What are your plans for the new Toastmasters year? Zig Ziglar once said, “You can’t hit a target you cannot see, and you cannot see a target you do not have.” Don’t merely dream; set ambitious yet achievable goals and propel yourselves towards them!
Your objective could be as simple as finishing the next level in Pathways before the end of the summer. Or you’re dreaming big, such as presenting a workshop at the next conference or attaining Distinguished Toastmaster status (DTM). Write your goals down, and then create a plan to make them happen.
Here’s the strength of Toastmasters: every time you stumble through a speech, fumble with a meeting role, or rescue a struggling club, you’re learning. It doesn’t matter how long you have been a member or what level of leadership you’ve achieved to date – the more you give, the greater the return. When you embrace opportunities within Toastmasters you will transform. It like enrolling in a crash course for personal advancement!
Mentoring a new member or helping revive a weak club are excellent learning platforms and a fantastic way to put your Toastmasters skills to work. Spearheading events like area speech contests or district celebrations are not only opportunities to flex your leadership muscles, but a chance to complete high-performance leadership projects or other Pathways projects requiring teamwork. These experiences foster invaluable transferable skills essential for success beyond Toastmasters.
If you’re feeling a bit lost, fear not; there’s a wealth of resources available to you on the District 86 and the Toastmasters International websites. And why not buddy up with one of the members on the Senior Leadership Team to work on a District committee? Training is available, along with guidance and support.
Once you have your goals and action plan in place, don’t keep them to yourself. Share them with your Vice President of Education and mentor. Enlist their support and let them champion your journey.
Take advantage of what membership gives you. Embrace every learning opportunities, leverage every resource, and watch yourself and your club soar to new heights!
Created by Nancy Movrin DTM, District Director Manager, District 86 2023-2024, Cambridge Toastmasters