Blog

Coming out of the dip…

I recall a concept by Seth Godin and I think it’s his book called, “The Dip” I should be checking online to double-check but I’m not going to turn away to slow down my momentum and train of thoughts as I’m typing this. But yeah, it was where I was in the last couple of months. So, I started uploading episodes into my vodcast. I was uploading them into my Facebook business page but shut that down recently. I’m still uploading episodes into my YouTube channel though. I am primarily using ASL in my vodcast. Then put this in the back burner. So, to make my thoughts and episodes accessible for the non-signers and for those who can read typed English, I’ll be doing so after I upload my unedited ASL vodcast episodes. I feel that I express my thoughts out and flowing better in ASL.
Then I’ll set a time to type what I uploaded. However, I’ll likely be tweaking and polishing things up when I type them. My vodcasts are raw and unedited as I get them out the moment I hit record without much thought in it. So, you can expect the English pieces to be more polished up and I strive to have my thoughts neatly in order for my readers. I can’t promise you anything on that just yet since ASL is the primary language I communicate.
Anyway, these are my thoughts at this time and will start typing here as I go.
If you haven’t seen my vodcast series yet, check out my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@jordansangalang

2024-02-07
Doing Deeply Interested Work

This resonates with me.
The work I’m doing is something I can easily do deep work and lose track of the time.
It’s about pushing the boundaries in how Deaf people communicate, learn, and thrive.
It’s about challenging the status quo. There’s technology, AI, interpreting services industry and online coaching.
It’s about empowering Deaf people to take ownership of the narrative that can and will transform lives.
Like a bamboo plant, I won’t see the changes immediately with the deep work I’m doing, but when the time comes, it’ll be ready.
What work are you deeply interested in?

2023-08-18
The Playground Face-Off Between the Deaf Dad and Hearing Dad

I’d like to share an incident between with my toddler and a hearing kid at the playground…
The other day, my family and I went to a splash pad with other friends and their toddlers. There was a playground beside as well.
My toddler’s hearing aids were taken off when playing at the splash pad. Then we went to play at the play structure afterward. It was a hot sunny day and good way to dry off anyway. We played on the swings then went around to pick up sticks and grass then brought them to the play structure. Also added wood chips. I guess you could say we were playing make-believe meals.
While playing together a bit, I let my toddler play independently as there were other kids at the playground as well. Then there was a hearing kid who walked up behind my toddler and started speaking.
My toddler turned around and got startled then looked at me signing, “She scared me.”
This situation triggered me back to my childhood years at the playground. Growing up, I was taught to be polite (or whatever that is) and gesture by tapping on my ears to show I’m deaf. However, this isn’t what I taught my toddler to do. I recalled what my toddler just told me.
Instead I told my toddler, “Tell her that.” And my toddler did.
However, the hearing kid continued to speak.
Again, this triggered me and I recall when I was a kid, I’d resort forcing myself to speak with my deaf voice, “I’m deaf… I canno… under…tand you…! …top it!” But I didn’t tell my toddler to speak.
As a parent, I could see that the hearing kid wanted to play with my toddler, but my toddler looked at me signing, “I don’t hear her and I don’t understand her.”
Instead, I signed back, “Tell her that.” And my toddler did.
I could see that the hearing kid was confused then started to go closer right in front my my toddler’s face.
My toddler signed, “Tell her to stop talking to me. I don’t understand her.”
Another trigger was that I’d shove the hearing kid and just sucker punch them. When I was a kid, I sure had ways to communicate with my hands, specifically, my fists. But, I didn’t tell my toddler to do that.
“Tell her that.” And my toddler did.
The hearing kid was visibly frustrated and was offended, then went up to her father for a hug.
My toddler noticed that she left her alone and looked at me, “It’s okay. She’s sad and needs to go to her father.”
Clearly, this communication barrier made the hearing kid feel frustrated. I left that for her father to deal with her.
Yes, I’m well-aware this made the hearing kid feel uncomfortable and that’s why her father was there to comfort her since it wasn’t my job to do that. My job was to coach my toddler to advocate and communicate unapologetically in ASL.
In case you’re wondering how this ended. The father was explaining to his kid that my toddler is deaf and would have to wave or tap my toddler’s shoulders for attention. He coached his kid how to do this. Then they ended up having fun and playing together.
And for us dads at the playground, we looked at each other, smiled and gave each other the dad nod.
There was certainly a lesson to be learned out of this.

2023-08-07
Spotlight by the Manitoba Outreach Theatre Hub

Sharing my upbringing as a Deaf, Filipino person from acting on stage to the community. Here, I share what I learned and hope to inspire others around me and to make an influence beyond the stage with 100 Decibels: A Deaf Mime Troupe.
Thank you Manitoba Outreach Theatre Hub – MOTH for the spotlight on this.
I want to acknowledge the importance of working alongside allies and ASL interpreters within the community who were instrumental to my growth with 100 Decibels in the acting and theatre community. There were people and organizations who have provided me opportunities, mentorship and had meaningful conversations with.
The lessons learned and conversations I had transcended beyond theatre. Collaborative efforts and partnerships with a Deaf-led group from all production levels went beyond accessibility and inclusion. And our work reflected these.
The same principles apply for businesses with Deaf employees and Deaf customers. By partnering with a Deaf-led and Deaf-owned company like Convo, you have the opportunity to make an meaningful impact that will enhance the Deaf employee and Deaf customer experiences in your business like trust and loyalty for your company.
If your business is located in Canada, you can check them out at www.convo.ca. Or email them at contact@convo.ca to connect.

2023-08-06
What is a creative outlet? (And how do I leverage it to make an impact?)

I asked Chat GPT this question and this is the response I received:
A creative outlet is a means of expressing oneself and channeling creativity. It can be any activity or medium that allows individuals to explore their imagination, emotions, and ideas. Examples of creative outlets include painting, writing, playing an instrument, dancing, crafting, and photography. Engaging in a creative outlet can bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of personal expression. It can also serve as a way to relieve stress and explore new possibilities.
It’s pretty accurate in what I do. I love what I do because it is an outlet where I can manifest my creativity. With the ability to connect and converse with people sparks my creativity whether they’re roadblocks, barriers, or conflicts. Like diamonds, they are a result of being under pressure. Creativity is like that under some kind of restriction and results into something beautiful out of it.
As a Deaf person, the problem isn’t me being Deaf or even Deafness itself. It’s the systemic barriers being imposed. In my case, I’m referring to audism. It’s always been there long before it even had a name. Like death, it’s inevitable. So, we just need to learn to manage it with tools and resources with a community. It’s a team effort and requires a community to make it through.
However, it’s deeper than that. It’s all from within. Our drive, perseverance and more importantly, our mindset. What drives our mindset though is finding and understanding our why. By focusing on audism, we’re just simply banging ourselves against a wall. Like I mentioned, death is inevitable. So, what do families do in preparation for death? They get life insurance, critical illness, wills, estates and a funeral plan.
With audism, we create inclusion and access by raising awareness about Deaf Culture, teach ASL, provide ASL interpreting services, and so on. There are many ways Deaf people and allies with entrepreneurial spirits pushing through to create solutions getting over the hurdle.
This goes back to what I love I’m doing. Creating stories, creating solutions that matter and creating impact. My creative outlet is an opportunity to transform Deaf lives and the community through meaningful conversations.

2023-07-18
Grateful for ASL as a parent to my CODA toddlers
Just over the weekend, as I watched my toddlers communicate with each other in ASL, I’m grateful to be blessed with being able to connect with them as their parent through ASL. We’re able to foster our relationship in meaningful ways.
Does this mean we’re not able to have this if you don’t know ASL? No. We just have to communicate differently.
Generally, there are 2 ways we can do this:
1. Learn ASL from Deaf people.
2. If option 1 is not feasible, then get an ASL interpreter.
These are the 2 ways we can connect.
This is also true when you want to connect with family members, Deaf employees, Deaf customers, Deaf creators, Deaf entrepreneurs, etc. Generally, with Deaf people, with whom you are in constant contact regularly.
The opportunity cost is that we don’t connect. And when we do, there’s definitely a lot we can gain.
2023-07-09
Is it a skill?

If so, it might be worth learning.
If so, it might pay to let someone who has learned it take care of it.
Coding is a skill. But it’s not clear that the person who knows how to code should be doing your design.
Teaching is a skill. But simply because someone is good at a craft doesn’t mean that they know how to teach it.
Copywriting is a skill. Having access to the Mailchimp password doesn’t make you a skilled copywriter.
Selling is a skill. The person who owns the organization or cares about the charity might not be the best person to go on the sales call.
Proximity is not the same as skill.
Note: This is a repost from Seth Godin’s blog.

2023-07-09
You cannot avoid conflict and here are 8 strategies you can do in a conflict

Conflict is inevitable. I view conflict as sand paper. The more we go through it, the more it shapes us. But it takes a certain skill. Effective conflict resolution is an important skill for personal and professional growth. Here are some strategies for resolving conflicts:
1. Identify the problem:
Identify the problem by clarifying what the conflict is about. This can help to focus the discussion on the key issue.
2. Active listening:
Listen actively to the other person’s perspective. This can help to understand the other person’s point of view and find a common ground.
3. Empathy:
Show empathy by acknowledging the other person’s feelings and emotions. This can help to build trust and understanding.
4. Communication:
Use effective communication to express your own feelings and thoughts. Use “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory.
5. Brainstorm solutions:
Work collaboratively to come up with possible solutions to the conflict. Be creative and open to new ideas.
6. Evaluate the solutions:
Evaluate the potential solutions and consider the pros and cons of each. Identify the solution that is best for both parties.
7. Reach an agreement:
Agree on a solution that is acceptable to both parties. Put it in writing, if necessary, to avoid misunderstandings.
8. Follow up:
Follow up to ensure that the agreed-upon solution is implemented and that the conflict has been resolved.
In summary, effective conflict resolution involves identifying the problem, active listening, empathy, effective communication, brainstorming solutions, evaluating the solutions, reaching an agreement, and following up. By incorporating these practices into your conflict resolution process, you can successfully resolve conflicts and build stronger relationships.

2023-06-06
Building strong relationships with others

Building your network starts with relationships. Building strong relationships with others is an important aspect of personal and professional growth. Here are some tips to help build strong relationships:
1. Communication:
Effective communication is key to building strong relationships. Be open, honest, and transparent when communicating with others.
2. Active listening:
Listen actively when communicating with others. Show interest in what they are saying, and ask questions to show that you are engaged in the conversation.
3. Empathy:
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Showing empathy can help build trust and strengthen relationships.
4. Respect:
Show respect for others by being punctual, keeping your promises, and being courteous and professional.
5. Collaboration:
Work collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals. Collaboration can help build trust and strengthen relationships.
6. Positive attitude:
Maintain a positive attitude when interacting with others. This can help create a positive environment and foster strong relationships.
7. Give and take:
Be willing to give as well as take in relationships. This means being willing to offer support, help, and resources when needed, as well as being willing to receive them when offered.
8. Maintain boundaries:
Set clear boundaries and expectations in relationships. This can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
9. Appreciation:
Show appreciation for others by thanking them and recognizing their contributions. This can help build a sense of mutual respect and strengthen relationships.
10. Be present:
Be present and engaged when interacting with others. Put away distractions and focus on the conversation and the person you are interacting with.
In summary, building strong relationships with others involves effective communication, active listening, empathy, respect, collaboration, a positive attitude, give and take, maintaining boundaries, appreciation, and being present. By incorporating these practices into your daily interactions, you can build strong and meaningful relationships with others.

2023-06-01
10 Productivity Tips For You to Be Successful

Ever wonder how successful people are more productive? Here are some time-saving tips for productivity:
1. Prioritize tasks:
1. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and tackle the most important tasks first.
2. Use a task list:
1. Use a task list to keep track of tasks and goals. This can help you stay organized and focused.
3. Set goals and deadlines:
1. Set clear goals and deadlines to help you stay on track and motivated.
4. Avoid multitasking:
1. Avoid multitasking, as it can actually decrease productivity. Instead, focus on one task at a time.
5. Take breaks:
1. Take regular breaks to give your brain time to recharge. This can help boost productivity and reduce stress.
6. Minimize distractions:
1. Minimize distractions by turning off notifications, closing unnecessary apps, and finding a quiet workspace.
7. Use productivity tools:
1. Use productivity tools such as time-tracking apps, project management software, and automation tools to help you streamline your work.
8. Delegate tasks:
1. Delegate tasks to others if possible. This can help you focus on your most important tasks and save time.
9. Batch similar tasks:
1. Batch similar tasks together, such as responding to emails or making phone calls. This can help you work more efficiently.
10. Set boundaries:
1. Set boundaries for your work hours and stick to them. This can help you maintain a work-life balance and avoid burnout.
In summary, time-saving tips for productivity include prioritizing tasks, using a task list, setting goals and deadlines, avoiding multitasking, taking breaks, minimizing distractions, using productivity tools, delegating tasks, batching similar tasks, and setting boundaries. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can save time and increase your productivity.
Which one of these time-saving productivity tips did you like and why? What other tips do you have that wasn’t mentioned here?

2023-05-04