Friendship Toastmasters Club: 21 July 2015 - Life's a Marathon, not a Sprint!

This is a beautiful analogy for living life, not just running a race. Angela Duckworth, a professor in the University of Pennsylvania in her psychology research found that Grit is the one of key success factor in one’s life.

Grit is passion and perseverance for very long term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality.

As with endurance running, life requires the same thing from us that a marathon does, to endure till the end, without quitting at any point before the finish line, and without cutting corners. It is about never giving up, being persistent and resilient. Their passion and commitment towards the long-term objective is the overriding factor that provides the stamina required to "stay the course" amid challenges and set-backs. Essentially, the grittier person is focuses on winning the marathon, not the sprint.

The audience were inspired that "Grit" is the true recipe to success.

Table topic master, Tan Geok Ean, CC challenged the members on topics around the theme for the evening.

Visiting Toastmaster, Yap Poh Soon from TTDI TMC was the first volunteer to take up the Table topic challenge - "Between failure and giving up, which would you choose?".

Visiting Toastmaster, May Ong from OUM TMC got a cycling picture where she shared her experience when she was younger.

Keny shared with us how Richard Brandson inspired her to do something exciting in life.

Visiting Toastmaster, Patrick from TTDI TMC was given an Apple picture and he passionately shared Steve Job's success story.

Last but not least, our president, Benz Chan shared how he learnt from his past experience. "Mistakes are proof that you are trying".

Our first project speaker, Wong Mi Shan delivered CC#1 - Icebreaking speech. This soft spoken lady shared that she is a strong believer of gender equality. We know more about her, at least we know she plays the guitar instead of piano!

If I weren't afraid.....

Second project speaker, Edrea Poh delivered Advanced Communication Manual - Public Relationship. Edrea shared her personal experience in Toastmasters, from personal development to gaining speaking competency.

The Toastmasters

Guess what are they watching???

We had a special clip for Timothy and Mi Shan, a clip that captures all the memories we had in Friendship Toastmasters.

Cheers!

Special cake for the lovely couple..... All the best to both of you!

I always believe absence makes the heart grow fonder ;p

Last but not least, special thanks to our General Evaluator, Sue Ding, DTM, District Governor. Sue Ding shared a very detailed 'general evaluation' with us. She complimented our SAA, Keny for being thoughtful and ensuring guests are well taken care of all the time, not forgetting keeping them well fed too! She was impressed by the strong bond that we have among the members, and this is even more apparent when the Tim and Mi Shan's farewell clip was played during the meeting. Well done, Friendship Toastmasters!

Sue Ding has provided valuable feedback to us, and we hope to see you again!