Friday, December 19, 2025.
Why “Half-Assing” Anything Costs More Than You Think
There’s a quiet habit that creeps into organizations and personal lives alike—half-assing things.
Doing just enough to get by. Winging it instead of preparing. Finishing a task technically, but not properly.
The problem isn’t just the task itself.
The real danger is what it trains your brain to accept.
When you consistently cut corners, you condition yourself to operate at the lowest acceptable standard. That mindset doesn’t stay contained to one project—it spills into everything: decision-making, communication, follow-through, and ultimately, character. Over time, “good enough” becomes the default, and excellence starts to feel optional.
From the outside, half-assing is visible. People may not always call it out, but they notice. It erodes trust, damages reputation, and quietly redefines how others perceive your reliability and professionalism. In industries where credibility matters, that’s a price few can afford to pay.
The truth is, most half-assed work isn’t caused by laziness—it’s caused by poor preparation.
When you don’t plan ahead, don’t clarify expectations, or don’t allocate the right time and resources, you end up scrambling. And scrambling almost always leads to shortcuts.
Preparation is the antidote.
Professionals who consistently deliver quality work do a few simple things differently:
- They clarify the objective before starting.
- They break projects into manageable steps instead of reacting at the last minute.
- They anticipate obstacles instead of being surprised by them.
- They allow time to review, refine, and correct—because first passes are rarely the best passes.
Completing a task fully—the right way—isn’t about perfectionism. It’s about respect: for the work, for the client, for the team, and for yourself.
If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing properly. Not halfway. Not rushed. Not “good enough.”
Because how you do small things is exactly how you’ll be trusted with bigger ones.
Brett Mikkelson
Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Panama Canal Delivers US$2.965 Billion to the Government of Panama
The Panama Canal delivered US$2.965 billion to the National Treasury, corresponding to economic surpluses, transit tonnage fees, and payments for public services provided by the State. The figure is higher than the US$2.470 billion delivered previously, an increase of about US$495 million.
The ceremony was held in the province of Colón, at the facilities of the Fleet and Equipment Administration and Maintenance Division on the Atlantic side, where the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, received the contributions to the State from Canal employees, representing the Canal workforce.
Following the approval of the Panama Canal’s financial statements for the fiscal year from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, the Board of Directors declared US$2.372 billion as an economic surplus from the operation of the interoceanic waterway. To this amount, US$591 million in tonnage rights payments were added.
The direct contributions also include US$2 million for payments related to public services provided by the State.
During fiscal year 2025, the return of lake levels to normal conditions made it possible to maintain a 50-foot draft, even during the dry season. As a result, the average daily number of deep-draft transits reached 33, compared to 27 recorded the previous year, which had been affected by the El Niño phenomenon.
The event was also attended by the Minister for Canal Affairs, José Ramón Icaza; the Minister of Economy and Finance, Felipe Chapman; the Canal Administrator, Ricaurte Vásquez Morales; and the Deputy Canal Administrator, Ilya Espino de Marotta, among other guests.
MiAmbiente Assures that Audit of Copper Mine Progresses Satisfactorily
The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) reported that the comprehensive audit of the Cobre Panamá Mine Project is progressing satisfactorily, fully meeting the established goals and timelines.
In this regard, the auditing firm SGS Panamá Control Services Inc. delivered the first progress report, corresponding to the initial phase of the audit process being carried out under its supervision.
This report, available on MiAmbiente’s website, documents the activities conducted during the first work period, which focused on interinstitutional coordination, document review, detailed technical structuring of the audit, and the definition of the work methodology in accordance with the established Terms of Reference.
Likewise, this first report reiterates that all 370 environmental commitments derived from the Category III Environmental Impact Study (EsIA) will be audited. Annex 1 organizes all of these environmental commitments by number, description, institutional responsibility, and location within the Terms of Reference for verification, ensuring traceability, technical control, and transparency throughout the audit process.
At this initial stage, no findings or conclusions are issued, as the audit remains in the information gathering, validation, and analysis phase, prior to the start of field verifications and specialized technical evaluations.
In this context, the Ministry of Environment reiterates that the Comprehensive Audit of the Cobre Panamá Mine Project is being conducted under international standards, with technical rigor, independence, transparency, and traceability. Partial and final results will likewise be communicated to the public in due course, as the process advances into subsequent phases.
MiAmbiente strictly complies with the publication of environmental information in the country, including that related to the Cobre Panamá Mine, in permanent adherence to the Escazú Agreement on transparency in ecological and environmental management.
Copa Airlines Resumes Flights to Venezuela, but Only to Maracaibo
Copa Airlines announced that it will resume air operations between Panama and Venezuela, but only through La Chinita International Airport in Maracaibo, after completing a test flight and determining that operating to that terminal is safe and reliable.
According to the airline, this decision is part of its process of evaluating operational alternatives to maintain connectivity for passengers traveling to and from Venezuela, following the temporary suspension of flights to Caracas. Copa explained that the airport in Maracaibo has approach systems that mitigate operational risks associated with possible navigation signal intermittencies.
Operations between Panama and Maracaibo will begin with a daily frequency starting Saturday, December 20, 2025. Flight CM703 will depart from Tocumen International Airport at 12:14 p.m. (local time) and arrive at La Chinita International Airport at 2:58 p.m. The return flight, CM713, will depart Maracaibo at 3:58 p.m. and arrive in Panama at 4:46 p.m.
Additionally, the airline reported that it continues to strengthen its flight frequencies between Panama and the city of Cúcuta, Colombia, a border location adjacent to Táchira State in Venezuela.
For passengers with scheduled flights to or from Caracas up to the suspension date, Copa Airlines is offering options such as changing the travel date or origin/destination within the same region — including Maracaibo or Cúcuta — without additional charges, canceling the trip while retaining the ticket value as credit, or requesting refunds for unused or partially used tickets, which may be processed through its website.
The airline reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains a central criterion in its operational decisions, and it recommended verifying flight status through official channels before traveling.
Panama Innova 2025 Will Finance 42 Science and Technology Projects
In Panama, there is entrepreneurial talent that integrates science with technology, a reality once again evidenced by the announcement of the winners of the Panama Innova 2025 program, carried out by the National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt).
The initiative seeks to strengthen innovation and the country’s technological ecosystem by promoting projects with growth potential and market reach. This was explained by Senacyt Secretary Eduardo Ortega Barría, who detailed the selection process and the criteria used to choose the funded proposals.
According to Ortega Barría, approximately 370 proposals were received during the call, which were evaluated by an international review committee. After the first phase, the number was reduced to 162 projects, which then underwent a more in-depth review.
“From those 162 proposals, 50 were recommended for funding, and we will ultimately finance 42, most of which are in the scaling process,” he explained.
The official emphasized that these projects have already surpassed the conceptual stage and have a functional prototype, allowing them to aspire to reach the market in the medium term.
He also explained that 25 of the funded projects correspond to initiatives currently in the scaling phase, while around 20 fall under the pre-seed capital category, focused on the initial development of innovative ideas.
During the announcement, the National Business Innovation Award was also presented, a joint initiative between Senacyt and the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama, aimed at recognizing and promoting innovation within the productive sector.
Authorities encouraged entrepreneurs, business leaders, and individuals involved in science, technology, and the agricultural sector to continue investing in innovation as a key driver of the country’s economic and technological development.
Strengthening alignment among academia, the business sector, and the State is one of the pillars both institutions seek to reinforce in order to propel Panama forward in various strategic areas.
MiAmbiente Announces 2025–2026 Christmas Tree Collection
The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) announced its national 2025–2026 Christmas tree collection initiative, aimed at promoting the responsible disposal of natural trees used during the holiday season.
The entity explained that, after accompanying Panamanian families throughout December, Christmas trees can return to the earth through composting and other natural byproduct processes, preventing them from ending up in landfills or being burned, practices that negatively affect forests, the environment, and communities.
MiAmbiente reiterated that the proper disposal of these trees contributes to the circular economy, reduces pollution, and promotes a responsible environmental culture.
MiAmbiente Announces Christmas Tree Drop-off Locations
Official Drop-off Sites – Panama District
• Cinta Costera
• Atlapa
• USMA
• Arena Roberto Durán
• Panamá Compost (Río Abajo)
• Leafsinc (Multiplaza)
• MiAmbiente Panama Norte (Plaza Princesa de Gales)
• MiAmbiente Central Headquarters
• Parque Municipal Norte
• Las Cumbres Community Board
• Don Bosco Community Board
• Ancón Community Board
Other Districts
• La Chorrera: Parque Libertador
• Arraiján: Westland Mall, Brisas del Golf Park
• San Miguelito: Jardín Omar Torrijos, Los Andes 2
• Colón: Paseo Marino / MiAmbiente Colón Headquarters
Collection dates: January 7 to 11, 2026.
The Ministry of Environment urged the public not to abandon or burn Christmas trees, and to deliver them to the designated drop-off sites to ensure sustainable reuse.
CAF Approves $500 Million Loan to Banco Nacional de Panamá to Support Panamanian Agriculture and SMEs
CAF — the development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean — approved an A/B loan of up to 500 million dollars in favor of Banco Nacional de Panamá (Banconal), with the objective of strengthening sustainable and inclusive growth in Panama’s productive sector, with special emphasis on agriculture and agribusiness, rural areas, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
This type of financing, known as an A/B loan, allows CAF to act as the lender of record for the entire operation. CAF provides the resources for the A tranche and, simultaneously, mobilizes third-party funds, primarily from the private sector, for the B tranche, channeling them toward priority sectors.
In this way, financial capacity is expanded and the impact of the operation is maximized.
The A tranche provided by CAF amounts to up to 150 million dollars. The B tranche will be mobilized through the participation of various financial entities, including international and regional commercial banks, and impact funds, among others.
Catalyst for productive and territorial development
The resources will be channeled by Banconal to clients and projects in the following areas:
• Investments and productive activities in strategic sectors, with emphasis on agriculture and agribusiness, especially those led or owned by women and located in rural areas.
• Green business projects related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable enterprises.
• Productive SMEs, particularly those led by women.
“This financing strengthens Panama’s productive sector, contributes to advancing food sovereignty, and reinforces our determination to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the region. Operations like this consolidate CAF as the Green Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean,” stated CAF Executive President Sergio Díaz-Granados.
In 2024, the agricultural sector represented 2.7% of Panama’s GDP and generated 14.6% of national employment, reaching up to 40% of employment in some rural areas, demonstrating its social, productive, and territorial relevance.
Financing with strong social, productive, and sustainable impact
In addition to financing, CAF will provide non-reimbursable technical cooperation resources to support the bank in adopting improved ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices and impact measurement. This includes artificial intelligence–based solutions for measuring carbon footprint in the agricultural sector, which will strengthen decision-making and accelerate sustainable practices.
Expected results include at least 3,300 SMEs benefiting, including at least 1,000 led by women.
Additionally, 50% of the resources will be allocated to SMEs in rural areas.
“This financing represents a strategic opportunity to continue driving the country’s sustainable and inclusive growth. It will allow us to expand our reach into productive sectors, especially agriculture and agribusiness, as well as strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises.
“At Banconal we reaffirm our commitment to being a driver of development for all Panamanians, with the objective of building a competitive, equitable, and sustainable Panama,” stated Javier Carrizo Esquivel, General Manager of Banco Nacional de Panamá.
Panama–Costa Rica Corridor Would Protect Endangered Manatees, Researchers Say
A binational corridor of nearly 1,000 kilometers between Panama and Costa Rica could be key to protecting manatees, which are endangered in Central America, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) reported Tuesday.
This binational corridor, measuring 984 kilometers—220 kilometers in Costa Rica and 764 kilometers in Panama—and covering 2,631 square kilometers of coastal marine ecosystems and wetlands, is being proposed by Smithsonian researchers who conducted a study revealing cross-border movements and habitat use of the Greater Caribbean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus).
“With fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remaining and a projected population decline of 20 percent over the next two generations, this subspecies is facing increasing threats due to habitat degradation, boat collisions, poaching, and entanglement in fishing nets,” stated the scientific organization, headquartered in Panama.
To support long-term conservation of these herbivores, the researchers propose the binational corridor, which includes 18 protected areas and four Ramsar sites: Northeast Caribbean Wetland and Gandoca–Manzanillo in Costa Rica, and San San–Pond Sak and Damani–Guariviara in Panama.
The corridor also encompasses “more than 57 rivers that reach the 20-meter isobath and align with the residency and movement patterns” of manatees observed during the research.
“It is common to hear decision-makers say they need scientific information to manage natural resources—and here it is. However, when we presented a Binational Agreement for the Protection of Manatees to the environment ministers of both countries, only Panama showed interest,” stated Smithsonian scientist Héctor Guzmán, lead author and head of the research.
Cross-border movements and habitat use
The new study, conducted by the Smithsonian and engineers from the Technological University of Panama (UTP), revealed new data on the movements, habitat use, and conservation needs of the endangered Greater Caribbean manatee along the Caribbean coasts of Panama and Costa Rica.
To monitor the presence and movement of manatees, the researchers installed passive acoustic monitoring equipment in multiple wetlands and coastal sites in Panama and Costa Rica between 2015 and 2024.
The Smithsonian explained that this approach made it possible to identify nine manatees traveling between Panama and Costa Rica, covering distances of up to 200 kilometers.
“We discovered that the manatees’ movements northward coincide with periods of higher rainfall, warmer air temperatures, and lower sea levels. These patterns suggest a strong interaction between seasonal atmospheric dynamics and habitat use. This would allow us to predict their movements and guide conservation strategies that ensure seasonal ecological connectivity,” said STRI oceanographer and co-author Rocío Estévez.
The scientific organization stated that this study represents a “significant advance” in the understanding of manatee ecology in Central America, and highlights the “urgent need” for coordinated policies and cross-border conservation efforts to safeguard the endangered manatee and the fragile ecosystems in which it lives.
