“Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much can be done if we are always doing.”

— Thomas Jefferson

Phyllis does.

Phyllis ... does

Phyllis is one of my inspirations as I give and learn from Toastmasters. She joined the organization several years ago when she was at Providence Health & Services because she needed to learn how to lobby for people coming off of workman’s compensation. Pretty soon she was voted the VP of Membership for her home club. Then her duties took off.

Here are the awards and roles that she currently holds.

• Sunset Division Governor
• President, Wallmasters Toastmasters
• Web Master, District 7 Toastmasters
• Club Coach
• Mentor and Secretary/Treasurer for Toastmasters for Speaking Professionals
• Vice President of Education and Public Relations for New Horizons Toastmasters
• Herbert C. Stude Award Recipient
• Spirit Award Recipient

Whew! I’m tired just typing all that. 

When I asked her why she does so much in Toastmasters, she responded, “It’s not about me. It’s all about everybody else.”

That is what makes her efforts so special. She works hard to enable other people to succeed. She tries to give people a “push in the right direction” then she stands back.

The question quickly arose. How does she do so much? Her answer will not surprise busy people. “It’s all about pacing and slotting. Today I’m working only on New Horizons, and when I’m done with that only then do I switch.”

And that is the secret. Work only on one thing and focus intently on it. Make time slots for each item on your list, and do not worry about the others until you are ready.

As we finished talking Phyllis asked me a simple question, “How are you doing?”

That led to a long conversation about my year-long project, giving and ideas on how I can help more people. Her brain was cranking and when we were done, I walked away with far more than I gave today.

Phyllis is working hard to help people succeed, including me.

Thank you, Phyllis.

Helped out Phyllis’ New Horizons Toastmasters club with a visit and filling in as General Evaluator, but received far more than I gave.