Page 17 - 2018 December

PERSPECTIVES

You Need to Do!

Donna Stark, DTM -

Immediate Past District Director

During a recent Table Topics segment, I was asked human—we are by nature imperfect!” I encourage

about my favorite kitchen appliance. I thought you to replace the desire for perfection with a
of the fabulous red stand mixer I purchased a desire for excellence. All each of us can really
few years ago. It’s top of the line, with all sorts do is the best we can. If you wait for the perfect
of features and attachments. I remember my time or the perfect speech, you miss out on all
excitement when I bought it. (Did I mention it’s the growth opportunities that come with taking
RED?) It’s also still in the box— its potential to action.
bring out my culinary talents remains untapped. I assure you that being afraid to fail,

I have most certainly not made the most of this of looking foolish or not measuring up to
gift I gave myself. expectations (most often your own), is a
Have you had an opportunity fear shared by many. Fortunately,
you didn’t take full advantage your fellow Toastmasters are in
of? How about Toastmasters— your corner and want you to
are you taking advantage succeed. “Failures” are great
of all the opportunities your opportunities for learning and
membership offers? Toastmasters growth, and many clubs want
is often described as a “learn by to be considered as a safe place

doing” organization. If you want to “fail.” Don’t get caught in
to learn, you need to do! the trap of comparing yourself
I noticed in my home club to other speakers. Everyone’s
that the same few members journey starts in a different
seemed to be taking on the place. Toastmasters will help
roles of Speaker and Toastmaster, often at the you find your own voice and your own style.
last minute because others were reluctant to take To maximize your growth, give yourself a

them on. We talked about what might be keeping gift and go all-in. Don’t hesitate to take on the
people from tackling these roles. A couple of leading roles in a meeting, or the leadership
common themes were wanting a speech to be roles in your club, area, division, or district. The
perfect and not wanting to fail. I can relate to Toastmasters program works, but you have to
both. take it out of the box! Hmmm—maybe I should
Perfectionism is the enemy of productivity. dig out that mixer!
One of my favorite lines from Lance Miller’s “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice
World Champion Speech in 2005 is, “We are the gift.” ~ Steve Prefontaine

VOICES! |DECEMBER 2018 17