Page 3 - June 2020

Rush to the End

Phyllis Harmon, DTM

I am always amazed at the flurry of activity at year‘s end. It’s as if the
previous eleven months available to complete projects dissipated—just
slipped away like a thief in the night. On May 31st, members come alive
with panic when they realize the Toastmasters year is ending in 30 days.
This year, the entire universe seems to be in a panic as the traditional
educational program winds to an end (never mind that we’ve known for three years that
the end was nigh).
I guess it’s human nature to procrastinate and kid ourselves that “there is plenty of
time.” Heaven knows I am as guilty as the next person. Take for instance, the 6-foot weeds
growing in my side yard. I admit I despise pulling weeds. Seems a useless activity to me. After
all, they come back with more vigor than the previous crop. It wasn’t until the Community
Snitchocrat sent me a nasty note that I finally was spurred to action and yanked the dang
things out by the roots.
Getting back to year-end activity—are you one of the few who isn’t fretting about attaining
your goals? Are you one of those people who set goals at the beginning of the year, and then
spent your time wisely accomplishing what you set out to do? How about your club? Are they
one of the many who waited to the last minute and discovered they were short members
and had too few educational awards submitted to earn Distinguished or better recognition? EDITORIAL
One of my clubs goes through the panic routine every year. It’s as if we’ve never learned
the cause and effect of our actions. My other club is the exact opposite. In that club, we strive
to meet our goals all year. Typically, we are one of the first President’s Distinguished clubs
in the District. The secret? Member engagement and attention to detail. For over 20 years,
this club has earned bragging rights as one of the best clubs in the District.
For those who face panic each year, I’m convinced there is a better way. Instead of
waiting until May 31st to take action or waiting for the Snitchocrat to come calling, why not
start 2020-21 with a plan for success? The slate will be wiped clean on July 1 as the new year
begins. All it takes to end next year strong is a commitment and
a plan of action. Surprise yourself with what you can accomplish
by not procrastinating. Time and weeds will get the best of you if
you don’t pay attention to the details.

Volume 6 Issue 11 May 2020 Monthly Columnists 2019-20 Officers Administrative Manager
Publisher B. Lee Coyne, ATMS District Director Paul Fanning, DTM
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Dottie Love, DTM Emilie Taylor, DTM
Eldred Brown, DTM Public Relations Manager
Associate Publisher Emilie Taylor, DTM Program Quality Director Kathleen Tully, DTM
Brenda Parsons, ACS, ALS Harvey Schowe, DTM PJ Kleffner, DTM Voices! is published monthly by District 7
Senior Editor James Dent, DTM Club Growth Director Toastmasters. First issue published August
Phyllis Harmon, DTM James Wantz, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM 2014. Submit articles or contact us at
Leanna Lindquist, DTM voices@d7toastmasters.org
Associate Editor Michelle Alba-Lim, DTM Finance Manager
Leanna Lindquist, DTM Paul Fanning, DTM Karen Semprevivo, DTM
PJ Kleffner, DTM

VOICES! | JUNE 2020 3