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!

 

KINDNESS IS NOT A DEBT YOU PAY, BUT AN INVESTMENT YOU MAKE

Today, I have two stories for you. Both of them are true. Here's the first one:

Maxwell Morrison was well and truly screwed. He was standing in a courtroom in Bangkok, waiting for his sentence. The offence was drug trafficking, and if found guilty, the sentence would be life in one of the most horrific prisons in the world. The problem was that Maxwell was innocent. The drugs had been found stashed in a musical instrument he had agreed to carry through the checkpoint for a woman who had appeared to have her hands full with a baby, two young children and a whole lot of hand luggage. Of course, the moment the sniffer dogs singled him out for special attention, the woman and her children evaporated into thin air.

He had tried to explain this to the judge in his super-fast-track case, which had so far lasted less than 45 minutes, but the prosecution had countered by pointing out that it would take a very stupid person indeed to be suckered into carrying anything through a security checkpoint for a stranger - especially in this modern post-9/11 world. They had also pointed out that back home in Nottingham, Maxwell was a police officer. A security expert, who could never be as naïve as he was now pretending to be. Maxwell's only counter-argument to that had been, "Appearances can be deceptive". The Judge had given him the strangest look when he said that.

No, things were certainly not going well for him in this case. His only witness had been a British passenger who had seemed a bit drunk during her testimony. She admitted she had seen the woman hand the instrument to Maxwell, but added that they appeared to be travelling together. Again, Maxwell's defence was, "Appearances can be deceptive".

He remembered with irony the first time he had actually heard the expression "Appearances can be deceptive". It was in the eighties. He was a teenager going through a punk rock phase. He wore nothing but black, had multiple body piercings and was always playing with a scary-looking flip-knife. All the kids in school were afraid of him and steered well clear. One afternoon when he was enjoying some peace and quiet behind the boat shed, listening to Grateful Dead on his walkman, he heard a commotion. Three kids were bullying a foreign student. They were about to throw the little kid into the river, and the poor boy kept crying, "Please! Please, I can't swim!"

Maxwell intervened. At first, the three bullies wanted to fight it out, but Maxwell was a good three inches taller than the tallest of them. Plus, he had his knife, and he made them believe he was happy to use it. So they dropped the little foreign boy and went off to find a new victim. Maxwell asked the relieved kid if he was alright. The boy adjusted his glasses, looked at Maxwell for a long moment and said, "Appearances can be deceptive".

"Why do you say that?" Maxwell asked.

"Well, everybody thinks you're scary. Some kids even said you stabbed a teacher once. You're the last person I'd have expected to come to my aid. But thank you for doing so. I would have drowned if you hadn't. In Thailand where I come from, you owe the person who saves your life an eternal debt which you spend the rest of your life paying back. My name is Tran Pack, and I will never forget what you did for me." With that, he shook Maxwell's hand and ran off.

Back in the Bangkok courtroom, Maxwell allowed himself a wry smile as he recalled that childhood episode. Thirty years after he saved a Thai kid's life, he was now a 45-year old policeman, about to spend the rest of his own life in a Thai prison, all because appearances can be deceptive. He snapped out of his reflections as the judge banged his gavel three times. It was time for the verdict.

 

And that's where I'll end the first story. Here's the second story.

Judge Tran Pack could not believe his eyes when Maxwell Morrison walked into his courtroom. Thirty two years had not done much to change his appearance, so Tran recognised him at once. He listened patiently for 45 minutes and then banged his gavel three times before giving the verdict. "Mr Morrison, appearances can indeed be deceptive. Not guilty. You're free to go."

And that is the end of the second story.

I know I don't need to say much more about the lessons from these two stories. As you live your lives, please take every opportunity to do something unforgettable for someone who can't pay you back today. They'll pay you back tomorrow with interest.

Kindness is not a debt you pay, but an investment you make.

My name is Kofi Anokye, a development enthusiast, and now, let’s go out there and show exactly what we’re made of!

 

CHILD MARRIAGE: A LOOMING GLOBAL DANGER, AN ISSUE TOO LONG IGNORED IN GHANA

The upsurge of child marriage is of grave concern in Ghana. This age-old practice is rife in various communities across the length and breadth of the country. Child marriage inhibits girls' educational development, employability and subsequently influences their view of the world. The act takes the form of abduction, elopement and betrothal of these young girls who are mostly sold for a bride price.

In the matter of child marriage and its associated disadvantages to the girl child development, there have been global efforts to reduce to the barest minimum the canker of the phenomenon. In line with this, the first and third targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) four and five respectively states: “by 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes; eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilations”.

Ghana's 1998 Children's Act (Act 560) and the 1992 Constitution of Ghana clearly prohibit any person from forcing a child to be betrothed or be the subject of a dowry transaction or to be married. However, the war against child or early marriage cannot be won when girls do not understand the consequences that come along with it. The focus must be on making girls understand that their future success is not in being wives; instead, it's in their skills and intellectual development.

The UNFPA's theory of change for Ghana suggests that for girls to fully enjoy their childhood free from the risk of marriage, they are to experience healthier, safer and more empowered life transitions while in control of their own destiny, including making choices and decisions about their education, relationship formation or marriage and childbearing. It suggests that there must be an acceleration of action to address child marriage in Ghana by enhancing investments in and support for married and unmarried girls alike, making visible the corresponding benefits of this assistance; engaging key actors, including young people, as agents of change in catalysing shifts towards what positive gender norms; increasing political support, resources, policies and frameworks promoting positive change and improving data and evidence base.

In order for Ghana to realize this vision, there are some critical questions to be considered. How well informed are the citizenry in both rural and urban areas on human rights issues and the consequences of committing such abuses? Have we empowered our numerous institutions that are responsible for protecting the girl-child in our country? Many of the abuses that are committed and swept under the carpet are not because we do not have institutions that can protect the rights of the victims and punish the culprits, it is because these institutions do not have enough resources to follow these issues. All these start and end with how adequately our institutions are resourced from national to the district levels to ensure that the triple phenomenon of dropping out of school and child marriage, which hinder the progress of the girl, is brought to an end.

To end child marriage also requires the engagement of the media as significant partners in shaping societal perception and social norms. The media’s increased advocacy on the factors fuelling the practice, the subsequent challenges and the benefits of ending the practice is very important, and must be encouraged. There should be consistent sensitization programs on the need to abstain from such vices and empower parents, as well as guardians with the acquisition of knowledge in order to invest their resources in their girl children. When these girls and communities are encouraged to know that there is a better alternative to becoming brides or marrying girls, this nation only loses the triple phenomenon that hinder the successful skill and intellectual development of the girl child.

From time to time, we keep dealing with the consequences of the problems that confront us, yet we seem to lose sight of the root cause of the problems.

My name is Kofi Anokye, a development enthusiast, and I will not allow fantasies wishful thinking and bedtime stories to be the bedrock on which our economy is being rebuilt but take a cold look at agendas and factual records and act decisively and swiftly to build a better Ghana.