On August 25th, 2024, the Soar to Infinity (S2i) Book Club held its third online meeting, featuring an electrifying presentation by Thoko Njoloma. With about 35 attendees from various backgrounds and locations, the session was a powerful exploration of ambition, clarity, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

The Power of Dreams and Clarity

Thoko Njoloma opened the discussion by connecting with the audience on a deeply personal level, asking them to reflect on their own dreams and frustrations. She emphasized that everyone is a dreamer but not everyone achieves their dreams. The difference, according to Thoko, lies in clarity—knowing precisely what you want. She stressed the importance of being specific about one’s goals, urging the audience to write them down and visualize their success.

The Graveyard of Unfulfilled Dreams

One of the most impactful moments in her talk was when Thoko referenced the words of the late Dr. Myles Munroe, who famously stated that the richest place on earth is the graveyard—filled with unfulfilled dreams, unsung songs, and unrealized ideas. This powerful analogy served as a reminder of the importance of taking action towards one’s dreams, rather than letting them die within.

What Do You Really Want?

Thoko challenged the audience to ask themselves what they genuinely want, beyond the expectations of family, society, or peer pressure. She highlighted that many people pursue goals not because they truly desire them, but because they feel obligated to meet external expectations. She stressed the importance of aligning one's ambitions with personal passions, rather than merely conforming to societal norms.

The Role of Expectation and Action

Moving forward, Thoko delved into the relationship between what people want and what they expect to achieve. She pointed out that many people’s expectations are limited by their experiences or the experiences of others around them. However, she urged the audience to focus on their desires rather than their expectations, encouraging them to act boldly in pursuit of their goals, irrespective of past failures or the opinions of others.

Personal Stories of Persistence

To illustrate her points, Thoko shared a deeply personal story about her own journey through years of applying for international scholarships. Despite facing numerous rejections and skepticism from those around her, she persisted for nearly a decade. Her efforts were finally rewarded in 2013 when she was offered not one, but two scholarships. Her story served as a powerful testament to the importance of resilience and the long-term pursuit of one’s dreams.

Taking Action: The Key to Success

The presentation culminated with a call to action. Thoko encouraged attendees to not only dream big but to take tangible steps towards achieving those dreams. She advocated for writing down goals, using positive affirmations, and surrounding oneself with supportive people who will hold them accountable.

Embracing the Power of "I Am"

Thoko introduced the concept of the power of the words "I am," explaining that whatever follows these words shapes one's reality. She urged participants to use positive affirmations regularly and to declare their dreams publicly, as this creates a sense of accountability and drives action.

Conclusion: A Call for Boldness and Ambition

Thoko Njoloma’s presentation was a stirring reminder of the importance of ambition, clarity, and action in the pursuit of dreams. Her message resonated deeply with the attendees, many of whom left the meeting feeling inspired to reassess their goals and take bold steps towards their fulfillment.

As Thoko aptly put it, "When you are interested, you do what is convenient, but when you are committed, you do whatever it takes." The challenge now lies in translating the inspiration from this session into real-world actions that propel the participants toward their greatest aspirations.

Here is the full video.

https://youtu.be/nBFx2b5_CxA