Growing up, I was constantly told, “don’t bother with that, it won’t amount to anything.”
Multilevel marketing became a constant companion. My husband would jokingly say “I guess we need to build another cupboard to store that stuff.” Funny, yet true. It never amounted to anything.
Why? I didn’t believe in myself. Marketing a product that I was passionate about wasn’t enough to bring success. I remember hosting a Christmas showing at my place, where not a single soul turned up. I was shattered, a failure.
I even failed shorthand and typing in school, yet my first job was for an insurance company in the city of Melbourne as a clerk. I then worked my way up to receptionist, stenographer, private secretary and personal assistant. I’ve had the most amazing jobs that paid peanuts. The most I ever earned was about $18 per hour casual. I worked extremely hard for doctors, specialists, hospitals, and podiatrists and never had much money.
The pattern continued throughout my life. Upon reflection, I had a mindset that said “that’s the best I can do with the qualifications and experience I have”. A limiting belief, which I accepted for most of my life, perhaps I still believed that it was impossible to achieve greatness.
One day, I wondered “why do I always end up in the medical profession?” The answer was loud and clear “because you’re good at it. You care about people and give your heart and soul to making someone’s day brighter”. Wow! I was impressed. That was my Dharma, my purpose in life. Connecting with people, because I care.
Three years ago in June, I joined Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Toastmasters Club. My spiritual friends analysed everything, thus I wanted to meet some normal people. Stop your giggling!
I naïvely took on the role of VPM. The following year, the Club members voted me in as President plus VPM, as the numbers in our club had dwindled down to 8. I had no idea how to be a leader and tried to model myself on a past president, who was tall, elegant, eloquent, and very proper. How would I ever measure up to her? How could I be a plum if I was born a peach!
I was re-elected as President the following year. Fortunately, another member took on the VPM role. Step by step, and with the help of my fellow club members and executive team, we managed to plod along to raise our membership to 24. There was a change in my mindset – a flicking of a switch.
The role of Area Director was offered to me at the same time, which I naïvely accepted. That word ‘naïve’ haunts me!
Are you a leader? Would you like a leadership role? All it takes is a willingness to have a go. This leads to having a go, trial and error, perseverance, self-development, and the seeking of wise counsel from other Toastmasters and friends. I’ve blossomed in the role of President. For the first time in years, our club has a full executive of 8 members (including a past President). We work exceptionally well as a team. The recipe is to communicate: be open and honest, ask for help, be genuine and authentic, and most of all, listen and hear.
My heart is full of love after having the courage to say, “Yes, I’ll have a go”. When the chips are down, step out of your comfort zone, raise your hand, and affirm “I can do this. I can be a great leader.”
