Stop Misinforming the Public about Optometrists in Ghana

It is with sadness and such utter disappointment that I have to write this article during such a critical time in the annual calendar of the Eye Care community in our beloved country, Ghana. At a time where there should be effective and efficient collaborations and team work to facilitate the campaign and education on Glaucoma, we are compelled to respond to unmerited vitriol and scandalous misinformation.  

Through a series of well coordinated media appearances, some Ophthalmologists have decided to abandon the actual purpose of public eye health education and instead indulge in pettiness and misrepresention. In both television and radio appearances, these eye care professionals decided to malign the effort and qualifications of Optometrists in Ghana, going even to the extent of labeling us as "just vision scientists" . These slanderous effusions aren't only inaccurate but demeaning and deleterious to the health of the entire eye care community and especially to the reputation and brand of Optometrists in Ghana.

The job description and scope of practice of all eye care professionals including Optometrists is actually public information. 

The Ghana Act 829 which established HeFRA (Heath Facilities Regulatory Authority) legally describes an Optometric centre (Eye Centre) as the first line of treatment of eye diseases which emphasized the use of diagnostic and therapeutic methods to treat eye and vision problems. 

Additionally, the Allied Health Job Description Document from page 1 to 15 clearly and unequivocally spell out the legal and approved scope of practice for the Optometry Doctor (OD). 

A basic and cursory look at any of these documents would have informed anyone especially an eye care professional appearing on an international renowned and nationally respected media platform to accurately educate the public and not to misinform them. It is untenable to assume that this guffaw isn't calculated and deliberate. The worst part is that, this particular series of unfortunate remarks aren't a recent occurrence. Last year, one of the ophthalmologists involved made similar utterances when he got a media slot and was emboldened to repeat them this year. This is particularly unfortunate , unprofessional and Machiavellian.

Whilst eye care professionals in other jurisdictions are collaborating to hit various global eye health targets, it is rather sad that, others here in Ghana, would be more eager to argue on who can prescribe medications and who is a "real" doctor. 

It is however worth mentioning that, not all ophthalmologists are involved or endorse this unfortunate remarks. I therefore humbly call on all well meaning ophthalmologists and the leadership of the national body to bring these people to book. We urgently ask the ophthalmologists involved to desist from misinforming the public and instead focus on the important goal of mitigating the effects of Glaucoma especially during this week and subsequently on other eye care goals .

We need each other to save sight. A house that stands against itself will fall. 

Lastly to the general public, I want to assure you to disregard any attempt to malign the credibility of Optometry in Ghana. Continue to trust in your Optometrist for all your primary eye care needs. They are very qualified and certified to assist you. 

I will end this with a quote from Zen Shin...

"A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just blooms."

Long live Optometry. Long live Eye Care. 

By Dr. Samuel Tinagyei OD

Optometrist, Mental Health Advocate, Author and Speaker

What You Need to Know About Therapy

 A few weeks ago I met a gentleman who was deeply disturbed. He was stressed out and clearly frustrated. He indicated that he hasn't been sleeping well for a while now and was always tired and irritable. He seemed to be getting angry at the least provocation and It was affecting his work, family and health. He was clearly stressed and burnt out. He also indicated that certain subjects and situations caused him to have panic attacks and palpitations. He didn't have any energy to even get out of bed some days and everything felt boring and uninteresting. When I suggested that he considers therapy, he quickly rejected the idea . To him, therapy was for people with "real" mental issues and not just tiredness. I had to take time to explain exactly what therapy really was about and how it was going to benefit him.

Unfortunately, he isn't the only one who has a warped misunderstanding of therapy. To most people, Mental Health issues and consequently, therapy are for other people and not them but what exactly is therapy and why is it important?

Therapy is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as a form of treatment that helps someone feel better or grow stronger especially after an illness or any other ailments. That's it. It isn't a complicated medical procedure for only a special type of people. Unfortunately the stigma associated with Mental Health Issues is projected on the term Therapy and has created an errorneous image in the minds of most people. However, the appropriate therapy administered by a qualified professional will not only reverse any harmful ailments but actually improve the quality of life. Some of the challenges therapy can help you with are
1. When facing a major life transition
2. When facing a significant crisis, complex problems or trauma.
3. When dealing with an extended period of anxiety or depression
4. When dealing with complicated family dynamics
or grappling with problems in a relationship
5. When trying to manage an addiction or substance abuse
5. When you want to make changes for better mental, physical and emotional health etc.

So how do you know which type of therapy will be good for you? Psychology.com lists over 50 types of  Psychological Therapies ranging from simple ones like coaching to more complex ones like biofeedback and neurofeedback therapies. Some of the most common types of therapies are
1. Counseling Approaches.
2. Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Therapies
3. Behavioral Therapy - cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, systematic desensitization, and flooding.
4. Cognitive Therapy
5. Humanistic Therapy - gestalt therapy, client-centered therapy, and existential therapy
6. Integrative Therapy - a combination of several therapies to produce a holistic approach.

Therapy may be individualistic or in a group and it can be online or in person. The duration could also be short term or long term based on the type and target. A therapist, psychologist or trained counselor or coach may specialize in a specific type of therapy or may combine elements from different ones to achieve the desired results. 

Therapy can also help improve communication skills, self empowerment and how to develop fresh insights about your life. It can also teach you to make healthier choices and develop coping strategies to manage distress.

Although Mental Health services are scarce and mostly hard to find in our public health centers, there has been a significant rise in private facilities that offer various forms of therapies, counseling and coaching services.

In conclusion, the stress and other struggles we have to deal with on a daily basis have a significant and debilitating effect on our minds and subsequently our emotions. Seeking help though therapy is not only the right thing to do but it is also the most emotionally intelligent option to take. If you are struggling with any of the issues I mentioned above or knows someone who is, consider therapy. It can save yours or their life. 

Written by
Dr. Samuel Tinagyei
Optometrist, Mental Health Advocate, Certified Master Coach, NLP Master Practitioner, Author and Speaker. 

Are You Friends?

Many say that, the global village has brought us closer as people and has opened us up for better connections. Is this really the case? 

Personally I don't think so. 

So many people no longer want deep relationships, they only want a bigger "followership". A lot more  are also not interested in the relevance or truth of their opinion, as long as they get likes, it suffices. 

Facebook and other social networks are popular because it provides just what people want now: more connections with no emotional attachments. Friendship that is so superficial that, all it takes to break it off is a click! We prefer an avenue that provides the cloak of anonymity and fuels people's deep seated desire to be nasty without consequences. 

Take a little time out and think about these;

How many of your "friends" on facebook will you recognise on the street? How many have you spoken to or shook hands with? How many will come to visit you at the hospital? How many would you go to see if they are in need? 

I believe the reason so many people still feel alone and lost even in the midst of a crowd and thousands of virtual "friends" is because we want the benefits of real friendship without the emotional, psychological and mental investment. An update a day cannot replace a genuine heartfelt check up. A devotional broadcast is very different from an affectionate good morning and how are you?. A real smile and a hug is so much better than a million virtual ones. 

I'm not saying don't make virtual friends. In fact I recommend it. It is still one of the best ways to become socially adept. However, if you are really interested in creating real and genuine connections, go beyond the social media space. Do the actual work of building friendships by investing emotionally and physically in the people. The natural principle of sowing and reaping can't be broken. If you don't sow genuine commitment, you can't reap genuine affection. 

Do the work. Build. It is still the only way. 

Think on these things.... 

~Dr. Samuel Tinagyei

Optometrist, Mental Health Advocate and Certified Master Coach.

First Impressions Are Great, Lasting Impressions Are Even Better.

First impressions are Great, Lasting Impressions Are Even Better.

Lots of people are very concerned about first impressions. Yes. They should rightly be. After all, research on the issue indicates that people basically reach a conclusion on whether they like you or not in about one tenth of a second upon meeting you for the first time. Subsequently, first impressions determine whether you get a second chance or not. So yes, it is very important to make the best possible first impression. But what happens afterwards?

Unfortunately lots of people just focus so much on first impressions and simply forget about lasting impressions. It is quite common especially in Ghana, to have lots of people or businesses treating you like royalty on the first interaction and then treating you like trash subsequently. It looks like after they get your business or make your acquaintance, the love quickly evaporates like soap bubbles in sunlight.

Politicians are so polite when they come asking for your votes and then promptly use police dispatch riders to push you out of the way after they win. It appears that, all that matters to most people is to make a good first impression without any consideration for a lasting impression. This is why most people and businesses are not able to stay on top for long or easily fade away after a brief period of time. They fail to earn loyalty.

First impressions are very powerful. In fact a  bad first impression can extremely affect the way something is perceived for a long time. However a good lasting impression goes beyond perception. It creates confidence, devotion, trust and loyalty. A good lasting impression is created by a commitment to the maintenance and even enhancement of quality and reliability. A good lasting impression says, I'm not just in for a quick sale or a little profit. I'm in for a lasting relationship. That's how loyalty and commitment are created. A good first impression may give you an enthusiastic customer but a good lasting impression will give you a loyal partner and client. These are the people who become your fans, tribe and family.

So the next time you set out to make a good first impression, remember to follow it up with a good lasting impression. That's how you turn strangers to family.
~Dr. Samuel Tinagyei

Are You Guarding Your Circle of Influence?

Let me ask you a question. What happens when your best friend or your favorite person accidentally drops a drop of deadly poison in your mouth? Did you just say, you will die? Wow. OK. How about if the love of your life or your most respected family member does the same thing? You will still die? Even if they love you deeply? Hmm. I see. So it doesn't matter what the intentions are, if someone feeds you poison, there will be death. So why do you allow just anyone to enter into your circle of influence and poison your most precious dreams and vision?

I believe the most critical skill a vision carrier must master is the ability to navigate the quagmire of hypocrisy, discouragement and self seeking selfishness disguised under the canopy of "friendship" and "concern".  He or she also needs the alertness to steer clear of the land mines of dream killing and mediocre detractors whose complete mentality is to bring others down to their limit; the barest floor. A vision carrier must be as gentle as a dove, but as cunning as a serpent in order to carry their dream to full term.

I will say this again and again. You have to be extremely careful about the people you allow into your innermost circle. The ones you allow to have an influence on you, your goals and your plans. The ones you tell your dreams to. Some are only there and appear to support you as long as you don't DO ANYTHING BIG or AMBITIOUS. Try anything that intimidates their mediocre mentality and they will discourage you! They will come in the skin of looking out for your safety whilst all the want is to make sure you don't move too quickly or too far away from them. Since they don't want to feel like failures, they will keep you down with them under the pretense of worrying about you. Remember the story of the African crabs in a bucket?

Also stay away from fair weather friends. Guard your sanity and your destiny.

Instead, look for dream builders and vision helpers. Look for path lighters and catalysts of success. They are the ones who will become your support systems, your enablers and constituents. Guard your inner space very diligently.

-Dr. Samuel Tinagyei 

The Entrepreneurship Lie?

I was looking for a nice story to begin this article with but I digress. The situation is too dire to start with entertainment so I will go about it like how we administer an injection to an adult. Fast and swift and hopefully only briefly painful. Bear with me. 

You have to throw away all the romantic origin stories you have heard about Great ideas and companies. Yes, some of the stories actually sound like fairytales especially those made into best selling books, docu series and movies. That is television and showbiz. Do this instead. 

Research extensively and read lots of verified and accurate biographies and memoirs. Read verified articles and lots of different books. I guarantee that, you will be delivered from your "pie in the sky" illusions.

The kind of hard work, networking, PURE LUCK, privilege, bias, unexplained grace, shenanigans and what nots involved will make you born again in your mind. Look, you are probably not going to experience a Eureka moment and come up with the next multi billion dollar company or discover the next miracle drug in your dream or you might. I don't know. But I can assure you that, you will probably go through thousands of half baked and ridiculous ideas and so many roadblocks that it will make your head spin and ache.

It is going to take sweat, grit, stubbornness, perseverance, giving up and coming back up, getting depressed and even suicidal, experiencing deep pain and hopelessness, sleeping scared and having nightmares and so many other things most speakers or resource persons won't tell you.

This isn't a pessimistic post and I have nothing against motivational speaking or speakers. I would like to think I am one myself. However, I wish we would do more work with research and tell the real and exact things people did to become successful not just the stuff that makes for nice sound bites. I fear we are creating a breed of entitled "wannapreneurs" who expect wealth and fame with the minimal amount of effort, energy and time. The inaccurate and mostly incomplete presentation of Entrepreneurship as a magic bullet and solution to all our woes as a nation is doing more harm than good. 

Another group that also unconsciously push the Entrepreneurship Lie are successful business people who are invited to speak or talk about Entrepreneurship because of their "experience". Whilst some of them use personal experiences and examples as universal laws and doctrines, others just sugar coat the truth in the bid to be seen as inspirational and probably optimistic. Those who try to be real end up teaching popular principles because it is easier. This is because most people do not journal or record their business journeys. In only looking retrospectively, successful people are more likely to focus on the feel good and tangible parts because as strange as it sounds, lots of successful people do not actually know EXACTLY why or how they got successful. Since they can't teach Luck, privilege, bias and other things that are very important parts of their successes, they list popular principles and techniques that can make for good media.

Does that mean we shouldn't read books, watch these videos or listen to these speakers? NO, Not at all. In fact, it is because of these resources that others are able to also achieve successes and learn from their mistakes . All I am saying is that, there is always more ice below the water surface than we see. These resources are a very important part of preparing for our own opportunities but lots of the intangibles can only be found by actual Doing. Action is the engine of success. 

See it this way. The resources are the software, taking action is adding the hardware. One without the other is incomplete. If you don't like reading, you will just extend the length of time you will suffer and hit your head against walls. On the other hand, if you just read books, listen to speakers and don't DO the work itself, you will keep going round and round getting frustrated and annoyed with yourself. 

So what should you do?

Read the books, take the inspiration and DO THE WORK. Pay your dues with your sweat and dirt. You are going to have to endure tough times, depression, pain, failure and lots of stress and long periods of stagnation.

I just wrote this to let you know that, the stress is not because you are on the wrong path, it is because you are actually on the right path.

Entrepreneurship is not a fantasy or a fairy tale but without entrepreneurs, the world would have probably ended by now. It is hard and dirty work. I won't sugarcoat it. However the rewards can be very great too. It is a calling and not just an option. If you are called into being one, stay the course. Keep the faith and grind. You are in good company.

If not, don't come and "kill yourself" 😂. Polish your CV and go get a good job. There is nothing wrong with being a successful and fulfilled employee. Don't let anyone deceive you.

Life is lived once, make sure you are doing what you want to do and not what others say you should do. Kudos to all the young entrepreneurs who grind it out everyday in this country and continent. You are the real Honorable, Excellencies, Celebrities and Role models. You rock.

~Dr. Samuel Tinagyei

Optometrist, Mental Health Advocate, Certified Master Coach, Author and Speaker. 

Are You A Visitor In Your Own Neighborhood?

Recently some incidents happened in my neighborhood that got me thinking about how my neighbors perceived me, that is even if they recognized me as their neighbor. Apparently someone was reported to the police and got arrested for breaking into his own house. After the issue was resolved, it came out that, this person had lived in the neighborhood, but never interacted or spoken to any of his neighbors before. One day he lost his keys and decided to break into his house. When the neighbors saw a "strange" person breaking into a house, they rightly called the police. At another time,    someone offered me a lift and on our way, we realized that we lived three houses apart. We were neighbors and I had no idea. I was almost a visitor in my own neighborhood.

Most of us have stayed in places for a while now and yet have not ventured 5 houses on either side of our houses before. Others have taken the same route to work for over 5 years, and have never tried another route before. Some people have not spoken to over half of the people on their contact lists in over a year and yet, still call them friends. We are excited by the number of likes and followers we have on social media and yet, do not even know 10 people on a personal level. 

Some people have never struck up a conversation with a fellow passenger on a bus before. We have become numbed by our daily routines and waddle through life like automatons programmed to go to work, come back home and repeat every day with no detours. The worst part are those who only see their children on weekends. They are so busy working that, they have become visitors even in their own homes. 

As a society, we have become tuned off. It is just about us, our work and sometimes our families. We are living and yet have never really lived a day before. We look without seeing, touch without feeling and listen without hearing. We are alone in the middle of several crowds and live our lives missing out on wonderful human interactions. 

Mind you I am not oblivious to the dangers we experience everyday from strangers but forming healthy human connections cannot be over emphasized. 

So what should you do?

Slow down and take stock of your life. What are your priorities? Do people matter to you? Family, friends, neighbors, church? If they do then do these things. 

Start conversations with regular commuters you meet daily. Make time to get to know your neighbors. 

Listen to the sounds around you and allow the wind to blow in your face. Attend PTA meetings. Get to know the parents of your children's best friends and classmates.  Stop rushing off after church services and talk to your fellow church members some time. Invite friends over for dinner once in a while. Deliberately set a definite time to hang out as a family. Have meals together. Play with your children. Ask them about school and actually listen to them. 

Grow and Nurture relationships. Don't just exist, Live. Remember, your best and most significant assets will always be people. Don't be a stranger in your own neighborhood. 

By Dr. Samuel Tinagyei 

Are You Turning Your Kid Into An Addict?

Sometime back, I visited a friend who had a toddler. The child was crying and throwing a tantrum. It appeared he had been doing this for a while.
When I asked why the child was crying, the father said, "He just won't stop crying until I give him my phone or tablet." I was intrigued so I probed further. I asked how this happened and he explained that when his son was younger, he would let him play with his phone whenever they were both busy or whenever the child got restless. Since it worked, they continued till the point where the only thing that could calm him down was a phone or tablet. Unwittingly, they had created the perfect conditions for an addiction.  This is what happens...

According to a Havard University study, the positive feedback received from using the phone or tablet delivers a shot of dopamine (a pleasure neuro chemical in the brain). Subsequently,  this rewires the brain to crave the phone or tablet like how a cocaine addict craves the next hit. Consequently, not having this rush produces withdrawal symptoms just like that of an addict, although most likely in lower levels. Eventually a cycle is formed where the child is conditioned to crave that feeling so much that, nothing else works.  (Read my article: Are You Addicted to Social Media?

Although technology is important and it is very essential that your child is technologically savvy, an over exposure and unregulated indulgence will produce far more negative effects than positives. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that, toddlers are spending an avarage of 7 hours or more staring at screens.  Several studies have shown that this can impede the healthy development of children. Some of the adverse effects are

1. Affects Brain development
An over exposure to gadgets during the development stages may affect brain functioning leading to Addiction, Attention Deficits, Lack Of Self Control or Regulation, Violence, Impulsivity and even impaired learning.

2. Over Exposure to Radiation
According to the 2011 report of the World Health Organization, cellphones and other wireless devices are considered category 2B risk because of their radiation emission. Allowing your child to excessively use gadgets increases their exposure and may cause harm.

3. Damaged Eyesight
Excessive exposure to screens causes eye fatigue, stress and strain. Research shows that children who are addicted to video games are more likely to develop eye problems as they grow up.

4. Sleep Deprivation
Children who become addicted to mobile gadgets miss out on needed sleep or rest time. In other occasions, these gadgets become their sleeping tablets and they may become grumpy and restless without them. Sleep deprivation can affect the child's immunity to common aliments like flu.

5. Obesity
When children get addicted to staring at screens, they spend far less time participating in outdoor and physical activities. This means they don't burn as much calories as they should. A lack of physical activity can lead to obesity which may lead to other complications like diabetes, heart problems etc.

So how do you make sure that your child still gets the benefits of technology but doesn't get exposed to the harmful effects? Here a few ideas

1. Design a Screen time table for your kids and be strict about it.
Instead of just using your phone as a pacifier or crutch because you are busy, be more strict on the use of mobile gadgets. Set up a time limit preferably, an  hour a day (perhaps 2 hours on the weekends) and regulate the type of programs they interact with. Make sure they understand exactly what the phone or tablet is supposed to be used for during their screen time. Make sure screen time is not close to bed time.
Here is a rule of thumb suggested by the American Academy of Paediatrics. 
1. No screen time for children under 18 months
2. 1 hour a day for children between 2 to 5 years
3. A maximum of 2 hours a day for older children.

2. Model healthy screen use.
This is where lots of parents get it wrong. Children are more likely to do WHAT YOU DO instead of WHAT YOU SAY. If you don't make time for off screen activities, you probably won't be able to get your child to do the same. Plan outdoor or alternative activities with your children that allows you build to emotional connections and interact with nature. Include playing board games, spelling games, crafts and physical activities.

3. Monitor for signs of problematic use
Have frequent conversations with your child about what they learn and watch .

4. Limit the number of gadgets and exposure at home.
When buying, focus on usability, educational ability and durability instead of indulging in any new one you see. Put them away to reduce visibility until the appropriate screen time.

Finally, children are very malleable and impressionable and hence can easily be conditioned whether positively or negatively. Technology is a great thing but can become a negative influence if left unregulated or monitored. Pay attention to what you expose your children to and equip them to become the very best of themselves.

PS: I would love to hear your comments, enquires, contributions and questions so don't hesitate to either send them here or email me at tinagyei@gmail.com. 

By
Dr. Samuel Tinagyei
Optometrist, Mental Health Advocate, Certified Professional and Emotional Intelligence Coach, NLP Master Practitioner, Author and Speaker. 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: HOW LONG?

The first time I treated a victim of domestic abuse for eye injuries I was livid. I wanted her to leave immediately and cause the arrest of the abuser. I almost threatened to refuse treatment if that wasn't done. When she hesitated i asked her to go for a police report before I discharge her. I was a fresh graduate and was filled with righteous anger. Fortunately, my then supervisor and mentor was the head of the unit and called me into her office. She expressed equal concern for the victim but asked me to have patience and LISTEN to the story from her point of view.

After getting fully acquainted with the story I understood exactly the myriad complexities of the  situation she faced as a religious person, mother and unfortunately an economically unempowered spouse. I realized although I was justified in my anger, it was better and more productive to be pragmatic and empathize. 

In a country where you are actually asked to feed a criminal you get arrested and where crime is punishable based on who is the offender and who gets offended, most intimidated spouses are not convinced the police will protect them. It may be an inaccurate assumption but this is my observation.

Secondly, abusers take steps to keep their victims vulnerable and afraid. They use children, relatives and even pets as collateral to ensure compliance. I recall a situation where the abuser used their five year old son to lure the victim back home.

Thirdly there are almost no supportive structures or institutions that provide emergency services or rescues for abused spouses. Try calling the Ghana police to rescue you from a rampaging spouse.

The next issue is religion and society. It is unfortunate that these two institutions appear to favor traditions instead of preservation of life and peace of mind. You keep hearing religious people asking abused spouses to ENDURE. Some even go to the extent of publicly shaming or guilt tripping victims to go back to their marriages. This isn't right. God does not elevate marriage over life. Forcing anyone to stay or return to an abusive and unrepentant partner is evil and must not be encouraged. 

Again and quite significantly, lots of abused spouses are not economically empowered to walk away. It could either be due to a deliberate attempt by the abuser to keep the abused vulnerable or an issue of circumstances. Lots of people stay in abusive relationships and marriages because of this. They don't have any other means of survival.

Finally, lots of people are codependent. They have an unhealthy dependence on their spouse or an obsessive compulsion to "save" or cater for abusive partners. ( Read my more detailed article on Codependence )

So you see, marital abuse and domestic violence is a complex problem that must be solved comprehensively and blaming victims isn't one of the solutions.

We need to encourage people who intend to marry to pursue economic empowerment and maintain it during marriage. The government and benevolent organizations should also invest in building shelters, half way houses, hostels and agencies that will provide support and safe havens for victims. The security agencies must be resourced and restructured to create trust and confidence in their impartiality and commitment to protecting victims. There should also be a concerted effort by religious institutions and the general public to desist from victim shaming and encouraging marital martyrdom.

Lastly, let us become each other's keepers. Let's not become proverbial ostriches with our heads in the sand when we see or suspect abuse of any kind, anywhere.

Let me end with a line from a domestic abuse song made by Baby Face featuring Steve Wonder...

How come, how long

It's not right, it's so wrong

Do we let it just go on?

Turn our backs and carry on?

Wake up! It's too late,

Right now, we can't wait

She won't have a second try. 

Open up your heart, as well as your eyes...

Pass this on. Share it with your friends, daughters and sons.  It may give someone else's a little bit more insight into the issue.

By Dr. Samuel Tinagyei (PKT)

Optometrist, Mental Health Advocate, Certified Professional and Emotional Intelligence Coach.

Are You Addicted to Social Media?

A few months ago, a friend called me and she was almost hysterical. She was on the brink of a full blown anxiety attack and needed someone to talk to. After calming her down, I asked her a couple of questions and she revealed that her account had just been suspended on one of the popular social media sites because of an unintentional misdemeanor on her part and she felt her life was over. 

According to her, prior to this "grievous calamity", her number of likes were gradually being reduced by the algorithm of the site, a claim she could not really prove but believed without a doubt. This plus several attempts by hackers to take over her account were already causing her so much stress and anger. She further intimated that, she doesn't know what she is going to do for the next 21 days  which was the duration of her suspension. She was literally having withdrawal symptoms from Social media. When I pointed them out, she was shocked. Fortunately, we were able to work on few strategies to help her deal with it. 

As a coach, I have seen this particular issue come up in an increasing number of times with my clients and the recent global pandemic simply exacerbated the issue. So what is Social Media Addiction?

The US Addiction Center defines Social Media Addiction as a behavioral addiction that is driven by an uncontrollable urge to log on to or use social media, and devoting so much time and effort to social media that it impairs other important life areas. 

 Although Social Media Addiction is yet to be  universally recognized as a mental health issue, the signs and symptoms are definitely indicative of an addictive cycle. According to a Havard University study, the positive feedback received from social media produces and delivers dopamine (a pleasure neuro chemical in the brain) and the rush you get from the likes, comments and retweets actually rewires your brain to crave social media like how a cocaine Addict craves the next hit. Consequently, not having this rush produces withdrawal symptoms just like that of an addict, although most likely in lower levels. Eventually a cycle is formed where the individual builds their whole life around social media. 

Social media can be beneficial in a lot of ways but an over dependence on it can cause lots of harm. Lots of people use social media to escape from feelings of stress, loneliness, mental health issues and anxiety and although it may feel like mindless and harmless fun it usually ends up depening the  brains craving for the pleasure of the next dopamine hit. 

Some possible effects of social media addiction includes:

1. Low SELF-ESTEEM- brought about  by incorrect perceptions that others’ lives are “better” than yours.

2. The Fear of Missing Out (F.O.M.O) which  causes so much stress, anxiety, depression and even panic attacks. 

3. Disruption of your sleep patterns especially if you use social media deep into the night. 

4. Increased isolation, loneliness and a reduced ability to empathize because there is this feeling of being insulated from issues. 

5. A possible onset of social anxiety disorder

6. A decreased physical activity, which may affect your overall health or work because you start to believe that your social media "friends" are your real friends. 

Although it may sound and feel daunting, Social Media Addiction or over dependence can be corrected or resolved.  

How to Overcome Social Media Addiction. 

For every kind of Addiction the first step is 

1. Admission and Recognition 

If you don't believe you have a problem, a solution won't work for you. So the first step is to recognize and admit that you have a problem and you need help. The help may be professional or self applied depending on the extent of the dependence and if there are any damaging side effects. 

2. Figure out why you have the social media itch. 

Evaluate your behavior in relation to social media and try to figure out why you feel the need to keep going back. Are you compensating for something missing in your life? Friendships, relationships, loneliness, low self esteem, social awkwardness etc. The more you know, the easier it is to start your recovery process. 

3. Digital Detoxification 

Go Cold Turkey by deleting all social media apps from your phone or tablet. Give your mind a break from the endless cycle of updates and likes. It can be a week, month or even a year. This is to give you a chance to prioritize and reboot. 

4. Put Yourself on a Social Media Diet with Supervision. 

You can get a Therapist, Counselor, coach or a trusted friend to help you with this. Firstly prioritize your "needs" and delete all social media accounts except one or two. Deactivate all notifications. 

Secondly set and enforce a limit on how long you can spend on any site at a time. Lastly set a time table for how many times you can check your social media account in a week or month. This step requires utmost discipline and commitment to the recovery process. 

5. Practice Self Care

Start by including activities that can produce the same pleasure points that was created by using social media. Try exercising, meditation, hanging out with friends without your phones, visiting parks or talking walks etc.  You learn a new hobby, acquire a new skill or read a physical book. 

Social media Addiction can be very tough to break but with discipline, commitment and help from professionals, you can do it. Your life will become so much better when you are no longer living on social media. 

Written by 

Dr. Samuel Tinagyei, OD, 

Optometrist, Author and Certified Coach 

IT ISN'T JUST ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU MAKE, IT IS ACTUALLY ABOUT WHAT YOU DO WITH IT.

 

Shaquille O'Neal is estimated to be currently worth $400M. He has proven to be a smart and savvy manager of his brand and portfolio.

Shaq earns $20-$25 million per year from his post-NBA empire. He retired in 2011.

This is the overview of his financial tree. 

He has endorsement deals with companies like Icy Hot, Gold Bond, Buick, Zales, and others.

 He is the joint owner of 155 Five Guys Burgers restaurants, 17 Auntie Annie's Pretzels restaurants, 150 car washes, 40 24-hour fitness centers, a shopping center, a movie theater, and several Las Vegas nightclubs.

Shaq also holds a Doctorate Degree in Education from Barry University and so he is actually Dr. Shaquille O'Neal and it isn't an honorary degree either. 

However Shaq wasn't always financially savvy. At age 21, as a  freshly drafted NBA player, he did the unthinkable by blowing through $1 Million in 30 minutes. Yes!!!!!!!! 

Fortunately, he had a good banker who called him that evening and blasted him. He warned him about the excesses of young black athletes and their eventual futures of bankruptcy and desolation. Afterwards he advised him on investments, prudent spending and acquiring assets. He LISTENED.

In a recent interview, when Shaq was asked about his future plans he said, "I have all the toys I want, now the wealth from my endorsements is for my children.

In deed a righteous man leaves an inheritance for his children's children.

What are you doing with your current earnings? How much have you put into your investment portfolio? Do you even have one?

What other streams of income are you working on? What will be your financial future?

A word to the wise........... 

~Dr. Samuel Tinagyei 

~PKT

#CoachSam

Are Sure You Are Ready?

Are You Sure You Are Ready? 

Two people were given the opportunity to visit a very wealthy and powerful individual to discuss their futures.

One of them sat down, thought about and wrote down his goals and plans. Then he set time limits and put up key performance indicators for each of his goals. With this preparation, he went to meet the rich man.

The other one, dressed up in his best clothes, went to have a haircut and bought new shoes. He also went to see the rich man with the clear intention of shouting, crying, wailing, rolling around on the floor and screaming his head off in order to get help from this wealthy and powerful man.

In your opinion, who will most likely benefit from this meeting?

Dear young man or woman, 31st night will once again become an exercise in futility if you go and do all the acrobatics and shouting without a clear vision or plans for the coming year.

 Please do yourself and everyone else a favor. Sit down. Write down some goals.

Set some targets and then go and pray about them. Don't keep doing the same thing and expecting  different results. It won't work ooooo. Yoooo.

Whether it a Cross Over, Jump Over, Climb Over, Leap Over, Fly Over, Parachute Over, Crawl Over or even Somersault Over, if you don't set some goals, you will drift.

See you in church. 

~PKT

Golden Seeds of Life: Guard your space

The most critical skill a vision carrier must master is the ability to navigate the quagmire of hypocrisy, discouragement and self seeking selfishness disguised under the canopy of "friendship" and "concern".  She also needs the alertness to steer clear of the sand dunes of dream killing and mediocre detractors whose complete mentality is to bring others down to their limit; the barest floor. A vision carrier must be as gentle as a dove, but as cunning as a serpent in order to carry their dream to full term. I will say this again and again. You have to be extremely careful about the people you allow into your innermost circle. The ones you allow to have an influence on you, your goals and your plans. The ones you tell your dreams to. Some are only there and appear to support you as long as you don't try anything big or glorious. Try anything that intimidates their mediocre mentality and they will discourage you! Stay away from fair weather friends. Guard your sanity and your destiny. Instead, look for dream builders and vision helpers. Look for path lighters and catalysts of success. They are the ones who will become your support systems, your enablers and constituents. Guard your inner space very diligently.
-PKT
#BookAddict
#MandateBooks

Golden Seeds of Life: Take Action

Getting an idea is not anything new.Talking about them is fine too. Everyone does that. Getting up and going to work on it, now that is what makes the difference. People do not name schools, hospitals, foundations and monuments after just great speech makers, they do that for great change makers.
I discovered a while back that, there are two major types of pain in life. We experience by our actions and inactions. They are the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. The former weighs ounces and the latter weighs tones. Since pain is basically inevitable, which would you rather have? That of discipline or regret? Would you commit yourself to discipline, take action and have the success you desire or you would lazy about, procrastinate and experience the pain of regret? It is your choice to make. Choose action.
-PKT

Entrepreneur? You Sure?

ENTREPRENEUR? YOU SURE?*

Throw away all the romantic origin stories you have heard about Great ideas and companies.

Research extensively and read lots of accurate biographies. Read articles and lots of different books. You will be delivered from your "pie in the sky" fairytale desires.

The kind of hard work, networking, PURE LUCK, privilege, bias unexplained grave and what nots involved will make you born again in your mind. Look, you are probably not going to experience a Eureka moment and come up with the next multi billion dollar company. You will go through thousands of half baked and ridiculous ideas and so many roadblocks to make your head spin and ache.

It is going to take sweat, grit, blockheadedness, perseverance, giving up and coming back up, getting depressed and even suicidal, experiencing deep pain and hopelessness, sleeping scared and having nightmares and so many other things most successful people or their close cousins, motivational speakers, won't tell you.

I have nothing against motivational speaking or speakers. I would like to think I am one myself. However, I wish we would do more work with research and tell the real and exact things people did to become successful not just the stuff that makes for nice sound bite.

Unfortunately most successful people too do not actually know EXACTLY why or how they got successful. This is because most people do not journal or record their journeys. In only looking retrospectively, successful people are more likely to focus on the feel good and tangible parts. Since they can't teach Luck, privilege, bias and other things that are very important parts of their success, they list popular principles and techniques that can make for good media.

Does that mean we shouldn't read these books or watch these videos? Not at all. In fact, it is because of these books that others are able to replicate their successes and learn from their experiences. All I am saying is that, the books are not the all in all of the matter. They are a very important part of preparing for our own opportunities but lots of the intangibles can only be found by actually Doing.

See it this way. The books are the software, taking action is adding the hardware. One without the other is incomplete. If you don't like reading, you will just extend the length of time you will suffer and hit your head against walls. On the other hand of you just read books and don't do the work itself, you will keep going round and round getting frustrated and annoyed with yourself. 

So what should you do?

Read the books, take the inspiration and do the work. Pay your dues with your sweat and dirt. You are going to have to endure tough times, depression, pain, failure and lots of stress and long periods of stagnation.

I just wrote this to let you know that, the stress is not because you are on the wrong path, it is because you are actually on the right path.

Entrepreneurship is not a fantasy and a fair tale but without entrepreneurs, the world would have probably ended by now. It is hard and dirty work. I won't sugarcoat it. However the rewards can be very great too. It is a calling and not just an option. If you are called into being one, stay the course. Keep the faith and grind. You are in good company.

If not, don't come and kill yourself. Polish your CV and go get a good job. There is nothing wrong with being a successful and fulfilled employee. Don't let anyone deceive you.

Life is lived once, make sure you are doing what you want to do and not what others say you should do. Kudos to all the yound entrepreneurs who grind it out everyday in this country and continent. You are the real Honorable, Excellencies, Celebrities and Role models. You rock.

~Dr. Samuel Tinagyei

Optometrist, Author and Entrepreneur.

Golden Seeds of Life : You are special

God used 9 months to systematically design you in your mother's womb. He specifically planned you, adding every delicate tissue to nerves, mixing the elixir called blood with cells and genetic material. He carefully designed you, crafting your face and body with amazing precision. He then put an original stamp on you and made you a once in existence creature. None before you or after you could ever be the same. In fact he made sure you are a limited, unreapeatable model.

So why do you live your life like you are an after thought? Like you are an option instead of a priority?
Why would God create you an original and not give you the ability to make a DIFFERENCE on this earth?

Come on, get up and shake loose from the bondage of Mediocrity! Take your place and do what you were born to do. Make a difference in your life and that of everyone else connected to you. You can't expect anyone else to do it on your behalf. It wouldn't be the same. You are special. Make your mark.

~Paa Kofi Tinagyei
#BookAddict
#MandateBooks

Golden Seeds of Life : Don't put things off

We spend so much time building walls and security doors instead of bridges and open doorways. We bottle up love and gratitude instead of expressing them and we waste time apart from loved ones instead of spending time celebrating the gift of love and companionship. We strive so hard to conform and blend in when we were made to stand out and be different. Life is finite and may pass in an unnoticeable moment. So live fully today. Stop putting off your dream and start today. Quit being shy and tell that person how you feel today. Make that call right now. Write that letter and mail it today. Don't put off life any longer. You won't live forever, so treasure this very moment.
Live well, love God and live now.
~Doc Sam Tinagyei
#MandateLife
#JollofLife
Ps. don't put of sharing this post either.

Golden Seeds of Life : Preparation

"One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes" .
~Benjamin Disraeli

Preparation generates resourcefulness, sharpens instinct, develops wisdom and intellect and activates appropriate action. It enables us to exhibit calm and well calculated responses to the curves life throws at us instead of panicked reactions inspired by fear and anxiety. It is very easy to identify people who are not prepared in life. Their lives are filled with stressful events and every minute is an emergency. They are susceptible to emotional outbursts, temper tantrums and nagging headaches or migraines.
Does this describe your life or anyone you know?
The solution is preparation. Proper preparation produces perfect performance!
PKT
#BookAddict
#MandateLife

Golden Seeds of Life: Social Media

This morning I received some notifications from Facebook about activity on my wall and amongst them was a part labelled "memories on this day". As you have also noticed, it is basically a collection of things you posted on your wall on the same day in previous years. Gradually, this has become one of my favorite parts of the notifications for the simple reason that, it shows me what I was thinking and what i felt was important to share last year and previous years on this same day.
I have taken this instruction;
Before you update, comment or post anything on social media, especially Facebook, ask these questions;
1. Will I be proud to reshare, repost or allow people to associate me to this post a few years down the line?
2. What does my posts say about my values and my development as a person?
Like I keep reiterating, social media is serious business and the internet never forgets.
So before you post,
PAUSE, READ and THINK!
Enjoy the new month and keep making a difference.
~Paa Kofi Tinagyei
#MandateBooks
#JollofLife

Golden Seeds of Life : Don't Compare

Hey, want to know one of the best pieces of advice ever given? It is this: Don't compare yourself to others. As simple as that. It is truly unwise to do so. Apart from the very fact that you are completely unique and special by yourself, most people are so good at pretending that, they wouldn't even recognize their own true selves if they met at the mall. So in effect, comparing yourself with them is comparing yourself with a completely unrealistic fictional character that only exists in your assumptions and in their pretenses. You see? Totally not worth it.
Be yourself and be the best version of you.
See you on the top.
PKT