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"Toastmasters: The Courage
to Conquer" is the theme chosen for the 2008-2009 Toastmasters year by
International President Candidate, Jana Barnhill. When I first saw Jana's
theme I contemplated what it takes to have the courage to conquer. My first
thought was that it takes the desire to change.
Nathaniel Branden, psychotherapist
and author of several books on self–esteem writes: "The first step to change is
awareness." Once we are aware that something in our life needs to change
we have to have a positive attitude and take action to bring about
that change.
During my term as District
Governor, I see us achieving our goals through teamwork. These teams are
aware of the goals of our individual members, Clubs, Areas, Divisions and the
District. These teams have a positive attitude. Why a positive attitude?
Well, as Herm Albright said, "A positive attitude may not solve all
your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worthwhile." But
most of all, I see teams taking action to change things for the better.
I sum up this vision of
achievement with an equation: Awareness plus Attitude plus Action equals
Achievement.
The courage to conquer requires
these four A's. Change requires awareness to detect and the courage to
correct. As Toastmasters, each of us has this awareness and courage within
us.
Thank you for placing your
confidence in me as we move forward to shape District 50's destiny. I challenge
each of you to keep these four A's in your thoughts as we go through the next
year.
As 12 year old Shannon Pogue
wrote, "Watch your thoughts, for they become your words. Watch your words, for
they become your actions. Watch your actions, for they become your habits. Watch
your habits, for they become your character. Watch your character, for it
becomes your destiny."
District 50: Awareness,
Attitude and Action bring Achievement! |
