As families gather, music fills the air, and the Christmas mood settles in, Ghanaian entrepreneur and business leader Dr. Daniel McKorley, widely known as McDan, has shared a thoughtful message to inspire reflection beyond the festivities.
For McDan, the celebrations are not the end of life. Life will still continue after the jingle bells fade and the celebratory mood pack their bags.
Amid the celebrations, he notes that it is also important to use the period as a reflection and brace for the new year ahead. His advice is simple, honest, and especially relevant for young people thinking about life, work, and the year ahead.
Here are the five nuggets he believes are worth holding on to this Christmas.
Learn to Work Without Applause
According to McDan, one of the most powerful skills anyone can develop is the ability to keep going without constant praise. Not every effort will be noticed or celebrated, but consistency and discipline often matter more than public approval.
If you can do what needs to be done even when no one is clapping, you will go far.
“As we all gear up for the festive holidays, I want to leave you with five things to keep in mind: The most important skill you can develop is the ability to keep doing what needs to be done without anyone telling you ‘good job’. That will take you a really long way,” he noted.
Stop Performing for an Invisible Audience
Especially to youth, he noted that in your 20s, especially, there is pressure to look successful, to prove something to the world. McDan advises resisting that temptation.
Most people you think you are impressing are not even watching. Focus on real growth, not appearances.
“In your 20s, you will be tempted to prove that you’re doing well; it’s important you resist performing for an audience that isn’t watching,” he cautioned.
Learn From Other People’s Mistakes
Life, McDan says, is too short to make every mistake yourself. Paying attention to the failures and lessons of others can save time, energy, and pain.
Wisdom often comes from listening, not experiencing everything firsthand.
Be the One Who Can Figure Things Out
One quality McDan values highly is the ability to solve problems, even when you feel unprepared. You will be given tasks you don’t fully understand. Instead of panicking, do the work, ask the right questions, and find a solution.
People, he notes, always want someone who can figure things out.
“Be the person who can figure it out. You’ll be given tasks you have no idea how to complete; it’s up to you to get them done. There’s nothing more valuable than someone who can just figure it out. Do some work, ask key questions, get it done. People will fight over you,” he assured.
Don’t Run Away From Hard Things
Success, McDan reminds us, is built on discomfort. Difficult moments will test your strength and tempt you to quit.
But those hard experiences are the ones that shape character, build resilience, and change lives. Avoiding them only delays growth.
The Bottomline
As Christmas encourages reflection and renewal, McDan is encouraging that it should be a reminder that growth doesn’t stop because the year is ending.
Sometimes, the best gifts, he believes, are lessons that prepare us for what lies ahead.
