WE CO-CREATE STORIES THAT LAST, EACH DAY
WE CO-CREATE STORIES THAT LAST, EACH DAY
Today, our Toastmasters family can tell stories about the journey of DTM (Distinguished Toastmasters - the highest level of TM development), a program under the project of future DTM Hieu Phung.
Thank you for the life stories of the DTM brothers and sisters and those who shared the stories.
DTM Daniel's story: from the habit of 'introvert' to practicing the habit of 'extrovert'. When there is a big enough reason: for his teammates, for the common purpose of the organization - he needs to make a presentation, he will not let his preference for 'introvert' or 'extrovert' be a barrier. As a manager, he needed to speak effectively with partners – to win customers, and to connect with teammates and partners – he trained his speaking skills to do his role effectively. Are you letting any of your old habits (for example, the habit of being introverted and not practicing extroversion when needed) be a barrier to an important goal of yours?
Mr. DTM Tien Trinh's story: cherish and continue the journey, instead of thinking you have reached your destination. After achieving DTM, and being the only Vietnamese person to attend an event in the US, DTM Tien Trinh was asked by a successful businessman at the age of 43, 'How many DTM do you have'. Mr. Tien Trinh recognizes those who continue to contribute to the community, they continuously develop themselves, and having a second, third, and fourth DTM... is a manifestation of them continuing that relentless journey, and helping others do the same.
DTM's story - Uncle Jimmy Thai: a Vietnamese who achieved the American dream - he was once given a small amount of money by a stranger at a difficult time, with the message 'Do that to someone later when you grow up'. He was inspired by that kind act and message and has been building a school to support children in difficulty.
My own story - DTM Jen: on the journey to participate in TM for 5 years (according to Toastmasters' old program), and only 1 more project left, I can achieve DTM, that is 2020. If I don't do that last project, I will have to start over from the beginning of the DTM journey according to the new program. At that time, I decided not to try because I felt that the certificate was not necessary if I had the ability in real life. Even though I think so, I still feel something is confusing, because in my 5-year journey, many people have contributed to it. I realized that I still felt inadequate and did not dare to accept and appreciate the efforts of myself and others during those 5 years. At that moment, Toastmasters members encouraged me to complete that journey - and created opportunities for me to do necessary projects on the DTM journey. And that experience further affirmed the power of community – for each other.
Lesson from MC Tony: to have the best speech, forget about making it the best, but be the best - face the 'darkness' - the things you haven't realized yet - with the support and suggestions of people who believe in themselves.
Lesson from Hieu Phung - giving value on the journey to achieving your goals. Hieu implemented the DTM project and created value for nearly 100 participants today and will soon be the children in the school building project, thank you Hieu.
Thank you to those of you who have accompanied and created the story of DTM, MC Tony, and Hieu Phung today; and your story.
May we continue to live every day to create a story worth living!