On the afternoon of November 10, 2024, members of the Soar to Infinity Book Club gathered at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre for their final meeting of the year. With “Grit” by Daniel Dunga as the centrepiece, the club embarked on an exploration of self-discovery, and the power of potential. Members adorned in stylish traditional attire, set the scene for an afternoon that was as introspective as it was exciting.
DEFINING GRIT: THE CORE OF DETERMINATION AND PURPOSE
Opening the discussion, the group tackled central questions raised in Dunga’s Grit: What is grit, and why is it essential? The book defines grit as a fusion of passion and persistence—qualities that enable individuals to stay committed to long-term goals, despite obstacles. Attendees shared personal stories of their own battles with adversity, recounting times they had called upon their inner reserves of grit to carry them through.
One member observed, “Grit is when passion meets perseverance.” Members came to the realisation that true achievement frequently results from having the guts to persevere, which highlighted the universal yet highly personal nature of grit.
A PAUSE FOR ART
Midway through the discussion, Gabriel took the stage to deliver an evocative performance that blended song and poetry. His art served as a contemplative break that let participants think about the emotional components of strength. Gabriel’s performances embodied the themes of Grit, reminding the audience that perseverance often requires both emotional vulnerability and strength. His performance prepared the group for the next stage of the afternoon’s discussion.
KAYAKUNGU`s PERSPECTIVE ON POTENTIAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH
After Gabriel's creative homage to grit, Kayakungu Julius Malange, the meeting's keynote speaker, gave a riveting talk about the relationship between grit and potential. He drew in an audience of inquisitive minds by opening with, "You can't lie to readers, which makes them dangerous people." Drawing from his own experience in sports and the arts prior to entering the business world, Kayakungu explained that potential is a compound idea that involves latent skills, undiscovered abilities, and undeveloped talents and that requires perseverance to be maximized.
Kayakungu then emphasised the value of intuition in developing grit. He challenged the group to think of intuition as a vital, frequently underappreciated guide through life's obstacles. This realisation made everyone think about how quiet but effective grit is when one follows their gut feelingsKayakungu’s discourse posed a thought-provoking question: What role does intuition play in the development of grit? In spite of the fact that its guidance may appear counterintuitive, he encouraged the audience to trust their gut instincts and to think about the wisdom they contain.
ALEXANDER DIESMAN’S PARALLELS BETWEEN GRIT AND SPORTING EXCELLENCE
Adding another dimension to the discussion, Alexander Diesman offered a fascinating analogy, likening grit to the tenacity required in sports. He drew from the life of Rafael Nadal, chronicling the tennis legend’s rise despite severe injuries that, at one point, left him with only six Grand Slam titles. It was Nadal’s grit, Diesman noted, that enabled him to overcome adversity and become one of the sport’s most celebrated figures. “Victory belongs to the most tenacious,” Diesman quoted, as he concluded.
A FAREWELL FEAST AND NETWORKING
As the afternoon drew to a close, members enjoyed a delicious spread of traditional local cuisine. They exchanged thoughts on the day’s discussion, their favourite books of the year, and their aspirations for 2025, each conversation reinforcing the shared bonds within the club.
To the Soar to Infinity Book Club, happy holidays and an inspiring 2025 ahead!
