Skip to main content

E — EXECUTE AND EVALUATE : Turn Decisions into Progress

THE CRA PERSPECTIVE ✦ THE CRA TACKLE SYSTEM • PART 06 E — EXECUTE AND EVALUATE Turn Decisions into Progress Choose the next safe, useful step. Set a realistic time to review the result. If it works, continue where appropriate. If it does not, learn from the outcome and adjust your plan. ACT • OBSERVE • LEARN • ADJUST The Moment When Thinking Must Become Action There comes a point in every difficult situation when thinking, analysing and preparing must give way to action. We may have paused to control our immediate reaction, assessed the facts, identified what we can influence, considered alternative options and reached out for support. Yet the problem remains until we take a suitable next step. This is where the final step of the CRA TACKLE System becomes important: Execute and Evaluate. Execution means putting a decision into practice. Evaluation means examining what happened, comparing the result with what was intended and deciding what should happen ne...

Gouqi Island: China's Hidden Gem of Untamed Beauty

Nestled in the East China Sea among the Zhoushan Archipelago, Gouqi Island (枸杞岛) is a breathtaking escape where rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and traditional fishing villages create a scene straight out of a painting. Often overlooked by international tourists, this small island offers an authentic glimpse into China’s coastal charm—without the crowds.

  Why Gouqi Island?
  • Dramatic Coastal Landscapes: The island is famous for its "Green Fairy Tale" hills, where abandoned fishing boats and vibrant green vegetation blend into a surreal, almost mystical scenery.

  • Untouched Beaches: Unlike commercialized beach destinations, Gouqi’s shores remain peaceful, with crystal-clear waters perfect for a quiet swim.

  • Fishing Culture: As a key part of China’s "Fishing Light" phenomenon, the island’s nightscape glows with thousands of lights from squid-fishing boats—a mesmerizing sight.

  Must-See Spots
  1. Hou Tou Wan "Ghost Village"

    • An abandoned fishing village overtaken by nature, where ivy-covered houses cling to cliffs, creating an eerie yet beautiful atmosphere.

  2. Small West Lake (Xiaoxihu)

    • A serene lagoon surrounded by lush hills, ideal for photography and short hikes.

  3. Wangxia Sunrise Spot

    • Wake up early to witness the first sunrise in eastern China, painting the sky in fiery hues over the ocean.

How to Get There

  • From Shanghai: Take a bus to Shenjiamen Wharf, then a 2-hour ferry to Gouqi.

  • Best Time to Visit: May–October for warm weather, though autumn avoids summer crowds.

Local Flavors

Don’t miss fresh seafood hotpot, hairy crabs, and the island’s specialty—dried squid, sold by local fishermen.

Final Thoughts

Gouqi Island is a paradise for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and untouched beauty. Whether you’re hiking its scenic trails, exploring ghost villages, or simply soaking in the slow-paced island life, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable escape.

Have you visited Gouqi or similar off-the-beaten-path islands? Share your experiences below!

Comments

Most visited

The Smurfette Principle : Representation, Relatability, Identity & the Psychology of Audience Connection

THE CRA PERSPECTIVE CULTURE • MEDIA • MARKETING • HUMAN BEHAVIOUR The Smurfette Principle Representation, Relatability, Identity & the Psychology of Audience Connection How character representation, target audiences, peer bonding and moral identity shape the stories people remember — and the brands they connect with. SEE • RELATE • IDENTIFY • BELONG A Simple Question With a Deep Answer Why does one character sometimes become far more memorable than an entire group? Why does an audience identify strongly with one particular character even when that character is not the central hero? And why do writers, marketers and storytellers sometimes introduce a particular character not only to represent an identity, but also to make the story more relatable, emotionally balanced or socially acceptable? These questions lead us to a useful cultural concept: the Smurfette Principle. The term describes a pattern in which a group or ensemble is pre...

WHEN YOU KEEP KNOCKING, KEEP BELIEVING : The Power of Persistent Prayer

THE CRA PERSPECTIVE ✦ A REFLECTION ON LUKE 11:5–13 WHEN YOU KEEP KNOCKING, KEEP BELIEVING The Power of Persistent Prayer What Jesus teaches us about perseverance, faith in difficult moments, the goodness of the Father, and the courage to keep praying when life does not give us immediate answers. FAITH • PERSISTENCE • TRUST • HOPE There are moments in life when we pray, wait, pray again—and still see no answer. We pray for healing, but the illness remains. We pray for peace, but conflict continues. We pray for a breakthrough, but the door appears closed. We ask God for direction, yet the road ahead remains uncertain. In those moments, a difficult question may enter our hearts: Does God hear me? Am I asking for too much? Should I stop praying because nothing seems to be changing? Jesus addresses this human struggle in Luke 11:5–13. He tells a story a...

WHEN CRUDE OIL PRICES SURGE : Winners, Losers & the Impact on the Indian Stock Market

THE CRA PERSPECTIVE WHEN CRUDE OIL PRICES SURGE Winners, Losers & the Impact on the Indian Stock Market From NIFTY 50 and Bank NIFTY to the rupee, inflation, corporate earnings and global markets — understanding how an oil-price shock travels through the financial system. GLOBAL MACROECONOMICS • SECTOR ANALYSIS • MARKET EDUCATION One commodity. Many consequences. Crude oil is more than an energy commodity. It is an important input into transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, chemicals, aviation, logistics and several other parts of the economy. Consequently, a sharp increase in crude oil prices can influence corporate profitability, household purchasing power, inflation, currency movements, government finances and stock-market valuations. For India, the relationship is especially im...