Kent Chin is a martial arts lover, fitness enthusiast, and personal development advocate. He recently retired from real estate to spend more time with his family. Kent enjoys cooking, sports, fitness, and he stays current on all things personal finance and cryptocurrency.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I usually begin the day with a workout, doing either martial arts or weight training. Physical movement makes me feel focused and sets the tone for the day. I batch my tasks, prioritize based on impact, and take scheduled breaks to recharge. I avoid multitasking and use time blocks to stay focused.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I break ideas down into small, testable actions. Whether it’s a new recipe, a fitness routine, or an investment strategy, I build a framework, test it, learn, and refine.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Decentralized finance and blockchain technology development. It’s opening up new doors for financial inclusion and disrupting traditional systems in a positive way. I enjoy discovering how these systems function and exploring where they could go next. It’s an area full of innovation and potential.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily journaling helps me focus and stay organized. It declutters my mind and lets me focus. I also use this time to reflect on what is and is not working in my life. This small habit has been a game-changer in how I manage my time and energy.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Concentrate on building good habits early, even if you don’t see immediate results. Discipline will take you further than motivation. Learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, because that is where true growth comes from. Also, never rush the process.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think boredom is underrated and often essential. It makes room for original thought and self-reflection. Most people are in such a hurry to fill every quiet moment, but I think there’s value in being still. It’s where clarity often begins.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I move my body every day, no matter what. I try to focus more on consistency instead of intensity. Physical activity helps me clear my head and reset my mood. I believe it’s one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. Giving back to charity is another thing. I often donate to charities for at-risk youth and food insecurity, and it
makes me feel good to help others.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a step back, breathe, and typically go for a walk. Nature and movement help me reset quickly. I also keep a journal close by to write down anything that’s bothering me. This helps divert my attention and get back on track.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
In real estate, I’ve found that relationships are just as important as knowing your numbers. Communication and trust are everything when you’re dealing with partners, contractors or future tenants. I make a point to be clear and transparent in every interaction. Over time, this has helped me build better partnerships and implement complex projects more smoothly. It’s a long game, and relationships are the foundation.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I’ve had moments when I’ve taken on too many commitments and burned myself out. I learned the hard way that saying yes to everything is saying no to your priorities. I now value focus over multitasking. That experience taught me the importance of boundaries and recovery.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create a “reset ritual” for your day. Something that clears your mind and recenters you. It could be stretching, journaling, or simply sitting in silence. We underestimate how much clarity even brief pauses can produce. Making it a habit builds resilience.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Notion helps keep me organized. I use it to journal, track my goals and store all my ideas. It’s versatile enough to adapt as my needs change. Having everything in one place keeps me focused and reduces mental clutter.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?/
I bought a high-quality chef’s knife. I cook every day, and a good knife makes all the difference. Food prep is a lot faster, easier, and more fun. Anything that will make our daily lives better is always worth the investment.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday has a major influence on how I tackle challenges. It reframes adversity as opportunity. That perspective helps me get through hard times. I return to it frequently whenever I need a reset.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoyed The Last Kingdom. It has a great mix of strategy, action, and character development. I appreciate stories that explore discipline, loyalty, and personal growth. The cinematography and soundtrack also stood out.