Toastmasters International -Don’t Go It Alone

A smiling woman with long brown hair stands in a lush, green outdoor setting with trees and foliage in the background.

There have been moments in my Toastmasters journey where I’ve felt completely overwhelmed—like I was in way over my head. The expectations I had of myself were high, and I was equally aware of the expectations others had of me. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. That sense of pressure, mixed with uncertainty, can be paralyzing.

I’ve even caught myself preemptively feeling shame—imagining what it would be like to fail before anything had even gone wrong.

In those moments, my instinct has often been to simply push through. To figure it out quietly. To carry the load alone. As if asking for help was some kind of weakness.

Fortunately, Toastmasters has taught me something invaluable.

I vividly remember leading a team and having endless challenges with one person. I tried everything I could think of to build a better working relationship. Nothing worked. We had very different ideas of what should be done and seemed to clash all the time. It was exhausting!

I realized I needed help. Eventually, I reached out to my mentor. His words of wisdom changed everything: “You have to approach this situation with empathy. The movie going on in their head makes perfect sense to them.”

Help is always within reach. The key is simply to ask.

That guidance helped me realize this person simply had another perspective—equally valid. I began approaching the situation with curiosity, trying to understand their viewpoint rather than change it. From there, we could finally move toward finding common ground.

If you’ve ever felt like everyone else has it figured out except you—you’re not alone. We’ve all been there.

Each time I’ve reached out—to admit I was struggling, unsure, or simply tired—I’ve been met with empathy, support, and generous wisdom. Reaching out when vulnerable wasn’t a moment of weakness. It became a turning point.

Whether it’s in your club, your District, or at the Board level, help is always within reach. The key is simply to ask. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed.

So here’s my challenge for you and for myself:

Who can you reach out to today—for guidance, encouragement, or support?

And who around you might need a reminder they don’t have to do it all alone?

None of us do. All it takes is one brave moment to ask.