Warren Wong

Scrawny high school student turned U.S. Marine Captain now turned blogger. Avid traveler and huge nerd. 

[warrenwong]

10 LIFE LESSONS I LEARNED IN THE U.S. MARINE CORPS

Fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a real life ninja warrior had its ups and downs. Not knowing what I truly signed up for, I would later come to be incredibly grateful for the many life lessons that I learned while serving in the United States Marine Corps. In no particular order, these 10 life lessons I learned in the U.S. Marine Corps is something I try to perfect each and every day.

1. WIN THE MORNING, WIN THE DAY.

Waking up early never came naturally for me. I was the kid that rolled out of bed in his PJs to early morning lectures. What the Marine Corps instilled in me, and I’m afraid it will never leave me, is the psychological win of waking up early. By waking up early, I get the satisfaction knowing that when everyone else is waking up at 6, 7 or 8 AM in the morning, I’ve already been up and started my day, ahead of the competition.

2. LEAD FROM THE FRONT.

Lead from the front or lead by example. This is a mantra that Marine Officers have beat into their heads from the first day of Officer Candidate School. How can you lead or teach others when you don’t practice what you preach?...

Read the full article...

[warrenwong]

Asked to speak on millennial budgeting! Here's 3 of my answers to questions on finances and budgeting from a millennial! 1.What tools do you use for budgeting? Apps? Advice from friends? A financial advisor? I am a big believer in Youtube University. Everything I have learned is online. There are so many resources to learn how to budget, but the biggest thing is just discipline. It helps to have someone hold you accountable too. 2. Can you think of a time where you had to sit back and think about your budgeting & spending habits? What happened? All the time! When I was just starting out, I would spend an hour every few months to evaluate my spending reports that I found on Chase online banking. My biggest expenses were frivolous purchases on Amazon. So I developed a system to prevent myself from impulse purchases. If I found myself scrolling through Amazon, I would know that I was bored. I quickly tried to find something to keep my mind active and away from feeding the Amazon beast! If I decided I really need to buy something I would sit on that purchase for a few days and revisit it. If the impulse didn’t go away, then I would see if I could find a discount or borrow it from a friend or family. If it passed all those tests and I still needed to buy it, then I would do it. 3.What was the hardest thing about starting a budget? The hardest thing was getting over the fear of missing out. I think that too often we get overwhelmed with the media and what we see on Instagram. We see our friends doing all these cool things, and that makes us feel like we’re missing out. I felt that way too, but I focus on true happiness and fulfillment! Full article. https://themanifest.com/accounting/budgeting-money-tips-for-millennials?utm_content=143507218&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-959188937771241472 #millennialmoney #budgetingtips #moneymindset #millennials #moneymoves #financialfreedom #financialadvice #moneytips #wealthtips #firemovement #digitalnomad #nerdwallet #themanifest #cardinsider https://www.instagram.com/p/CGoBHJwlbmM/?igshid=3kl75n4tvajn

[warrenwong]

Check out my guest post! Scroll down to #12 Humbled to be next to some amazing entrepreneurs and change agents! There's some great knowledge shared but industry veterans. Link is in my bio! Also if you haven't signed up for my 3 Point Thursday Newsletter then you're wrong! Link is also in my bio. #ceo #mindsetiseverything #mindsetiseverything #mindsetisking #mindsetshift #mindsetcoaching #mindsetcoach #mindsetmastery #mindsetiskey #mindsetofexcellence #mindsetmentor #mindsetmonday #mindsetofachampion #entreprenuerlifestyle #entrepreneursuccess #hustleandmotivate #bloggertribe #bloggersofinstagram #malebloggers #asianbloggers https://www.instagram.com/p/CF21aN7F-M9/?igshid=12mpivu6ps3he

[warrenwong]

Humans are meant to change! Its wired into our DNA. Over the 200,000 odd years we have been on this planet we have been changing. Usually out of necessity. Sometimes it was that sabertooth tiger that is hunting us down or it was hunting the wooly mammoth. All these tasks required humans to adapt, overcome. And sometimes we forget that. We get into our routines. We get into our creature comforts. That's dangerous. Its dangerous to who you are, who you can become. All that leftover potential. Is it true that we only use less than 10% of our brain power? What happened to the other 90%? Today I'm giving you 3 easy steps to change your life. We all want to be better, have more, and experience more. Yet, when it comes down to it, we don't want to change. We choose Netflix over learning a new skill. We choose sleeping in versus waking up to win the day. We choose partying on the weekends instead of catching up on work and learning to be financially free. Small actions lead to big results, whether good or bad. You choose. Every week I send out motivational quotes, self improvement tips, life advice and much more in my 3 point thursday newsletter. Check it out and sign up now! #personaldevelopment #investinyourself #growthmindset #selfhelp #ideas #3pointthursday #warrenwong #thingstothinkabout #pondering #introspection #introspective #lifelongstudent #lifelonglearner #lifelonglearning #selfawareness #selfaware #selfactualization #selfawakening #brainteaser #successmentor #motivationalquotes #successsecrets #warrenwong #asianwriters #asianentrepreneur (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEHn0wulW2g/?igshid=5w2yr7234ygz

[warrenwong]

I'm just not ready. Those are dangerous words. When will we be ever ready? There is no perfect start, no perfect recipe, and no perfect idea. Sure we are scared, anxious, totally clueless half the time, but that's part of the journey. Rather than trying to be perfect, lets just focus on OK. Its OK to not know what you're doing. Its OK to feel like an imposter. It's OK feeling like the dumbest person in the room. Whats worse is never having started and watching those around you pass you by. Wishing, and thinking about what could have been. My goal is to just start. Its ok to such. Even Michael Jordan sucked at first. But, he put the practice in. Consistently. And that was the difference. I hope you had a beautiful week. And if you're not already following me on Twitter. Join the gang @iamwarrenwong #juststart #justdoit #michaeljordanquotes #highperformance #highperformer #performbetter #mindsetquotes #mindsetiseverything #mindsetisking #mindsetshift #mindsetcoaching #mindsetcoach #mindsetmastery #mindsetiskey #mindsetofexcellence #mindsetmentor #mindsetmonday #mindsetofachampion #positivemindset #successfulmindset #mindsetmakeover #mindsetmafia #hustlermindset #billionairemindset #mindsetforgreatness #warrenwong #impostersyndrome #anxietysupport (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEFORZ3Fd7k/?igshid=jj9q93azdu8i

[warrenwong]

Fear is a game changer. Let it be your true north. Its what you need most in your life in order to bring you to what you want the most. Have you noticed that your greatest accomplishments were also filled with your greatest fears, insecurities and anxiety? Because on the other side of fear is wild success. Every successful person will have to face their fears. If that means slaying a dragon, then buckle up and grab your sword. Our wildest dreams are guarded by many dragons. They circle around the prize. The path littered with those who gave up half way or those who never even started. In order to get past all the dragons you will have to face them head on. Otherwise, risk letting your dream die. #motivation101 #motivationmafia #motivationnation #motivationeveryday #entrepreneurspirit #entrepreneurquotes #entrepreneurmindsets #entrepreneursuccess #hustleandmotivate #hustlergang #hustletown #hustleeveryday #successprinciples #successmentor #motivationalquotes #successsecrets #warrenwong #asianwriters #asianentrepreneur #mindsetmastery #mindsetiskey #mindsetofexcellence #mindsetmentor #mindsetmonday #mindsetofachampion (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CD4jO8xldEF/?igshid=3b47duofllz9

[warrenwong]

Fear is a game changer. Let it be your true north. Its what you need most in your life in order to bring you to what you want the most. Have you noticed that your greatest accomplishments were also filled with your greatest fears, insecurities and anxiety? Because on the other side of fear is wild success. Every successful person will have to face their fears. If that means slaying a dragon, then buckle up and grab your sword. Our wildest dreams are guarded by many dragons. They circle around the prize. The path littered with those who gave up half way or those who never even started. In order to get past all the dragons you will have to face them head on. Otherwise, risk letting your dream die. Comment below. What are you scared of right now? How is it holding you back from what you want? #motivation101 #motivationmafia #motivationnation #motivationeveryday #entrepreneurspirit #entrepreneurquotes #entrepreneurmindsets #entrepreneursuccess #hustleandmotivate #hustlergang #hustletown #hustleeveryday #successprinciples #successmentor #motivationalquotes #successsecrets #warrenwong #asianwriters #asianentrepreneur #mindsetmastery #mindsetiskey #mindsetofexcellence #mindsetmentor #mindsetmonday #mindsetofachampion #ideas (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CD4i7EDlU7G/?igshid=czx7u6uuay1m

[warrenwong]

Its not what you want to hear, but its what you NEED to hear. I'm guilty of this myself. We can go around pointing fingers all day, but we aren't where we want to be simply because we haven't put in the work. Most of us expect things to happen to us instead of making them happen. Thats a fixed mindset. Thats a bad attitude. Thats what holds us back. 👇 Comment below if something is holding you back. Is it your attitude, mindset, or simply how you're feeling? In order to truly take control of our lives and get to where we want to be we need to accept that we haven't put in the work! This week I wrote about 7 things you can do today to take control of your life. 👉 You can find the article in the link in my bio or at warrenwong.blog/take-control-of-your-life Stay motivated and keep grinding! https://www.instagram.com/p/CDeRElRlijy/?igshid=w84gld00jcjv

[warrenwong]

Happy Monday. Its another week where you get to make a difference! Most people dread mondays... I use to as well. But think of it as an opportunity. A lot of people are out of work right now... so if you get to work , count your blessings. Everything is perspective. A person that is jobless would love a job. And a person with a job they hate is just looking for an exit. Don't let your circumstances dictate your life... go do something about it. 🤔 do you feel about Mondays? 👇 Comment below and let me know what you think. If you hate your Mondays... then you might be in the wrong job. A job is just over broke. A career is something you tolerate but aren't passionate about. And a calling is something you're meant to do. Know the difference and make a difference. Happy Monday yall! Always make sure to like and share if you enjoyed this. Also you can follow me on Twitter where I send awesome motivation and life insights that help you level up. Handle: @iamwarrenwong (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDJiiL-FRVI/?igshid=6egrhco4kb59

[mo-positivity-blog]

Daily positivity! ☀️

Use your failures as a stepping stone!

[warrenwong]

Comment yes if you agree! 👇 I always thought of habits like something that boring people did. But that changed when I realized that its the only thing that will help me reach my goals. Habits is like what @jamesclear describes as the building blocks for your success. They compound over time and allows you to achieve great things. Goal setting is important but having a solid foundation, ie your habits is more important! So take the time to sit down and review your goals, but spend more time on the habits you need in order to achieve those goals! Make sure to check out my habits articles at warrenwong.blog/habits or in the link in my bio! See you there 👍 https://www.instagram.com/p/CC09KWpliHK/?igshid=1qiac64vk2gk6

[warrenwong]

I WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO TRAVEL CHEAP

I’m going to give you 5 travel hacks that will allow you to finally book that flight and make travel a lifestyle. But, the one thing I can’t control is your mindset.

You either do or you don’t, there’s no in between. You either make traveling a part of who you are or you don’t. You either live a life where you are in control or life dictated to you.

Raise your hand if you’ve got travel as a part of your bucket list. Don’t do this if you’re in a public place or you’ll risk weird stares. Do it, if you just don’t care.

Whether you’re single, married, with kids in tow these travel hacks will go a long way in making sure that your bucket list items aren’t just for when you’re retired. You can begin NOW. Let me show you.

TRAVEL HACK # 1: CHEAP FLIGHTS

Your cost of flight will be your biggest expense of your trip. In order to get the best deal possible make sure you are booking your flight in private mode (Google Chrome calls it Incognito mode and Internet Explorer calls it InPrivate mode).

What this does is it removes the airline or search engine’s ability to look at your browsing history, which they use in turn to hike up prices of those destinations you’ve been eyeing the past few months.

ALWAYS use incognito mode!

This leads me to search engines. Google Flights and Momondo are my favorite options out there. I have been using them the past few years and have not have any complaints with them. They will  find the best times, prices and options that are cheapest within the time frame you choose. It’s a money maker.

When you book it matters too. Many research studies have been done and Tuesday mornings usually around 5 to 7 AM EST is the best time to book flights. This is because many airlines launch sales Monday night....

Read full article here.

[warrenwong]

WHY NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO INVEST

Money can be a touchy subject, let alone how to invest. But it doesn’t have to be. Money is one of the most important subject that is neglected from everyday conversation.

This has led to a disproportionate distribution of knowledge amongst the people who know and don’t know, the haves and have nots, the rich and the poor.

Growing up as first generation Americans of immigrant parents my brother and I faced our own set financial hardships. Both our parents immigrated here from China. They gave up everything for the “American Dream”. They left behind their friends, family, job, and culture.

Moving to the U.S., without a lick of English, my father worked as a handyman: plumbing, construction, painting, moving and odd jobs to put food on the table. He still continues working to this day, albeit a lot less. He is 65 this year.

Everyday my dad would get up at 5AM to get ready for work and start up the beat up white van and drive all across New York for work.

His life had two profound effects on me.

Read full article here.

[warrenwong]

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T CARE WHAT YOUR PARENTS THINK

“Make your parents proud.” I’ve heard of that one before. These 4 words are thrown around a lot. I say, no. I say, make yourself proud.

Don’t get it twisted. I love my parents, but they are a product of their experiences and environment, which may totally be different from what or who you should be.

As I was growing up, my aunts, and uncles would come over for family meals, Birthdays, and holidays. Inevitably, the topic of how the children are doing would come up.

It was usually the grown ups discussing how their children were. A lot of the time it was boasting of what Johnny did in school, how Suzy won the spelling bee or how Andrew got into Harvard.

Seemingly harmless conversations, but not really.

PARENTS WANT THE BEST FOR YOU, BUT IS IT WHAT YOU WANT?

My brother and I didn’t know it at the time, but there was both a psychological and societal pressure that was placed on us at a very young age.

Children and especially teenagers, are impressionable, and what our parents say or don’t say matter....

Read full article here.

[warrenwong]

50 COUNTRIES BY 32

50 Countries by 32. That’s my goal. Currently, I am sitting at 10. It’s safe to say I caught the travel bug and it isn’t going away anytime soon.

It all started back in 2017 when a fellow lieutenant and I decided on a 2 week “Eurotrip”. 4 countries, 4 cities in 2 weeks. What could go wrong?

Leading up to the momentous trip we did a ton of research on flight options, things to see, things to do and of course which party hostels to go to. It wouldn’t be an authentic Euro trip without hostels, especially the “party” part.

Our first stop was Prague, Czech Republic. If you’ve never heard of this place, you’re wrong. This is by far my favorite country so far. I have a new found respect and awe for Eastern Europe. Maybe, it was the women, yea that’s probably it. No, it was partially the architecture too.

I didn’t know what to expect entering a hostel. All I had to go off of were online reviews. Rowdy, young, cheap lodging options for backpackers and party loving men and women across the globe were the highlights, involving copious amounts of alcohol. I’ll leave that to your imagination.

What I found was more than just that. I was met with enthusiasm, passion and tons of crazy travel stories and life stories.

I met an Egyptian migrant worker in his early 20s in Prague, an Argentinian hostel employee studying for her degree and a Canadian doctor on a much needed “break” in Barcelona. And who could forget our Colombian friend who decided to go on an extensive trip in Europe after breaking it off with his fiancé just last month....

Read full article here.

[warrenwong]

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

What do you want to be when you grow up? At one point or another we have all been asked this question; whether you remember or not. When your incessant parents brought you around in your cute little outfits and adults would pinch your cheeks and rustle your hair. Maybe that was just me.

My aunts and uncles were relentless. I still fault my saggy cheeks from years of incessant cheek pinching. Besides those fond memories, I remember they would always ask me the golden question adults seem to have for kids.

Such a seemingly harmless question, full of possibilities.

I don’t quite remember what I said exactly. I had a few answers for my nosy relatives. I said I wanted to be a business man when I grow up, I was around 8 to 9 years old at the time. It was the most realistic and believable answer at the time.

In my head, I wanted to be a super hero, a real life warrior, but that may be a bit impossible. As a very imaginative child, I would have elaborate battles as a medieval warrior knight slaying dragons and monsters in my head and sometimes I would enact them out. I have since stopped doing that…

***

We have all heard the common mantra of going to college, getting a stable 9 to 5 job, pay off your student loans, find a spouse, buy a home, have children, continue your 9 to 5, retire at 65, go travel the world and die.

That is what society has ingrained in us and what they expect from us when we grow up. And so, that is the blueprint most of us default to when we do grow up into adults.

While that lifestyle is fine for most, I don’t want any part of it. Let me explain.

Read full article here...

[warrenwong]

WHY I TAKE COLD SHOWERS

Its been a long day. You got into an argument with a co-worker. You had a fight with your significant other. You had a frustrating talk with a friend. The last thing you probably want to do right now is to jump into a cold shower.

Do it anyways.

Over this past year I’ve been struggling with the idea of taking cold showers. I watched plenty of YouTube videos on the benefits of cold showers and listened to plenty of podcasts on the matter, but couldn’t bring myself to do it. One day I finally decided to give it a try.

The results? I didn’t know why I didn’t start sooner.

It can’t be that bad right? WRONG! Taking cold showers suck. I never said they didn’t. But the benefits of taking cold showers are countless.

For me, the most important benefit would be developing mental toughness. Exercising that will power muscle.

At a certain point in your life, you’re going to have to just say “f**k, it” and jump right into it.

Whether it’s a big presentation, going up and hitting on that crush you’ve been eyeing or starting your own business. At a certain point in your life, and it will be many, you just have to say “*f**k, it” and just do it.

As I turned on the shower, all the way to the right, I braced myself....

Read full article here...