Project 1 – Ice Breaker: My Maxim

A very good evening to Visiting Toastmasters, Committee Members, Distinguished Guests and fellow Toastmasters.

What's MAXIM? One of the best selling men's magazine circulated worldwide with explicit content, crude jokes, scantily-clad women and a subject which I'm definitely not going to cover today.

Webster Dictionary's definition: a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct

My maxim is a simple 4-part philosophy I follow that complements my principals. One which would help unify my goals and my life.

PART 1: LEAD WITH EMPATHY
Being a leader isn't always about leading people. It’s also about taking charge of your own life. To lead with empathy is to lead a life that empathises with the life of others, improving the quality of your relationships.

I lead an uninspired lot of soldiers back in camp and we're always required to execute instructions swiftly. How do I ensure things are done? I could punish them for every sign of defiance or I could listen and understand more about their needs. I chose the latter and as I approach the day where I'm about to leave the army, I'm quite hopeful to remember a group of buddies I know I can count on for many years to come.

PART 2: EXCEL WITH CLASS
Albert Einstein once mentioned, "Genius is 1% inspirations and 99% perspiration." Excellence comes with hardwork but to remain humble of your achievements requires even more from you as a person. To excel with class is to remain gracious despite being bask in glory and ensure continuity in excellence while not forgetting humility.

As a young boy, I often gloat at my fiercest academic competitors whenever I scored in exams or tests. Even as I tried to win their approbation, I got none. As I grew older, I realised that the true measure of excellence doesn't come from winning awards or competitions. It comes from giving your best and leaving the world a little better; be it a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition. I'm still tempted to gloat at others sometimes but whenever I'm tempted, a young boy will always tap and give me a gentle reminder.

PART 3: ACCOMPLISH WITH ZEST
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm," exclaimed Ralph Waldo Emerson. To accomplish with zest is to complete every task with great joy and enthusiasm.

Standing here as a 22-year old adult and looking back, I've realised that the most memorable times of my youth were ones where I took charge and find the joy in accomplishing something instead of just going with the flow. I remember the first time I picked up a paint brush, 5 years ago, and finished a painting about this big. It took me 2 days and 2 nights and I nearly gave up. But I found renewed zest with every little part of the painting I complete, be it the reflections on the river or the texture of the trees. At the end of it, my enthusiasm peaked as I was giving my first painting its finishing touches, the sense of accomplishment is priceless.

PART 4: DUTY WITHOUT REGRETS
We are all duty bound to fulfil one or more roles in society. Be it as a parent, a child, an employee or a National Servicemen like myself. It my not be for honor, glory, fame or fortune but we all have our obligations.

I've spent close to 2 years serving this nation and honestly, it’s a thankless job; alot of hard work and perseverance especially when you're out in the field training in the jungle. But I never looked back, not because my maxim says, "DUTY WITHOUT REGRETS" but rather I chose to make the best use of my time while at it. Think about it, as a parent, a child, an employee or simply a subject of God.

You have a choice to...

LEAD WITH EMPATHY
EXCEL WITH CLASS
ACCOMPLISH WITH ZEST
DUTY WITHOUT REGRETS

That is my maxim in life.

My fellow toastmasters, what will be your maxim in life?

Daylon: Thanks to Mr. Terry Teza for evaluating this project. Feedback is strongly encouraged!