I’m Dr. Charles Apoki, and as we step into November, I’d like to remind you to take it easy. The calendar may be winding down, but your life and journey are far from over. Often, we feel pressured as the year ends, worrying about what we haven’t achieved or where we may have fallen short. But let me tell you—don’t rush yourself into a panic.
1. Life Continues—There’s No Deadline on Growth
Years flow into one another, creating continuity in our lives. What you didn’t accomplish this year can be revisited next year. Instead of stressing over missed targets, sit down, take stock, and evaluate. Review what worked and what didn’t. Look at the steps you missed, examine the reasons, and then set corrective actions for the coming year. Every December, that’s exactly what I do—I take note of what needs to carry over. Forget the programs that say, “No carryover!” There will always be areas that need to be continued or revisited.
2. Let Go of Fear and Superstition
There’s often fear surrounding these final months of the year, with warnings about “Ember months” and their supposed dangers. But I’ve traveled across six countries, taken countless flights, and driven through Europe without issues. In developed countries, good roads, traffic regulations, and reasonable safety standards prevent the kinds of mishaps we often fear.
Most incidents we attribute to the end of the year can be explained through common sense—dry weather increases the chance of fires, and people rushing to travel often neglect safety. In Nigeria, we see people driving at night with old vehicles, adding unnecessary risk. If you’re pregnant, don’t exhaust yourself trying to “do it all” this season. Relax. The changes we face now aren’t due to demons; they’re often the result of stress and seasonal factors.
3. Stay Within Your Means
There’s no need to strain your finances just because it’s December. If you can only afford frozen fish or a simpler meal, embrace it. My wife and I rarely even cook rice these days. Instead, we enjoy whatever we have. Don’t feel compelled to buy new clothes or extravagant gifts. There’s no need to start the New Year with unnecessary debt over fleeting things.
4. Avoid Religious Pressure
Entering a new year doesn’t require 100 days of prayer or fasting. In developed countries, they don’t need such lengthy rituals to achieve growth or development. Establish a consistent relationship with God, not one fueled by deadlines or festivals. Be patient and stay rooted in the everyday connection, not just holiday fervor.
5. Long-Term Vision Pays Off
True progress takes time. I once shared a vision of having a family and grandchildren across the world—something I declared at 46 years old. Now, nearly 20 years later, I see it happening. Think of Joseph’s journey: his dream took 13 years to manifest. Don’t rush. Focus on doing the right things, with the right people, in the right way. Success stories don’t often reveal the years of effort, sacrifice, and failure behind them. Personally, I choose not to dwell on past disappointments—I press forward.
6. Plan for the New Year—But Don’t Force It
This is a time to strategize, not to panic. Think about your goals, but don’t let the pressure drive you. Speak life into the year ahead. As I often say, you don’t need to “shake your head like a concrete mixer” to decree something over your life. Embrace a calm, confident faith as you declare and envision your future.
In 2020, I declared this decade as my time for global impact, and it’s manifesting. Recently, I was on a flight from Düsseldorf to Frankfurt and was recognized as a public figure by my fans. These things didn’t happen overnight; they took years of intentional planning and action.
I’ll be hosting a conference on November 8th and 9th titled Becoming a Person of Influence. It’s all about building this kind of intentional, impactful life. Send a message to +234 82121 9262 to register, and remember: be patient with yourself as you journey into the new year. Let this be a time for reflection, not unnecessary pressure.
Stay blessed,
Your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki
