‘What does Christmas mean to you?’ asked Euan our President at Leeds City Toastmasters.
I was catching up with Euan after our Toastmasters meeting.
I thought for a moment and replied ‘Christmas to me means – gifts, family, friends, celebrations, mince pies, fun, snow and watching movies on ITV.’
Euan smiled at my reply and said, ‘Yes true, however there is something more to Christmas too.’
I wondered what he meant by there being something more. So I asked him, ‘What else does Christmas represent?’
‘It’s a time for Reflection,’ he said, ‘Reflection of the year gone by and the new year which is about to begin. It’s the time to think about your goals. Goals for your work place, home life and Toastmasters. What are your goals for the new year?’
I nodded my head. What he said made sense to me. Christmas is no doubt a time to enjoy with family and friends. It is also a time to think about our goals. The goals for all areas of our life.
I reached home and began to write down my goals.
“At Toastmasters – I would like to achieve my Advanced Communicator Silver (ACS) this year and my Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB) this year.”
I’m still 8 speeches away from completing my ACS and I’m almost there with my ALB with a few more roles remaining.
It felt good. Thinking about and writing down the goals has given me the clarity, focus and filled me with positive energy.
How about you? What are your goals for the new year?
Think and reflect upon them during the Christmas period. Write them down and increase your chances of achieving them.
As W. Clement Stone said – Aim for the moon, that way, even if you miss you’ll still be amongst the stars!
Seasons greetings to you 
Hope to see you at Leeds City Toastmasters or White Rose Speakers in the new year.