Before the Jump | Titus Lim | TEDxITE College West

Key Concepts

• Leaps of faith: Taking action despite uncertainty or fear.
• Holding room of life: The period of exploration and experimentation where one discovers their passions and skills.
• Learning through doing: Emphasizing practical experience over theoretical knowledge.
• Personal growth: Developing confidence, presence, and independence through new experiences.
• Cultural awareness: Understanding and appreciating different ways of life.

Early Influences and Initial Hesitations

Titus begins by highlighting the contrast between his past fears (buckle, boxing, public speaking) and his present actions, framing his talk around the idea of "taking less of faith, thinking less and doing more." He initially intended to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Hirohiko Araki (creator of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure), and pursue art. However, he found the process "brutal, tedious," and became overly critical of his work, leading him to abandon art. This experience left him feeling lost and uncertain about his future.

The Roblox Game Project: A Turning Point

At 15, a friend named Natineil proposed creating a Jojo-themed Roblox game. Titus was initially skeptical, questioning their ability to undertake such a project. Despite his reservations, he decided to participate, marking his "first real leap of faith." The project, titled "Anage Adventure," was never released, but the experience proved transformative. Unlike his experience with art, he found coding with friends to be collaborative and supportive. He learned basic coding skills, such as opening a door in Roblox, and even recreated his own room in Roblox Studios using online resources and peer support.

Public Speaking: Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence

Inspired by his coding experience, Titus enrolled in an IT application development course. Another significant leap of faith occurred when his teacher, Miss Diva, nominated him to present their DPP project idea to an audience of 400 students. Despite initial fear and nervousness (he jokes about nearly "wetting himself"), he drew inspiration from YouTuber Jet Septic Guy and successfully delivered the presentation. This experience sparked his "public speaking journey," which helped him develop his presence, posture, and confidence. He emphasizes that the experience transformed him, stating that the 15-year-old version of himself would have been terrified to be on stage.

Travel to Turkey: Expanding Horizons and Challenging Perspectives

After a school trip to Thailand, Titus developed a desire to experience life overseas. He saved money from his internship and a part-time job at the Harry Potter attraction to fund a nine-day trip to Turkey. His primary motivation was to meet an online friend in person and explore a new culture. The trip involved a 12-hour flight and the uncertainty of meeting an online friend in real life. In Turkey, he encountered cultural differences, such as being offered assistance with carrying his tray, a practice uncommon in Singapore. He also experienced being mistaken for Korean and asked for a selfie. These experiences led him to realize that he was often rushing and guarded in Singapore. In Turkey, he felt more relaxed, present, and open to connecting with strangers. The trip inspired him to live a more "free, curious, and independent" life.

Embracing Physical Challenges: Parkour and Boxing

Following his trip to Turkey, Titus became bolder and took up parkour and boxing, activities he had previously been afraid of. He trusted his friend Gavin to guide him through parkour, despite the perceived danger. Similarly, he overcame his fear of physical contact and started boxing.

Conclusion

Titus concludes by emphasizing the importance of taking leaps of faith and embracing new experiences. He acknowledges that he is still unsure about his long-term goals but remains committed to exploring and learning. His message to the audience is to "just do it" instead of overthinking when considering trying something new. He asserts that he wouldn't be the person he is today without taking those leaps of faith.