The holiday season is upon us — a time to share and celebrate with our family and friends. But it is also a time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished in 2014, to take a look ahead to what we want to do in 2015. And, to make some plans for the New Year to help us achieve those sometime elusive goals we’ve set for ourselves.
For Toastmasters, the time signifies that we’re half-way through our year. It’s also a time for us to reflect on what we’ve accomplished in 2014 and to look ahead to what we still want to accomplish in 2015. And, yes, to make some plans to help us achieve the goals we’ve set for ourselves, as individuals, as clubs, Areas, Divisions, and the District.
I keep reminding you that our theme this year as a District is “Evaluate Your Potential,” which is probably more significant the next six months than the previous six months. We seem to relax more the first half of the year, but kick into full gear the last half. This is when we push our clubs to focus on the members to achieve the communication and leadership awards. We challenge our members and our Area Governors to find opportunities for a new club or ways to bring in new members. And, more importantly, we start looking at next year’s leaders — talking with our members to encourage them to think about stepping into leadership at the club, Area, Division, and District levels. If you don’t think you’re ready to step into leadership, but another Toastmaster thinks you are, listen to them. They see what we can’t see in ourselves. Accept and embrace the opportunity of leadership. Toastmasters is an organization made up of volunteers — so, if no one asks you, volunteer. The rewards truly outweigh any apprehensions you might have.
We have two upcoming leadership events in January. The first, LACE (Leadership and Communication Excellence) is being offered on January 10 and January 24; focus is on providing leadership training to club officers – or those who want to be. On January 17, we will have a Leadership Dinner to talk about the ins and outs of serving as a leader at all levels in the organization, from the club to the District. Current leaders will share what they’ve learned throughout their year(s) serving as a leader – the benefits, the challenges, and the rewards.
Have you started looking at your goals for 2015? How will you “Elevate Your Potential”? Toastmasters has made a difference in your life, now it’s time you make a difference in Toastmasters.
Have a blessed holiday season!