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The Power of Intention: How One Young Man’s Courage and Service Sparked Extraordinary Growth


There are moments in life when you see transformation happen right in front of you: a quiet change that starts in doubt but ends in brilliance. This is a tribute to one such transformation. Over the past year, I have watched a young man grow—not through luck or chance, but through intention, service, and bravery.

He first walked into our Simba Toastmasters club meeting quietly, his presence almost hesitant. His eyes scanned the room, and his smile was tentative yet hopeful. You could tell he wanted more out of life, even if he hadn't yet found the words to say it.

Most people who walk through that door don't stay long enough to see their potential bloom. Out of a hundred who express interest, only a handful join. And of those, just one will stay long enough and be intentional enough to truly transform.

This young man was that one.

Lesson 1: Intention – The Spark That Ignites Change

Growth doesn't happen by accident. It starts with intention: a quiet yet powerful decision to become more than you are today.

After paying his membership fee, this young man consistently showed up at every meeting. No excuses. While others allowed fear or busyness to whisper them away from growth, he leaned in. He had something most people never develop early enough in life: the humility to say, "I don't know," and the courage to learn anyway.

I noticed that spark early. So I nudged him forward, gently, and at times sometimes firmly, and he said Yes every time. That willingness became his secret weapon.

He took on roles that others avoided. When club elections arrived, he volunteered for what many called a "thankless" job: Sergeant at Arms. It meant arriving first, leaving last, and bearing the physical and symbolic weight of the meeting.

But intention isn't glamorous: it's gritty. It's waking up early to serve others. It's being present when no one is watching. And through those humble tasks, his quiet confidence began to take root.

Lesson 2: Service – The Hidden Catalyst of Growth

There's a secret many never discover: when you serve others, you grow yourself.

Through his role, he learned to engage with the building owner, welcome guests, and make every visitor feel valued. Week after week, his empathy grew, and his communication skills continued to improve.

When I challenged the executive (EXCO) team to visit other clubs, he took it seriously. He didn't just show up; he connected, invited others, and built bridges. Over time, he became the heartbeat of our club's community, doing the work of a leader without the official title.

And then came the moment of truth. We launched an Evaluator's Clinic, designed to sharpen our members' feedback and listening skills. He absorbed every lesson, practiced diligently, and soon after, in a club meeting, I sat in the audience, spellbound by his magical delivery of an evaluation that not only captivated the room but also won him the Best Evaluator Award in the club.

Two days later, as if confirming that growth comes from consistency, he took the stage again: this time as a speaker, and walked away with the Best Speaker Award.

That didn't happen by luck. It was the power of compound interest in service: the invisible work that shapes character before it appears in public.

Most people seek recognition before offering contribution. He did the opposite, giving first without expectation: and in return, he found his purpose.

When you give without keeping score, something beautiful happens: your heart expands, your confidence grows, and your purpose starts to become clear.

Lesson 3: Courage – The Bridge Between Fear and Fulfillment

Courage isn't the absence of fear; it's the choice to keep showing up despite it.

Many people join Toastmasters feeling insecure. They worry about being judged. They doubt their worth. Yet, this young man took a different route. He seized every chance to grow, even when it scared him.

He rehearsed speeches in front of a mirror every morning. He used an app to improve his ability to speak spontaneously. His mantra was simple: "Private victories precede public ones."

That truth became his compass. And slowly, courage became his habit.

The Bible tells us about Moses, a man who deeply doubted himself. When God asked him to lead, he responded with excuses. But God simply told him to drop the staff in his hand: and from it, a miracle emerged.

Most of us hide behind our inadequacies, not realizing that the miracle is already within our grasp, waiting for us to take action.

The Man Behind the Story – David Warui

The young man I speak of is David Warui.

Watching David evolve from quiet uncertainty to confident service has been a privilege. His journey reflects what I often teach: habits are not built in a day; they are built daily.

He demonstrated that success isn't about talent; it's about the intention to grow, the humility to serve, and the courage to act.

 

What This Means for You

You might not be in Toastmasters, but you're still on your own growth journey. The principles stay the same:

  • Aim to grow. Don't wait for motivation; choose to show up.
  • Help others. Growth comes quicker when you focus on giving.
  •  Act bravely. Say yes to chances that challenge you.
  • Stop rehearsing your flaws. Start acting on your potential.

 

Final Reflection: The Miracle in Your Hand

A wise man once said, "Champions learn to develop empowering beliefs and invest substantial time solidifying them, mostly through self-talk."

What you whisper to yourself becomes your truth. Choose words that empower. Choose habits that challenge you. Choose courage over comfort.

Because, as David has shown us: when you act intentionally, serve wholeheartedly, and walk courageously, transformation becomes unavoidable.

 

Call to Action

If you're ready to change your habits, start small: just show up. Join a community that pushes you. And when opportunity comes, say yes. Like David, your breakthrough might begin with a single act of service and lead to a lifetime of purpose.

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