Alvin Chiong's father was an opium addict.

And as for Alvin:

• Age 7: Alvin's mother abandoned the family
• Age 9: Started sniffing glue & joined the secret society to avoid being bullied
• Age 14: Left school to follow his leader
• Age 18: Became hooked on heroin & couldn't hold down a job.

Things came to a head in Thailand, where Alvin realised he needed to change his life around.

But opium addiction, while a choice, is not so easy to kick.

And it took many, many halfway houses & attempts before Alvin came clean, turned his life around (after prison!!) and became the person he is today: giving back to society, helping his former brothers find their feet & holding down jobs as a chef as tour guide at Triad Trails.

Alvin's story, like Notle Chew's story in STIMY Episode 102, is an unusual STIMY story, but one that I really want to have shared.

Because there is a lesson to be learned from everyone's life journey.

And the biggest takeaway is this: It's all about mindset & attitude.

If we insist on blaming the world & everyone else in it for our troubles, no matter how 'justified', then you will continue to be held back.

Now Alvin tells his story best, so are you ready?

Let's go!

Highlights:

• 2:53 Dysfunctional family
• 4:54 Joining the secret society
• 10:34 Fighting
• 12:57 Thailand
• 14:56 The "price" for leaving the secret society gang
• 19:04 Being friends with brothers
• 20:35 Being in prison
• 23:51 Safeguards to avoid temptation
• 26:17 Going back to prison to help
• 30:24 God
• 31:56 Common misconceptions about drug addicts
• 32:49 The secret to change
• 35:13 Knowing when a convict is telling you the truth
• 38:55 Are Singaporean laws too harsh?
• 41:41 Common struggles for members of the secret society
• 43:02 Spiritual journey & finding God
• 46:43 What Alvin is grateful for this year

📍Show notes: https://www.sothisismywhy.com/114 

💌 Weekly STIMY Newsletter that deconstructs how you build a portfolio career to prepare yourself for the future of work: https://sothisismywhy.ck.page/acd5bd1062