. But most people only see the few that succeeded—they don’t see the hundred others that didn’t.

They don’t understand the patience it takes to outlast the silence.

Let’s talk about time.
People think one or two years is enough time to build a company, an audience, or a movement.

But FAVORIOT has been around since 2017.
We didn’t become known overnight.
We had to win trust, prove our value, build case studies, make mistakes, recover from them, and try again. Again. And again.

It’s like planting a seed. You don’t dig it up every week to check if it’s growing. You water it, give it sunlight, and trust that one day it will break through the soil. But that trust? That takes faith. That’s the part most people struggle with.

“Why isn’t it growing yet?”
“Why is no one noticing me?”
“Maybe I’m not good enough.”

Believe me—I’ve had those thoughts, too.
I’ve looked at competitors with massive followings and felt small.
I doubted whether I was too old to do this startup thing.
I’ve wondered if people even cared about what I was trying to build.

But each time, I returned to the same answer:
Because I care.

I care about helping people learn about IoT.
I care about giving Malaysians a home-grown IoT platform.
I care about empowering universities, cities, and entrepreneurs with technology that works.

I realized that most people don’t need motivation. They need understanding.
Understanding that the journey will be extended.
It’s okay to feel invisible at first.
That mastery takes years.
Most “overnight successes” are 10 years in the making.

So here’s what I want you to remember:

You don’t need everyone to understand your journey.
You just need to understand it yourself.
And you need to commit to showing up, even when no one’s clapping.

Because one day, someone will ask you, “How did you do it?”
And you’ll smile, knowing they won’t really understand until they walk the same path.

But maybe, just maybe, they’ll listen a little closer.
And perhaps that will inspire them to start their own long, messy, beautiful journey.

And that’s enough.

Now, back to work. The journey continues.

The Power of Saying “No” to Protect Your Goals

I used to struggle with saying “no.” Opportunities, invitations, and requests would pile up, and I was constantly stretched thin. Every time I turned down something, it felt like I was missing out on an experience, a potential collaboration, or a chance to prove myself.

But over time, I learned something crucial—saying “yes” to everything meant saying “no” to my own priorities. That realization changed everything.

The Illusion of Opportunity

It’s easy to believe that more opportunities equal more success. Early in my career, I had this mindset. I accepted every speaking engagement, every meeting, every project—thinking that the more I did, the faster I’d reach my goals.

But something felt off. My time was constantly divided, and I wasn’t making meaningful progress on what truly mattered. My passion for IoT, my vision for FAVORIOT, and even my writing—everything was diluted because I wasn’t focused.

Was I really advancing, or was I just keeping busy?

It was a tricky question, but I knew I had to answer it honestly. And the answer was clear: I was busy, but I wasn’t productive.

The Turning Point: Learning to Say “No”

One of my mentors once told me, “Every time you say yes to something, you are saying no to something else.” That hit me hard.

I looked at my commitments and realized how many were distractions in disguise. They seemed valuable, but were they truly aligned with my long-term goals? Most of them weren’t.

That’s when I started consciously trying to say “no.”

No to meetings without a clear purpose.
No to projects that didn’t align with my expertise or vision.
No to social events that drained my energy.
No to collaborations that felt forced.

At first, it felt uncomfortable. Would people think I was rude? Would I miss out on something valuable? But then something surprising happened—I felt relieved.

For the first time in a long while, I had the mental clarity to focus on what truly mattered.

The Freedom of a Focused “Yes”

Saying “no” isn’t about shutting doors—it’s about opening the right ones. When I started protecting my time, my work improved. I had more energy to dedicate to building FAVORIOT. I could write with a deeper focus. I had space to think creatively, to strategize, to innovate.

Instead of chasing every opportunity, I started choosing the right opportunities. And that made all the difference.

When I said “yes” to something, it was a focused yes that truly aligned with my goals.

Yes to speaking engagements that positioned me as a thought leader in IoT.
Yes to partnerships that had long-term potential.
Yes to writing consistently and sharing insights with my audience.
Yes to mentoring people who truly valued my guidance.

By filtering my commitments, I became more valuable, not less. People respected my time more. My work had a more significant impact. And most importantly, I felt fulfilled.

The Discipline of Saying “No”

Saying “no” is a skill that requires practice. It’s easy to slip back into the habit of overcommitting. But I remind myself of a simple rule:

If it doesn’t move me closer to my goals, it’s not a priority.

Now, before I agree to anything, I ask myself:

Does this align with my long-term vision?
Will this add significant value to my mission?
Am I doing this out of obligation or genuine interest?

If the answer is “no,” then my response is clear.

The Cost of Saying “Yes” Too Often

Many people fear saying “no” because they don’t want to disappoint others. But the real danger is saying “yes” too often and disappointing yourself.

Saying “yes” to unnecessary things leads to:

Burnout – Overcommitting drains your energy.
Lack of progress – You stay busy but don’t move forward.
Resentment – You start feeling frustrated because your time is no longer yours.

I’ve been there. I’ve learned that protecting my time isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

The Impact on My Life

Since adopting this mindset, I’ve achieved things I never thought possible. FAVORIOT has grown, my writing has reached thousands, and I’ve had the chance to collaborate with impactful people.

Not because I did everything—but because I did the right things.

Saying “no” is one of the most powerful tools for success. It allows you to protect your goals, stay focused, and make meaningful progress.

So, how often do I say “no” to things that interfere with my goals?

As often as necessary.

The Activities That Make Me Lose Track of Time

Have you ever been so deeply immersed in something that time slips away? One moment, it’s morning, and the next, the sun has set, and you wonder where the hours have gone. That happens to me a lot. It’s both fascinating and dangerous because it shows how much I love what I do, and it’s dangerous because I often forget to eat or even take a break. But that’s the beauty of passion, isn’t it?

Writing – My Deepest Escape

If there’s one thing that consistently makes me lose track of time, it’s writing. Not just any kind of writing, but the kind where I pour my thoughts, experiences, and reflections onto the page. The kind where I engage in self-dialogue, asking myself questions, debating perspectives, and exploring ideas in a way that feels as natural as breathing.

When I sit down to write, I enter a different world. The cursor blinks, waiting for my thoughts to flow, and I’m suddenly conversing with myself. Does this make sense? Will people relate to this? Should I add more storytelling? The words come in waves—sometimes a flood, sometimes a trickle—but it’s hard to stop once I start.

It’s in these moments that I feel the most alive. Writing isn’t just about putting words on a page; it’s about expression, connection, and discovery. I often write about IoT, smart cities, and technology, but sometimes, I delve into entrepreneurship, personal development, and even poetry. The topic doesn’t matter—as long as I’m writing, I’m in my element.

IoT and Smart Cities – The Intellectual Adventure

Another realm where I lose myself completely is in discussions about IoT and smart cities. This isn’t just a job for me—it’s a mission, a vision, and an endless source of curiosity.

I can spend hours analyzing the latest trends, researching new use cases, and discussing the future of connected technology. Whether I’m preparing for a keynote speech, mentoring startups, or brainstorming ideas for the FAVORIOT platform, I get absorbed in the possibilities.

The more I think about it, the more I realize IoT is an ever-expanding puzzle. Every city, every business, and every individual has different needs, and IoT provides the tools to create smarter, more efficient solutions. The challenge of making technology work for real-world problems is what keeps me hooked.

How can we make smart cities more inclusive? What’s stopping IoT adoption in developing nations? How do we ensure data security while enabling innovation? These questions excite me, and before I know it, I’ve spent an entire day buried in research, discussions, and problem-solving.

Reading – A Gateway to New Worlds

Reading is another activity where I lose myself, often without realizing how much time has passed. Reading opens doors to new perspectives, whether it’s articles on Medium, books on entrepreneurship, or science fiction novels.

There’s something magical about immersing yourself in a well-written piece. It could be a thought-provoking article that challenges my assumptions or a book that takes me through time and space. The written word has the power to transport me, to make me feel as if I’m living a hundred different lives all at once.

I remember reading about the early pioneers of technology—the visionaries who built the foundations of the digital age. Their stories inspire me because they remind me that innovation isn’t just about having a great idea; it’s about persistence, resilience, and an unshakable belief in the future.

Deep Conversations – The Art of Meaningful Exchange

I love conversations that challenge me and make me pause and rethink my assumptions. Whether it’s discussing the impact of AI on society, debating business strategies, or exploring philosophical ideas, I can get completely lost in the dialogue.

Some of the best discussions happen over coffee with like-minded individuals—entrepreneurs, researchers, students, or anyone with a curiosity for the world. I find that talking about ideas, sharing experiences, and learning from others keeps my mind sharp and my perspectives fresh.

One of my favorite aspects of mentoring young entrepreneurs is seeing the spark in their eyes when they realize a new possibility. It reminds me of my own journey, of the moments when someone’s advice changed my trajectory. These interactions fuel my passion and make me forget about time.

Creating and Building – Turning Ideas into Reality

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of creating something new. Whether it’s developing a new feature for the FAVORIOT platform, designing a training module, or working on a business strategy, I get completely absorbed in the process.

It’s one thing to talk about ideas but another to bring them to life. I truly excites myself when I see the process of building—from concept to execution—go from an abstract thought to a tangible reality.

Some nights, I self-brainstorm solutions long after the workday has ended. The challenge of problem-solving and figuring out how to improve something keeps me engaged. It’s in these moments that I realize this isn’t just work for me—it’s a passion.

Final Thoughts

It’s interesting to reflect on what makes us lose track of time. They reveal what truly matters to us, what excites us, and what gives us a sense of purpose.

For me, it’s writing, IoT, reading, deep conversations, and building new things. These aren’t just activities; they’re the fabric of my life, which keeps me energized and driven.

What about you? What activities make you forget the world around you?

The Illusion of Support: When So-Called Friends Disappear After the First Meeting

“Wah! Your company is doing great things! We should collaborate.”

“I love your work! Let’s find a way to work together.”

“This is amazing. We should set up a meeting and explore synergies.”

Sounds familiar? Suppose you’ve been in business long enough. In that case, you’ve probably encountered these so-called friends—people who seem enthusiastic about your work, promise collaborations, and show support on social media but never follow through. They say all the right things, but when the time comes for real action, they are nowhere to be found.

I’ve had my fair share of these experiences, and if you’re reading this, chances are you have, too. The question is, how do we deal with them?

The False Promises and Vanishing Acts

I can’t count the number of times people have approached me, full of excitement, praising my work and proposing collaborations.

“We should do something together! Let’s schedule a meeting.”

We meet. The discussion is excellent. Ideas flow. There is a sense of excitement as if something big is about to happen.

“Let’s catch up again over teh tarik next week!”

Next week? Nothing.

The week after? Silence.

I follow up—no reply.

Then, I saw them making moves and giving presentations where they should have mentioned our partnership. But they don’t. I see them securing deals and projects that align with what we discussed. Do they call me? No.

But wait—on social media, they are my biggest cheerleaders.

“Congratulations! Keep it up!”

“Awesome work! Proud of you!”

Likes, comments, claps, emojis. But that’s where their support ends.

Why Do People Behave This Way?

I used to ask myself, Why do people do this? Why show so much interest but never act on it?

1. They Love the Idea of Association

Some people like to associate themselves with successful projects and companies. Being seen as connected to an industry leader or an innovative startup makes them look good.

They enjoyed the first meeting and maybe even took a photo to post online (“Great discussion with XYZ company today! Exciting things ahead!”), but they were never serious about working together.

2. They Want to Keep the Door Open—Just in Case

They may not need your business today, but they don’t want to completely burn the bridge. So, they keep engaging, liking, and commenting—just enough to maintain the connection.

If they ever need something from you in the future, they want to be able to reach out without feeling awkward.

3. They Are Just Buying Time

Some individuals make promises without knowing how to execute them. They might not have the decision-making power or are waiting to see if something better comes along.

Meanwhile, you’re waiting, thinking something will materialize—until you realize they were never serious in the first place.

4. They Are Just Looking for Attention

Many people engage with businesses not to support them but to boost their own visibility. They comment and congratulate you not because they genuinely care but because they want to be seen as part of your network.

It’s a branding strategy for them.

Recognizing the Patterns

Over time, I started recognizing the patterns.

The Over-Enthusiastic Starters
- They hype you up but disappear after the first meeting.
- You never hear from them again unless you chase them.
The Serial Promisers
- They say, “We must work together!” whenever they meet you.
- Nothing ever materializes.
The Silent Opportunists
- They borrow ideas from your discussions and execute them elsewhere.
- They never credit you or include you in the project.
The Social Media Supporters
- They engage with your posts, leaving congratulatory comments.
- But when they have opportunities, they never involve you.

How to Overcome This Challenge?

It took me a while to figure out how to navigate these situations. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Filter Out the Noise

Not everyone who says they want to collaborate actually means it. Learn to differentiate between real potential partners and those who just like the idea of working with you.

Look for actions, not words.

If someone repeatedly makes promises but never follows through, stop wasting time waiting for them.

2. Set Clear Expectations from the Start

When someone approaches you with an opportunity, be direct.

“That sounds great. What’s the next step?”

If they are serious, they will have an answer. If they hesitate or keep it vague, take it as a sign.

3. Limit Follow-Ups

I used to chase people, sending reminders and follow-ups. Not anymore.

A simple message like, “Hey, just checking in on our discussion. Let me know if you’re still keen.”

If they don’t respond, move on. Don’t waste your energy.

4. Protect Your Ideas

Be mindful of what you share in meetings. Some people just want to extract valuable insights and apply them elsewhere.

Be cautious if you sense that someone is fishing for ideas rather than genuinely wanting to collaborate.

5. Build a Stronger Network of Genuine Supporters

It’s easy to focus on the people who let us down, but the truth is—there are real supporters out there.

Find and nurture relationships with people who genuinely believe in your work and are willing to take action.

6. Focus on Those Who Show Up

Rather than worrying about those who never follow through, give your time and energy to those who do.

The best partnerships happen with people who:
✔ Keep their commitments.
✔ Follow up without being chased.
✔ Include you in opportunities without hesitation.

Final Thoughts: It’s Just Part of the Game

It’s easy to get frustrated with these so-called friends, but the reality is—it’s just part of the game.

People will always say things they don’t mean. They will engage with you for their own reasons, and not all will be genuine.

But that’s okay.

Because once you recognize these patterns, you stop expecting too much. You learn to focus on real opportunities and avoid unnecessary disappointments.

So, the next time someone says, “Let’s work together!”—just smile and think to yourself:

“Let’s see if you mean it.”

The Story of Favoriot – Part 20: The Power of Belief in a Startup Journey

The Law of Attraction: How It Brought FAVORIOT to Life

Sitting in my quiet office one evening, I stared at the stack of notebooks on my desk. Each page held scribbles of ideas, lessons learned, and reflections on my journey. I leaned back in my chair and thought about how it all began.

How did a fleeting idea become FAVORIOT, a company now empowering businesses with IoT solutions?

I realized it wasn’t just my technical expertise or industry experience that made this happen—it was something more profound. It was belief. More specifically, it was the Law of Attraction at play.

Planting the Seed of Belief

Years ago, before FAVORIOT even existed, I questioned my purpose. I have worked in corporate environments, government agencies, and universities. Each role taught me valuable lessons, but something was missing—a sense of fulfilment. I wasn’t creating something of my own.

While reading about entrepreneurs who transformed their dreams into reality one evening, a question struck me.

“What if I could build something that truly impacts the world?”

The thought lingered in my mind. I started visualizing it.

I pictured a company that would simplify IoT for businesses, a platform to bring value to the community, and a name that resonated with our mission.

At that moment, FAVORIOT was born—not in reality, but in my mind.

From Visualization to Reality

The Law of Attraction isn’t magic—it requires action.

I knew that merely dreaming about FAVORIOT wouldn’t bring it to life. But I also knew that every action begins with a belief.

I started writing down ideas, sketching business models, listing potential collaborators, and outlining the challenges ahead.

“Can I do this?” I often asked myself, battling self-doubt.

Each time doubt crept in, I countered it with positivity.

“Yes, you can. You have the knowledge, the experience, and most importantly, the passion.”

I repeated these words to myself daily, like a mantra. The more I believed in FAVORIOT, the more the universe conspired to make it happen.

Attracting the Right People and Opportunities

As I laid the groundwork for FAVORIOT, I noticed something remarkable: Opportunities started presenting themselves.

I met people who resonated with my vision. Some became mentors, others collaborators. Doors that seemed closed before suddenly opened.

“Why do these connections feel so effortless?” I asked myself during one of our early meetings.

The answer was clear: My energy was aligning with my goals.

By focusing on what I wanted to achieve, I attracted individuals and circumstances that supported my mission. It wasn’t a coincidence; it was clarity. When your vision is sharp, and your belief unwavering, the right resources find their way to you.

Overcoming Challenges with Positivity

Building FAVORIOT wasn’t without its challenges.

There were days when nothing seemed to go right—delays in development, scepticism from potential partners, and financial hurdles.

On one particularly tough day, I sat staring at a rejection email at my desk.

“Maybe this isn’t meant to be,” I muttered, feeling uncertain.

But deep down, I knew I couldn’t give up.

I closed my eyes and revisited my vision.

I imagined FAVORIOT thriving, helping businesses, and making an impact. That mental image reignited my determination.

“This is just a small setback,” I told myself. “The universe is testing your resolve.”

True enough, solutions appeared. A new client came on board. A delayed project suddenly gained momentum. Each challenge reinforced my belief in the Law of Attraction.

It wasn’t about avoiding problems but maintaining a positive outlook to find solutions.

Celebrating Small Wins

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.

The first time FAVORIOT onboarded a customer, I remember smiling to myself.

“This is just the beginning,” I said, feeling both excitement and gratitude.

Each achievement was proof that the vision I had nurtured was taking shape.

Gratitude played a huge role in this journey.

Every morning, I took a moment to thank God for my successes and challenges.

They shaped me, strengthened my resolve, and brought FAVORIOT closer to its purpose.

Manifesting the Future

Today, as I look at FAVORIOT, I see more than just a company.

I see a dream realized.

I know the power of belief, visualization, and action. The Law of Attraction isn’t just about thinking positively; it’s about aligning your thoughts, actions, and energy toward your goals. It’s about turning abstract ideas into tangible outcomes through focus and persistence.

“Where will FAVORIOT go from here?” I often ask myself.

The answer lies in the same principles that brought us this far.

I continue to visualize our growth, the impact we’ll create, and the lives we’ll touch. The journey is ongoing, and the Law of Attraction remains my guide.

A Testament to the Power of Belief

As I close my notebook for the day, I feel grateful.

FAVORIOT is more than a business—it’s a testament to the power of belief.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

“When you align your thoughts, actions, and energy, the universe listens. And when the universe hears, anything is possible.”

Tag: mental-health