These last few months of 2026, I am embarking on a new journey. Over the past several months I
have tried out some aspects of my “new way of life” but not in the manner I am doing now and I
am sure you are doing same too. Draft your own points based on what is important to you and let
us begin the journey together. It is never too late.
Many of the things I am working on now are guided by years of interaction with different people,
what may be my purpose in my opinion, great family and friends and the type of wisdom that
comes only with years.
Self-Care
Quite often we try to take care of everything and everyone without ensuring we are appropriately
“charged”. There is nothing to give out if you are empty. Self-care is NOT a luxury and it has
taken me years to appreciate this;
a. I will add a new hobby I have been toying with.
b. Surrounding myself with like-minded people who energize me, make me laugh and be
the best version of myself. Building Social capital pays.
c. I am spending quality time with God daily
d. Spending time in nature is key and I ensure that I take much needed breaks
e. Spending a few minutes a day to meditate, exercise and spoil myself sometimes
f. I will have some hours each day that will be blocked out as “no phone time”
Keeping a Goal Diary
Many people have described ways of putting down your goals and seeing them happen. My
coach taught me the power of VISUALIZATION but over the years I went off that golden path.
It’s time to get back. This is what I am doing now;
a. In a diary I am writing everything I want to be or do as long as I have breath. No
pressure.
b. I am writing in the present tense; “I am spending an amazing week in a 7-Star resort with
the people I love the most”
c. I will look at this list everyday
Start a Gratitude Bank
I listened to this recently and though it was not referred to as a Gratitude Bank, I believe that is
exactly what it is.
a. I picked a diary to write in but others choose a transparent container to drop in written
points. Choose what you are comfortable with.
b. At the end of each week I will write something(s) I am grateful for and put in the
container.
c. Whenever I feel “ungrateful” I will read through them to remind myself how blessed I am
and surely I will be holding the “evidence”
d. On 31 st December I will go through the list irrespective of my mood.
Practice. Practice. Practice
This is exactly as it – whatever you have written out in your diary to do, from self-care through
your goals etc. prioritize or focus on a few at a time. As you practice e.g. meditating, exercising,
eating right and the many great things you want to do, these will all GROW. Whatever you
practice GROWS.
Make the world a better place
I believe that we can make a difference in our corner no matter the challenges.
a. That smile will change someone’s life
b. An act of kindness is contagious and the giver, receiver and all those observing benefit
immensely. Let us spread kindness.
c. The Blood Bank on my mind for this year and beyond.
What are you focusing on, what are you practicing?
Do share your list with me via email.
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND
REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood
pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Health Essentials Ltd/ Medics Clinic
(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)
*Dr. Essel is a Medical Doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Medicine, He holds an MBA and is
an ISSA Specialist in Exercise Therapy, Fitness Nutrition and Corrective Exercise. He is the author
of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’
Thought for the week –“Never change your originality for the sake of others because no one can
play your role better than you. So be yourself. You are the best.” – Unknown
References:
- Unravelling the Essentials of Health & Wealth; Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
