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Venoms that kill your motivation and their antidotes
It’s hard to keep motivation alive sometimes
Here’s a short story that may or may not sound familiar. One day an enticing and fresh idea knocks on your door, you welcome it into your life and soon it blossoms into an exciting new project you can’t wait to start working on.
So you get down to business! All hands on deck. You feel good, motivated, unstoppable and inspired. Everything goes well…at least for a while.
Somewhere along the way, things start to go south. The motivation that fuelled you at the beginning is gone and without it your project can’t survive much longer.
After this, a wave of frustration invades you. You don’t know what went wrong and honestly you are too disheartened to perform an autopsy on the ‘dead project.’
After grieving for a while, you move on to the next one, excited and motivated like before. But soon afterwards the next project dies too! And before you know it, you have a pile of dead projects buried in your backyard.
At this point you can’t help but wonder why it is so hard to keep motivation alive? Most of the time the cause of death was one (or a concoction) of these venoms listed below.
SELF-COMPARISON
Nothing drains your energy more than comparing yourself with others. Seriously, it’s an incredibly exhausting task. That’s why it’s no surprise that at the end of the day, you have no energy left to invest in your projects and personal goals.
Comparison is a natural process the human brain has been doing for ages and it’s a key feature of our species.
If you want to achieve the objectives you have set for yourself, the first thing you have to learn is how to be energy-efficient and reserve your precious and limited mental energy for the things that really matter and that will bring you something useful or productive in the long run.
For example: comparing a stunning shot of an Instagram model basking in the sun on a tropical island against ourselves on a Sunday morning is not only unfair and irrational, but also unfruitful, pointless and incredibly toxic.
And it’s called self-destructive comparison. That’s the type you don’t want to engage in.
On the contrary, comparing your habits and lifestyle with a well-planned nutrition and fitness programme, actively seeking and identifying our weak spots and be willing to improve them in order to live a healthier life, is meaningful and productive and it’s self-evaluation or constructive comparison. And that’s the type you’ll want to invest your precious and limited energy in.
In short, self-destructive comparison weakens our motivation while constructive comparison nurtures it.
STAGNATION
Think of motivation as a house plant. You need to constantly water it and nurture the soil for it to grow healthy. It will wither slowly and eventually die if you don’t dedicate time to take proper care of it.
“So what can I do to stimulate my motivation every day?” you may ask. The answer is pretty straightforward and it’s something you probably have heard about before: vision boards.
Remember that humans are visual creatures, so it’s no surprise that sometimes we need to see the things we want to achieve in order to keep moving forward. And what vision boards do best is helping you visualise your goals.
So what about creating one? They are incredibly simple to make on your electronic devices or you can even go to greater lengths, print it and hang it on your wall so you can see it everyday.
IMPATIENCE
We have to come to terms with the fact that good and worthwhile things take time and it’s imperative that we learn to cultivate the increasingly rare virtue of patience. Sometimes, especially when we are just getting started on a new project (which could be referred to as the “honeymoon period” of our projects).
While being high-spirited is important, things get dangerous when we start setting unrealistic goals.
Feeling constantly disappointed for not being able to reach the unreasonable milestones we set for ourselves, creates a sense of defeat that gradually weakens our motivation and causes us to get frustrated, disheartened and end up abandoning our projects altogether.
So what can you do to protect your motivation from the devastating effects of impatience? Start by allowing yourself to work slowly but surely by dividing tasks into small chunks and while you are at it, remember to watch out for the goals you set. Setting unrealistic goals can end your whole career before you even start.
Make it a habit to acknowledge and praise your progress, no matter how small the victory. Because seeing how much you have accomplished can give you the reassurance you need to know you are doing things right, and this knowledge helps keep impatience at bay.
PERFECTIONISM
Perfectionism slows you down and puts an unnecessary amount of pressure on your shoulders. It’s extremely time-consuming. Perfectionism affects your motivation the same way impatience does.
So, instead of sweating every little detail, worrying about every tiny thing and overthinking every small aspect of your project, try to focus on what’s really important.
Focus on the things that will really pay off and make a difference in the long run.
Being detail-oriented is a good thing, but don’t overdo it. When it comes to achieving your goals, the most important thing is to be consistent, not perfect.
Perfection is an illusion we can spend all our lives chasing after and never achieve. Instead, strive to find satisfaction in knowing that you are doing your best, learning and improving every day.
Source : Pickthebrian
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Akyem Kotoku’s Obrempong Kwame Akomeah Okogyeaman …not just a traditional leader; he’s a visionary
In an era where communities are seeking leadership that is both rooted in tradition and responsive to modern challenges, Obrempong Kwame Akomeah Okogyeaman stands tall as a shining example of purpose-driven leadership.
As the Akwansrahene of Akyem Kotoku, he embodies the true essence of service to the stool, dedication to unity, commitment to development, and an unwavering passion for the welfare of his people.
Enstooled in 2017 at the relatively young age of 31, Nana stepped into leadership with a clear sense of direction and responsibility.
Rather than viewing his position as one of prestige alone, he embraced it as a call to duty and a platform to create meaningful change.
Over the years, he has remained steadfast in this mission, earning admiration for his humility, accessibility, and results-oriented leadership style.
At the core of his vision is a desire to transform Akyem Kotoku into a thriving and self-sustaining community.
He envisions better roads, improved access to healthcare, enhanced educational opportunities, and a vibrant local economy driven largely by empowered youth.
This vision is not merely aspirational; it is backed by practical action and consistent engagement with stakeholders at all levels.
Nana’s leadership is deeply influenced by his passion to uplift others. His motivation stems from a genuine concern for the wellbeing of his people and a strong determination to honour the trust placed in him.
This has translated into tangible interventions, including support for road improvements, sanitation campaigns, and educational assistance for students.
His commitment to youth empowerment is particularly notable, as he continues to champion initiatives that equip young people with skills, discipline, and opportunities to succeed.
However, his journey has not been without challenges. Like many growing communities, Akyem Kotoku faces issues such as youth unemployment, infrastructural deficits, and limited access to healthcare.
Yet, Nana approaches these challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
Through strategic partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and well-meaning individuals, he has successfully mobilised resources to drive development initiatives forward.
A defining feature of his leadership is inclusivity. Nana strongly believes that development must be a collective effort, and he actively involves the youth and other community members in decision-making and implementation processes.
This participatory approach has strengthened community ownership and ensured the sustainability of projects.
Equally remarkable is his ability to strike a balance between tradition and modernity. While he remains deeply respectful of cultural values and customs, he embraces education, innovation, and progressive thinking as tools for growth.
He continues to advocate for time-tested values such as unity, discipline, communal labour, and respect for authority. These principles he believes are essential for any society seeking lasting development.
Transparency and accountability also define his leadership.
By maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring community involvement in projects, he has built a culture of trust and responsibility.
This has not only enhanced the success of his initiatives but has also strengthened the bond between leadership and the people.
Beyond his official duties, Nana’s philanthropic efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of many.
From supporting needy students to assisting vulnerable families, his generosity reflects a deep sense of compassion and social responsibility.
Among all his contributions, he finds the greatest fulfilment in advancing education, recognising it as the most powerful tool for transformation.
As he continues his journey, Obrempong Kwame Akomeah Okogyeaman remains focused on leaving behind a legacy that transcends his tenure, a legacy of unity, progress, and shared prosperity.
His message to fellow traditional leaders is both simple and powerful: lead with integrity, embrace collaboration, and remain committed to the development of your people.
To the youth, his words resonate with urgency and hope—stay focused, pursue knowledge and skills, respect your heritage, and rise above negative influences.
In his quiet moments, Nana reflects, reads, and engages with elders, constantly seeking wisdom to guide his leadership. It is this continuous pursuit of growth and service that sets him apart.
Indeed, in Obrempong Kwame Akomeah Okogyeaman, Akyem Kotoku has not just a traditional leader, but a visionary, a man whose life and work inspire confidence in the promise of community-led development.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
In a world where stories shape perceptions and influence change, Michelle Eyram Yorgbe, stands out as a compelling voice dedicated to using media as a tool for transformation.
An accomplished journalist and filmmaker, her journey is one marked by excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to social impact.
Eyram’s story begins at Mawuli Secondary School, where her passion for the arts and communication first took root.
Even at a young age, she exhibited a deep curiosity about the world around her and a desire to tell stories that matter. This early interest would later blossom into a purposeful career in media and storytelling.
Her academic path led her to the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), where she pursued a Diploma in Film Directing and Script Writing.
At NAFTI, Eyram honed her creative instincts, learning to craft narratives that not only entertain but also educate and inspire.
Her training laid a strong foundation, equipping her with the technical and artistic skills needed to excel in the dynamic world of film and media.
Driven by a desire to engage more deeply with public discourse, Eyram continued her education at the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT), where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism.
Her dedication and discipline quickly set her apart. She graduated with First Class Honours and was named the Overall Best Student of UniMAC-IFT in 2024, a remarkable achievement that underscored her commitment to excellence.
But she’s not one to rest on her laurels. After that feat, Eyram advanced to the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ) for her Master’s degree in Journalism. Once again, she distinguished herself academically, graduating as the Valedictorian of her cohort with an outstanding Final Grade Point Average of 3.94.
“It’s a big honour to graduate as the Overall Best Graduating student with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.94 in the MA in Journalism,” she shared her joy with The Spectator.
“What makes it even more beautiful was coming out as the Valedictorian on two occasions. I am so proud. This would, however mean nothing without a direct impact of this on society,” she said.
Her academic journey reflects not only intellectual brilliance but also a relentless pursuit of growth and impact.
In 2025, Eyram’s excellence gained international recognition when she was selected for further studies in Norway through a partnership between UniMAC-IJ and NLA University College under the Erasmus Mundus Mobility Programme.
This opportunity marked a significant milestone, allowing her to expand her horizons, engage with global perspectives, and refine her craft on an international stage.
Yet, beyond her impressive academic achievements, what truly defines Eyram is her heart for service.
She is deeply committed to advocacy and social development, particularly in championing gender equity and supporting marginalised communities.
Her passion for making a difference has seen her actively involved in community initiatives that bring tangible change to people’s lives.
As a volunteer with the Ghanaian Heritage Organisation, an NGO founded by members of the Ghanaian diaspora, Eyram played a pivotal role in community development projects across the Volta Region. Notably, she contributed to efforts that provided boreholes to underserved villages, bringing clean and accessible water to communities in need.
As the organisation’s only member based in Ghana, her role was both unique and impactful, bridging the gap between local needs and diaspora support.
Her commitment to social change is further reflected in her role as a co-founder of the Dreams Impact Foundation, an initiative she established alongside her sisters.
Through this foundation, Eyram has offered support to vulnerable groups by distributing sanitary products to schoolgirls and prison inmates, while also providing essential items to widows in disadvantaged communities.
These acts of compassion demonstrate her belief that storytelling must go hand in hand with action.
Outside her professional and humanitarian work, Eyram is an avid reader and a lover of films. These passions continue to enrich her perspective, shaping her understanding of narratives and reinforcing her dedication to telling stories that resonate and inspire.
As she steps into the next phase of her journey, she remains steadfast in her mission—to use journalism and storytelling as powerful tools for advocacy, social transformation, and amplifying the voices of the unheard.
Her story is not just one of personal success, but of purpose, a reminder that when talent meets passion and service, the result is truly transformative.
Indeed, Eyram is not only telling stories; she is changing lives, one narrative at a time through storytelling and service.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
