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How a languished father became a Hong Kong bestselling author and global podcaster...
It's the night of April 7, 2019. I am a first-time father and a mid-career executive. It's a few nights before my son turns 3-month-old. My son's my biggest fan, greatest motivation and together we're recreating a different father-and-child relationship, one I had always wanted. And then, my wife and I hear an unexpected scream in our bedroom. I run to our room:
"I hold up my son. Foam starts coming out of his mouth. He's choking. He's fighting for oxygen. His body colour changes to blueish-purpole. His limbs become motionless. He looks past me and closes his eyes."
Growing up in Hong Kong and Australia, I overcame my introversion by dedicating myself to sports, and then academic excellence later on.
I witnessed a lot of familial conflicts. I was determined to put harmony at the forefront, create a different father-and-son relationship. I am a hands-on dad and always look forward to spending time with my son.
I don't know what I did saved him that night. After my son suffocated in my arms for five minutes, I experienced waves of negative emotions. I felt dad guilt. I was anxious and shameful for six months. I felt like I failed as a dad, as a person.
How can I become a better father?
What is my purpose?
Why am I here?
Would my son look up to me?
I started to question my role as a first-time father. I was stuck in a rut. I was languishing.
Until one day
I put pen to paper
I locked myself in a room and wrote down what happened. My first 8,000 words were born in three days.
I begin writing and reflecting on my negative thoughts, reaching out to people from all walks of life who have an incredible story to tell.
Writing and podcasting help me become curious again. And they make me realise that in order to change me, I need to start from within, work on my system, and focus on incremental habits.
At age 39, I created a podcast, Transformative Purpose,
and published three books. I have three realisations:
First, you need a healthy mind and body to thrive. Second, reading, writing and doing interviews helped me rediscover myself and break free. These deep and reflective activities fired neurons and made my brain more 'plastic'. Third, I want to share my struggles, inspirations others give me to help you reinvent yourself. What started as one book, one podcast, one reader, one listener, is now 50 episodes, 12,000 downloads, 26 public libary books, and a bestselling book in Asia.
Finding my inner child is how I transformed negative emotions into the greatest motivator. Now I am using what I learnt to help others find their purpose, transform and make it happen. I am grateful for all the support and positive encouragement from the community.
"We don't rise to the level of our purpose. We fall to the level of our mindset, system and consistent actions. We are all a work-in-progress. We can become better than the person we were yesterday."
aaron pang
Professional BIO
Aaron Pang is the bestselling author of the popular book, Unstuck - Think Like a Kid and Free Your Mind.
Founder of Transformative Purpose - He is a 3-time book author, general management and transformation coach, and keynote speaker. He hosts a top 3% globally ranked podcast, Transformative Purpose. Aaron was recognised by Australia China Alumni Association as the Winner of the Australia China Alumni Award for arts and creative industries in 2022. Aaron’s honest insights on success, motivation and mindset —as well as his ability to develop deep conversations—have made him a leading thought leader in self-improvement. His experience in business has given him a rare breadth of general management and leadership opportunities spanning across business transformation, management consulting, and entrepreneurship. Aaron lives in Hong Kong with his wife and two young boys.
YOUR SELF-DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY BEGINS HERE
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