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Discipline for routine: The game changer
How many times have we not made New Year resolutions but have not been able to achieve them?
When we are unable to achieve them we vow to ourselves that at the end of the year, we shall make proper New Year resolutions and this time we will make it happen only for the New Year to travel on and close to the end the story repeats itself.
A lot of people find themselves in this situation and if they were to rate their success, it may hover around 48 per cent. There is a popular quote that is generally attributed to Einstein that” Insanity, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
“A careful analysis will most likely reveal that, the discipline required to put in the required effort and the consistency required is absent in the execution phase of whatever plan has been put in place to realise the objectives.
Discipline according to the Oxford Dictionary is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, with punishment or other undesirable consequences for those failing to comply.
When we say someone is disciplined, what can be observed in his behaviour is consistency whether it is in connection with reporting for events on time, providing a particular service as promised on schedule etc.
In other words, that behaviour has become routine or has become a habit. If 2026 is going to be different from the previous years, as far as the achievement of New Year’s resolutions are concerned, then things must be done in a routine manner which will then ensure consistency.
If the resolution is say a closer walk with God by the end of the year for example, then the plan may be to sleep early enough and be able to wake up at say 5:00 am and pray and meditate on the Word of God.
This must be done every day, that is, you should have the discipline to make this routine behaviour which some people refer to as habit and that is what would ensure the realisation of your objective by the end of the year.
The question of how did you arrive at your new year’s resolution becomes very important. It brings in the God factor, which for me as a believer is very important because if you are say an Entrepreneur, then innovate ideas are what you need and according to Deuteronomy 8:18, innovative ideas to get wealth comes from God.
I believe that to be able to achieve our new year’s resolutions, we must approach them with a project management mindset. We should break the year into periods, either quarterly or monthly and evaluate our performance.
The end of the periods we have chosen should mark the achievement of certain goals or key milestones. This will reveal to us whether we are on track, whether we need to double up or there is the need to adjust certain things.
This year start looking at potential hindrances to the achievement of your resolutions. Check how much time you spend on social media for fun, like following the Akosua Serwaa and Odo Broni story and not for learning something useful that can add value to your life.
On a personal level, I have started cutting the time spent on listening to news and debates on various media platforms and using the time to polish my German and French as one of my resolutions.
Yours may be the time you spend on the phone chatting with friends, so please watch it and adjust especially as a child of God, so you too can have a testimony to share on December 31, 2026, to the glory of God. God bless.
NB: ‘KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
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Introduction
In today’s fast-paced, high-achieving society, it’s common to glorify long hours and an unwavering commitment to one’s profession. However, when dedication turns into an obsession, it can have severe and far-reaching consequences.
Workaholism, a pattern of behavior characterised by excessive and compulsive work habits, is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
Defining workaholism: The Psychology behind the behavior
Workaholism is often driven by a combination of internal and external factors, including:
Internal Pressures:
Perfectionism: an unrelenting drive for flawlessness
Fear of failure: anxiety about not meeting expectations
Need for control: a desire to micromanage every aspect of work and life
External Pressures:
Job demands: high expectations from employers or clients
Organisational culture: a workplace environment that encourages or demands excessive work hours
Societal expectations: pressure to succeed and maintain a certain status
The health consequences: A growing concern
Prolonged workaholism can lead to a range of serious health issues, including:
1. Cardiovascular problems: hypertension, heart disease, and stroke due to chronic stress and neglect of physical health
2. Mental health concerns: anxiety, depression, and burnout, often exacerbated by lack of social support and self-care
3. Sleep disorders: insomnia, sleep deprivation, and related health issues, such as impaired cognitive function and mood disturbances
4. Immune system suppression: increased susceptibility to illnesses, such as colds, flu, and autoimmune diseases
5. Nutritional deficiencies: poor eating habits, weight changes, and related health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease
The lethality risks: A hidden danger
In extreme cases, workaholism can have lethal consequences, including:
1. Sudden cardiac death: increased risk due to chronic stress, hypertension, and neglect of physical health
2. Suicide: work-related stress and pressure can contribute to suicidal ideation, particularly in individuals with underlying mental health conditions
3. Accidents and injuries: fatigue and decreased cognitive function increase the risk of workplace accidents and errors
The social and emotional toll: Relationships and identity
Workaholism can also have devastating effects on personal relationships and overall well-being, leading to:
1. Strained relationships: family, friends, and colleagues may feel neglected, abandoned, or resentful
2. Loss of personal identity: over-identification with work can lead to a loss of interests, hobbies, and sense of purpose outside of work
3. Decreased productivity: burnout and decreased motivation can result in reduced job performance and satisfaction
4. Impaired cognitive function: decreased creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities due to chronic stress and fatigue
Breaking the cycle: Strategies for recovery
Recognising the signs of workaholism is crucial to preventing its negative consequences. Strategies for overcoming workaholism include:
1. Setting boundaries: establishing a healthy work-life balance and prioritising self-care
2. Prioritising self-care: engaging in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and social connections
3. Seeking support: therapy, support groups, and social connections can provide emotional support and guidance
4. Re-evaluating priorities: reassessing values and goals to align with a more balanced and fulfilling life
Conclusion
Workaholism is a serious issue that can have severe and far-reaching consequences for individuals, organisations, and society as a whole. By acknowledging the risks and taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance, we can mitigate the negative effects of workaholism and promote overall well-being.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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LAST Saturday, January 10, 2026, the Mfantseman Kuw Finland Association organised a New Year party in Helsinki.
Organised under the theme “Unity and Progress,” the colourful event was aimed at ushering in the association’s activities for the year 2026.
It was well attended and graced by representatives of Ghanaian migrant groups such as the Ghana Union Finland, Asanteman Finland, Brong Ahafo, and the Ghanaian Muslim community, as well as Finnish friends and other nationalities.
A history of Mfantseman Kuw Finland
The Mfantseman Kuw was registered in Finland on February 25, 2013. It was started when a group of Ghanaian migrants in Finland thought of bringing together people in Finland who are from the Fante ethnic group in southern Ghana. Later, members of other ethnic groups and Finnish people were welcomed to join the association.
The Mfantseman Kuw was formed mainly to assist its members to be informed and well integrated into Finnish society, and to seek the general well-being and advancement of its members as good citizens and residents in Finland.
It also aims to assist members in times of need and in celebrations of personal achievements. Such areas include death and funeral support, youth and gender advocacy, support in social activities, education, and counselling on civic participation, to ensure that the association is beneficial to its members in as many diverse ways as possible.
Unity in diversity and exciting displays
Last Saturday’s event featured impressive and diverse cultural displays from the Akan culture in Ghana, of which the Fantis form a major part. The event was spiced with rich cultural dance performances and colourful attires, which were a delight to watch.
The association often collaborates with others at events where its members adorn colourful kente and other Ghanaian fabrics. In line with its mission to showcase Ghanaian or Akan/Fante culture in Finland as a way to promote unity in diversity, the association also treated the audience last Saturday to typical Fante highlife and other types of Ghanaian music.
Invited to the stage by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr Frank Aidoo, who is also the Abusuapanyin of Mfantseman Kuw, various individual guests and representatives of associations delivered inspirational messages.
A particular side attraction was a competition in which children danced to highlife music, coordinated by Mr Kofi Essuman, the Okyeame of Mfantseman Kuw, and Madam Miriam Boateng, one of the organisers of the association.
Collaborations
Social networks of family, friends, and migrant associations have become important points for interaction, securing information, and education about various issues.
The way forward for 2026
In the year 2026, the Mfantseman Kuw Finland aims to work even more on collaborations, networking, and other activities to promote unity, peace, and the wellbeing of its members and others even outside the association.
Mfantseman Kuw strives to be a network that creates important social capital, as well as an outlet for sharing information and knowledge. Public agencies, migrant associations, and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Finland have been publishing information to help educate people about issues concerning health. For example, one important way Mfantseman Kuw supports its members is by helping to organise burial or funeral rites of a deceased member. This is also a good way to display Ghanaian culture, as many people mostly wear Ghanaian-style funeral clothes and designs made with fabrics from Ghana.
Mfantseman Kuw has been collaborating with other organisations such as Asanteman, Brong Ahafo, the Ghanaian Muslim group, and the Ghana Union Finland—the major Ghanaian migrant group in Finland—to promote the wellbeing of Ghanaian migrants in Finland. The association hopes to increase such activities in 2026.
Generally, migrant associations formally create awareness among their members and other migrants, usually in collaboration with some Finnish institutions, and are thus an important tool for several migrants to be positively active in society. Mfantseman Kuw hopes to support such efforts by contributing its quota as best as it can.
As stated previously, the role of migrant associations acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants—through participation in the decision-making process and by acting as a representative voice—is highly appreciated in Finland.
By Perpetual Crentsil
perpetualcrentsil@yahoo.com
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