MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Success Stories:
Beyond The Connections
At Kopi Date, our vision of success transcends the traditional milestone of finding “the one”.
We believe that true success in dating encompasses both the discovery of a fulfilling relationship and the journey of personal growth that comes along with it. This series shines a light on members who embody our ethos of growth-minded dating.
How The Kaizen Philosophy Led To 200% More Second Dates Chances
Nathan, Martial Arts Instructor
Nathan’s* story is one of transformation and resilience, marked by personal triumphs. Speaking with his present self, it is hard to believe that he wasn't always at ease in social settings, as his charisma and engaging presence shine through effortlessly. He is a testament to the power of open-mindedness, resilience, and the beauty of human connection.
*The name has been changed to protect the confidentiality & privacy of our member.
Dedication, Determination, and Discipline
Spending his formative years in Shanghai, China, Nathan’s educational path took him through the corridors of an international school, where his ambitions outpaced the curriculum; hidden beneath was his passion was Brazilian jiu-jitsu. However, Shanghai's limited options couldn't quench this thirst, and it wasn't until he returned to Singapore that he found his groove on the mat while simultaneously tackled a diploma in business management and counseling and worked to become a qualified emergency medical technician where he often visited homes and learned about different lifestyles while aiding the sick.
“Personal growth is constant”
The duality of his pursuits—discipline in martial arts and compassion in healthcare—paints a picture of a man committed to helping others, whether through physical prowess or medical expertise.
Nathan's commitment to development is not only external, but it is also profoundly personal. He embarked on a weight-loss journey that saw him trim down to under 90 kg by 2023. His routine was rigorous: working out three times a week and maintaining six days of physical activity as a martial arts instructor. “Adherence is crucial," he says, emphasizing the importance of finding a sustainable routine. This philosophy extends beyond fitness, encapsulating his approach to life and relationships.
Kopi Date and The Kaizen Philosophy
Nathan's introduction to Kopi Date was almost accidental. During the pandemic, he noticed the platform's banners on train rides, but it wasn't until he ventured into online dating that an Instagram ad caught his eye.
Approaching Kopi Date with his characteristic open-mindedness, each date offered an experience that shaped his views on life and relationships. By removing the visual preconceptions, it allows for more authentic connections: “When you look at a person's appearance, you put them in a box," he explains. “This format lets you see beyond that."
Among his dates, one stands out—a date with a financially ambitious woman who challenged his notions of self-interest and ambition. “She taught me that it's okay to be selfish, to have ambition for oneself," Nathan recalls. This was a particularly striking conversation that brought things into perspective, specifically being brought up in a cultural background where collectivist ideals often overshadow personal aspirations.
“It takes two interested parties to show up and try to see if theres a potential future.”
If connecting seems effortless for Nathan, it is a journey that didn't just happen overnight. He highlights that social skills didn't come naturally for him; they were honed through years of effort and a commitment. He references the Japanese Kaizen philosophy of lifelong growth— one that requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to embrace change. It was also through this philosophy that he recognized the dynamic nature of human beings: constantly evolving and changing.
His approach to relationships is equally nuanced. His key takeaway? It takes two willing parties to make a relationship work, where both parties actively participate and invest in the potential of what could be. So for Nathan, the potential for a second date was never dismissed lightly.
He believes that every person had their own story to tell and that by saying yes to a second date, he was inviting the possibility of discovering something new and meaningful. This willingness to explore and engage with others on a deeper level not only enriched his own life but also paved the way for connections to blossom.
Kaizen, Nathan’s guiding principles
Nathan’s Advice
His advice for those considering or already on the platform is simple yet profound: seize the moment, embrace the challenges, and never give up. For Nathan, the best time to start is now, echoing the sentiment that true failure only comes from quitting.
It's not about finding perfection or certainty but rather about embracing the journey together, with all its twists and turns. And in this journey, Nathan found a newfound sense of openness and willingness to explore the endless possibilities that life—and love—have to offer.
FREE! Healthy Dating Guide
Healthy relationships are essential for a fulfilling life.
Kopi Date’s Healthy Dating Guide is designed to help singles date healthily and build long-term, fulfilling relationships.