Beyond Witchcraft: Why preparation, not spiritual concern, determines creativity

Introduction

In many deeply spiritual societies, the narrative surrounding success and failure often takes a metaphysical turn. When faced with stagnation, unemployment, or lack of creativity, the immediate reflex is often to blame “spiritual attacks,” witchcraft, or unseen enemies. However, this mindset masks a more tangible and actionable reality: the role of personal preparation and structural readiness. This article explores why shifting the focus from spiritual anxiety to practical preparation is the key to unlocking creativity and professional success.

Key Points

Background

The cultural context of this discussion is vital. In societies where religious and spiritual beliefs are deeply woven into the fabric of daily life, it is common to attribute misfortune to spiritual causes. A salient example involves a conversation regarding a first-class graduate who remained unemployed for nearly 16 years. The explanation offered was not related to the job market or interview skills but to a spiritual dream in which a “religious attacker” burned the individual’s certificate.

This is not an isolated perspective. It reflects a broader societal habit of “outsourcing failure.” By attributing stagnation to witchcraft or family gods, individuals and communities absolve themselves of the accountability required to analyze structural shortcomings. This mindset reshapes how failure is interpreted, transforming what are essentially structural and personal deficits into metaphysical battles. Consequently, the focus shifts from actionable steps—like improving resume writing or networking skills—to spiritual rituals, leaving the root causes of failure unaddressed.

Analysis

To dismantle this narrative, we must apply deductive reasoning grounded in shared experience. Consider a group of alumni from the University of Cape Coast who, despite coming from various ethnic backgrounds and presumably facing the same “spiritual attacks” alleged to affect others, achieved significant professional success. If spiritual interference were the primary determinant of one’s trajectory, it would be expected to affect all members of a community equally. However, this is rarely the case.

The divergence in outcomes suggests that the differentiating factors are not metaphysical. Instead, the disparity is found in character, preparation, exposure, discipline, and individual opportunities. This analysis does not deny the validity of faith; rather, it insists that faith was never intended to replace human agency or the diligent pursuit of practical skills.

The Hidden Curriculum: The University of Cape Coast Mock Parliament

Real-world success often stems from what happens outside the lecture hall. A specific example is the Student Mock Parliament at the University of Cape Coast. To some observers, students engaging in late-night debates appeared “unserious.” However, this environment served as a rigorous training ground for essential life skills.

Participants in this mock parliament were not just debating student issues; they were engaging in a form of “sentient research,” testing arguments, sharpening logic, and practicing persuasion in real-time. The skills honed there—public speaking, confidence under scrutiny, and networking—are the very skills that distinguish successful professionals later in life. Many who passed through that chamber went on to excel in law, academia, public service, and governance. The creativity and articulacy required in these debates were rehearsals for professional life, proving that creativity is a muscle built through exercise, not a gift bestowed by spirits.

The Burden of Self-Directed Learning

Another critical aspect of preparation is the willingness to pursue knowledge that the standard curriculum ignores. The author notes spending four years at the University of Cape Coast borrowing books on public speaking and mass communication from the library—books that remained untouched by peers. This highlights a gap in the educational system: it often prioritizes rote memorization (e.g., Greek goddesses in Classics, dv/dt in Calculus) over practical competencies like resume writing and interview preparation.

Those who succeed are often the ones who recognize these gaps and fill them independently. They engage in “intentional, well-integrated steps” even while in class, culminating in broader market potential later. When the educational system fails to teach how to navigate the world, the individual must take the initiative to learn these skills, often quietly and without applause.

Practical Advice

To move beyond the mindset of spiritual blame and toward tangible success, individuals and communities should adopt the following strategies:

1. Interrogate Methods, Not Metaphysics

When facing failure, resist the urge to immediately attribute it to spiritual forces. Instead, conduct an honest audit of your methods. Are your skills relevant to the market? Have you sought feedback on your portfolio or resume? Analyze your behavior and opportunities before looking for supernatural explanations.

2. Seek “Real-World” Rehearsals

Engage in activities that simulate professional scrutiny. Join debating societies, public speaking clubs, or organizations that require you to defend positions and think on your feet. As seen with the UCC Mock Parliament, these environments build the confidence and articulation necessary for high-level professional interaction.

3. Fill the Curriculum Gaps

Recognize that formal education often misses key components of career success. Proactively seek out resources on:

• Resume writing and formatting.
• Interview techniques and soft skills.
• Networking and professional branding.
• Public speaking and persuasion.

4. Embrace Scrutiny

Do not shy away from criticism or intellectual cross-examination. While it may be uncomfortable, it is the fastest way to identify weaknesses and improve. View every presentation or interaction as a test of your readiness for the professional world.

5. Create Opportunities

If traditional pathways (like job applications) are blocked due to structural issues or scarcity, use your preparation to create your own opportunities. A well-prepared individual with strong communication skills and a network is better equipped to innovate and create value, even in difficult markets.

FAQ

Conclusion

The narrative that spiritual attacks are the primary barrier to creativity and success is a comforting but dangerous illusion. It allows us to outsource accountability and ignore the structural and personal deficiencies that truly hold us back. As evidenced by the experiences of successful alumni from the University of Cape Coast, the true determinants of a flourishing career are preparation, exposure, discipline, and the courage to engage with reality.

While spiritual beliefs have their place in providing comfort and moral grounding, they must not anesthetize human agency. A society that prioritizes spiritual explanations over practical preparation will inevitably stagnate. Conversely, a society that embraces the uncomfortable work of self-improvement, intellectual rigor, and skill acquisition will unlock its creative potential and overcome the challenges that lie in the tangible world.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily (Original Article Context)
• University of Cape Coast (UCC) Student Mock Parliament Alumni Network
• Educational frameworks regarding soft skills development in higher education