MAKING HEADS TURN: REPOSITIONING IS KEY

Yesterday, I met a group of colleagues who shared with me how much they enjoy my articles. I honestly do not think people realize exactly how much motivation can be imparted to someone through a little bit of appreciation. The purpose of today’s message is to encourage you.

Today is a day of second chances and opportunities to reinvent ourselves. I have always wondered why we stay at the bottom when life hits us very hard. One thing I have come to appreciate about life through my many experiences is that, you can always decide to carve out your path no matter what! As long as you are alive and breathing, you can give life to your dreams. Unless you are no longer passionate about that particular business or relationship, if you truly want to make it, you are the best driver! You can comeback despite the number of times people tell you 'no' or in spite of the number of times it gets very sour. Make a plan that reflects the lessons you have learnt. Review, reflect and make a refreshed plan that will ensure you are not repeating old mistakes and that you are making better choices to influence a different outcome. 

If you ever have to consider holding back for a while to re-energize yourself psychologically and financially, do not approach it with a mindset that you have failed. Consider all the things you are sure to learn if you open your mind and allow the people around you to teach you new things. One thing I always reiterate is the fact that soft skills are important, and they can only be learnt with intention. So, for instance if you always cave under pressure and that causes you to lose an opportunity, consider being intentional this time with self- control, comportment and patience. You will be surprised how much you will learn.

Having to transition and take a step back is not an easy decision at all. In whatever new job or position you find yourself; you must stay present and give a 100%. Be present and do what you will do if it were your own business. There is value to be gained, financial rewards to be earned and a lot of skills to be learnt when we avail ourselves and learn what we should.                                                               

We should not be stuck or distracted looking at other people's success. Instead, let us be motivated and driven to be more focused on ourselves to become the best version of ourselves.

My name is Kofi Anokye. From today, let’s all be extraordinary.

 

AFRICA ON THE RISE, BUT TO WHERE? A 3-POINT INSIGHT FOR AFRICANS

Many people I speak to seem paralyzed by the sheer magnitude and scale of the challenges that face our continent - Africa. The fascination with debt instead of development is becoming untenable, tiresome and boring. The historians of today know different, that given time, the narrative of debt and the cardinal necessity of beautiful statistics will not fill the stomachs of the hungry, give jobs to the unemployed or house the homeless.

The current total worth of Africa, with all its 54 countries, is US$2.4 trillion. Whereas Apple company is worth US$2.56 trillion. Clearly, Apple is wealthier than the entire continent with all its resources put together. In other words, all of Africa’s national incomes combined do not match up to Apple company.

Over the past years, poverty reduction has been accelerating in the poorest countries of the world, but not so fast enough in the so-called continent of wealth, AFRICA. According to recent estimates, the number of deprived people in the region has grown from 278 million to 413 million in the last 25 years, while the average skyrocketing poverty rate of 41% makes Africa the poorest of all time. What is more depressing is that the continent is blessed with some of the rarest minerals on earth and yet more than 300 million Africans are living in extreme conditions with daily wage less than $1.90. Despite the fact that few sub Saharan nations are showing signs of improvement, most are stuck in scarcity.

Does Africa have an excuse?

Japan emerged from the devastation of the atomic attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to become an industrial giant, dominating the auto and electronic sectors. China, India, South Korea and many countries in Asia and South America are now economic giants claiming a fair share of the world's wealth. Where is Africa's share in the global trade? Or is ours to provide the raw materials to make others rich? The past can be a guide but not an excuse for what or where we are.

As the world emerged from COVID-19 in 2022, the Russian-Ukraine war erupted, then inflation, gas price hikes and now a looming recession in 2023. But in the midst of a chaotic world, it is argued that Africa with a current population of 1.4 billion appears to present the next set of blue ocean opportunities. What is the right mindset which will enable Africans to navigate the maze?

Point one: Those of us who seek to be the midwives of an African Renaissance beyond the “easy headline”, the “catchy soundbite” or social media activism, must accept the responsibility to create the condition necessary for Africa to rise. Our inaction will inevitably result in Africa faltering. That means we must, in the words of Albert Arnold Gore Jr., “come to believe in hope over despair, striving over resignation and faith over cynicism.” We must not get trapped in inaction; we must choose to play a meaningful role in line with our skills, capabilities, interests and value system.

Point two: A great Ivorian proverb says: “the outsider does not know the path through the calabash trees.” In order words, we know our continent better than others; it is our responsibility to be the primary movers in the rebirth of our continent, with help and support from others. The future we create must and should be a future of our own making. The inescapable fact is that this is our responsibility; no-one else’s. This time, this moment in Africa’s history, requires what Robert F. Kennedy described in his seminal speech at a Nusas seminar in Cape Town in 1966: “This world demands the qualities of youth; not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease”.

Point three: Robert F. Kennedy reminds us of the timeless words of Archimedes: “Give me a place to stand, and I will move the world.” He also pointed out: “The reality is that few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” Each one of us, in our spheres of influence and in line with our capabilities and interest, can play a meaningful role in our families, communities, societies, countries or across the continent to bring about change. Such change will not come from heroic action by one individual or a chosen few brave souls, change across our continent will come because “it is from numberless diverse act of courage and belief that human history is shaped.

Conclusion

We are nowhere near where we should be, and where we all want to be, but there is a feeling we are all in this together, and we shall get out and prosper together. I urge all those of you who, like me are moved by the plight of our continent, but may feel that your effort would be futile, to start today and focus on one or few areas of change that you can influence.

My name is Kofi Anokye, a development enthusiast, and I write you this in the spirit of purpose, passion, performance and perseverance.

DON'T GET CAUGHT OFF GUARD

Yesterday, I had a conversation with a group of young people who had set a very large, but extremely important goal for themselves. I commended them for their efforts so far in trying to achieve their goal, but I could tell that they were quickly becoming overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of their undertaking. 

For their benefit, I wrote today’s message of motivation. Now, some of you may have heard me talk about this before, but I guess it does not hurt to hear the truth twice.

If you desire and expect to succeed and experience much progress plus abundant prosperity in your relationships, home, family, life, education, profession, ministry, leadership position, projects, travel, and other activities for this year and the future, then you must carefully and diligently prepare and organize properly for the achievement of your goals and projects. 

Good preparation is a sign of seriousness for the pursuit of a true vision. It indicates faith and commitment to a dream, hope, or expectation, and is a sure sign of diligence. 

If you are praying for rain, then, do not go out without your umbrella! My dear, good ideas help, but consistent good planning makes a real difference.

We desire to see great results, but then we do not fulfill the planning and preparation requirements involved. We want things to slide down the easy road of no-preparation, and wait to see accomplishments along the path of no diligent efforts on our part.

That is not how God planned a normal, healthy, and happy life to be. Work, planning, organization, and preparation were a vital part of the normal, fruitful life that God originally gave to mankind. God categorically instructed Joshua to plan and prepare to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The fact that God was leading, protecting, and providing for them did not guarantee success without preparation.

The popular saying goes: “If you fail to plan, then you have plan to fail.” All of us can testify that considering all the projects and activities we have engaged in before, the maximum productivity and success resulted from those ones that we paid more attention to prepare properly, and took much time to plan the details.

From today, let us not avoid constructive and detailed planning and organization for many things that we do.

My name is Kofi Anokye, and I love what I do. For me, planning is not work, it's a way of life.

A TOAST TO THE BRAVE

Have I ever told you about my friend Stephen? Today, I want to tell you the secret behind my friend’s success.

Stephen had always dreamed of becoming a banker. He had grown up in a small town, and his parents had instilled in him the importance of working hard and pursuing his dreams.

After graduating from high school, Stephen enrolled in a local college to study finance. He was a diligent student, always working hard and pushing himself to learn as much as possible. However, he soon discovered that the banking industry was highly competitive, and landing a job in the field was not easy.

Despite facing several rejections, Stephen refused to give up on his dream. He continued to apply for banking jobs, attending countless interviews and networking events. Every time he was turned down, he used the experience as an opportunity to learn and grow, identifying areas where he could improve and working to hone his skills.

Finally, after several months of searching, Stephen received an offer from a small regional bank. Although the salary was lower than he had hoped for, he was thrilled to have the chance to work in the industry he had always dreamed of.

Over the next few years, Stephen worked hard, learning as much as he could and building strong relationships with his colleagues and clients. He quickly established a reputation as a talented and hardworking banker, and his career began to take off.

Despite facing several setbacks along the way, including economic downturns and personal challenges, Stephen remained focused on his goals and refused to give up. He continued to push himself to learn and grow, attending training courses and conferences and taking on new challenges whenever they presented themselves.

Over time, Stephen's hard work paid off. He was promoted several times, eventually rising to a senior position at the bank. Today, he is regarded as one of the top bankers in his country, known for his expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his clients and colleagues.

Looking back on his journey, Stephen is grateful for the challenges he faced and the obstacles he overcame. He knows that his success is the result of his determination and hard work, and he is proud of the person he has become.

For Stephen, the lesson is clear: never give up on your dreams, no matter how challenging the road may be. His favourite scripture is 1 Samuel 30:6 – “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”

My name is Kofi Anokye, and I believe in you. Have a great month and never give up!

SACRIFICE: A CLARION CALL!

How much pain are we ready to endure for our happiness? We can endure the worst pain when we're doing what we love. 

At age 12, I loved playing football. The camaraderie with my friends, the ecstasy of scoring a goal, and the adrenaline pumping after the game gave me a lift that far surpassed any illness.

When asked, "What do you want in life?" most people may answer, "I want to be happy," "I want to make money," "I want to be famous," or "I want to have a big house." So maybe the better question to ask is this: what sacrifices are we willing to make and endure, to achieve our happiness? 

Over the years, I have found that there is something fulfilling, and even strangely euphoric, about reaping what we sow.

Look at parenting, for instance. We wake up earlier than usual (not always voluntarily) to be with the kids; we drive them to church, school, sports games, and we care about their well-being. We accept this form of sacrifice not only because we love them, but also because there is meaning to our sacrifice. 

In this world, everything is about balance. You get from life what you put in. So if you don’t like what you’re getting, change what you’re giving.

Today is the day of new leafs, the day of second chances and opportunities to reinvent ourselves. In order for this day to be of value, we must be prepared to sacrifice a lot in chasing what we love.

My name is Kofi Anokye, and I believe in you.

HAPPY NEW MONTH OF FEBRUARY!

GREATER HEIGHTS? YES, IT’S POSSIBLE!

Yesterday, during my research, I came across an article, and I knew I simply had to tell you about it.

Humans are capable of amazing feats under pressure. There is a popular quote that “people are resilient and resourceful when the heat is on”.

But why must we always wait until there’s pressure before we put up our best? If we are capable, why don’t we show our capability every time? Why wait until our backs are against the wall before we reveal our brilliance?

When we are about to have visitors, we clean up our homes. Why not keep them clean all the time? When exams are near, we stay up all night and try to memorise loads of material. Why not just study everyday so there’s no need to cram at the end? 

We are capable of so much, yet we hold back our best until we are forced to give it. Are we not living life backwards when we do that? You see, the pursuit of excellence requires us to be the best versions of ourselves every single day. Not only when someone is watching, not only when there’s a reward, not only when there’s competition, not only when there’s a deadline, not only in an emergency, but every single hour of every single day. What’s the point of holding some back?

My dear, every day, you should put on your best clothes, give out your best ideas, put in your best work and have the best time doing it. Don’t cheat yourself out of success by bringing anything less than your absolute A-Game every day, starting with today.

My name is Kofi Anokye. From today, let’s all be extraordinary.

SMALL OR BIG? IT’S UP TO YOU

One of my favourite things to do with my time is to read and watch documentaries and I have had loads of role models through this exercise.

I always feel the more I stay connected to them and their stories, the more I can understand the secrets to their success. So I read and watch documentaries about them, and try to apply their philosophies to my own life.

Today, I would like to share with you a prolific lesson I learnt some years ago.

I read about the legendary basketball coach - John Wooden, and came across his interview with Newsweek. He said “I think it’s the little things that really count. The first thing I would show our players at our first meeting was how to take a little extra time for them to put on their shoes and socks properly”.

He went on to describe that though putting on socks and shoes correctly and meticulously was a small act, it both prevented many injuries on the hard basketball floor and taught players the discipline and power of doing things correctly, small or big.

Lesson: How we do anything is how we do everything. A little progress each day adds up to big results.

My name is Kofi Anokye, and I believe in you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!