Wealth Is Built After Work Hours, Mike Ohene-Effah Urges Goal-Focused Living in New Year Message

As a new year begins, many people are eager to turn their resolutions into real progress. According to Mike Ohene-Effah, Co-Founder and Lead of Afrique International, true success does not come from good intentions alone but from intentional planning, disciplined time use, and consistent personal development.

Speaking during the Effective Living series live on Citi 97.3fm on Tuesday, January 6, Mike emphasized the importance of managing time wisely and setting clear goals.

“You make income between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wealth, however, is created between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. That is when you truly create value for your future,” he said.

He explained that every day can be divided into three eight-hour blocks, sleep, work, and personal time. While most people plan for sleep and work, the personal time block is often wasted on distractions. Mike noted that using this period for learning, skill development, and personal growth can significantly change one’s life.

Three Levels of Goal-Setting

Mike outlined a simple but powerful framework for goal-setting, built around three levels.

Outcome goals describe what you want to achieve by the end of the year. These could include earning a specific income, completing a major project, or reaching a career milestone. However, outcome goals are often influenced by external factors and may not be fully within one’s control.

Performance goals focus on personal standards and how well tasks are executed. These goals are about improvement, consistency, and measurable progress, giving individuals greater control over their success.

Process goals are the daily habits and actions that lead to long-term results. These include routines such as studying, networking, practicing a skill, or working on key projects. Mike stressed that although people often avoid process goals because they require daily effort, they are the most important drivers of lasting change.

“Nothing in your life will change in 2026 if you do not change or improve,” he said. “Focus on what you can control, your daily actions, habits, and behaviours. That is where real wealth and success are built.”

The Power of the Hidden Hour

Mike’s central message focused on what he calls the hidden hour, the time outside regular work hours when real growth happens. While salaries are earned during the day, long-term wealth, knowledge, and mastery are built through deliberate effort during personal time.

By committing this hidden hour to focused growth and disciplined goal-setting, individuals can turn ordinary days into powerful building blocks for a more successful future.