Pride Stride (Toastmasters Table Topic)

 

SELF-ASSESS TO SUCCESS! (Toastmasters Project 1)

 

Ask Naïve Questions Now, Be Intelligent Tomorrow.

Often, we delay asking questions for fear of judgment, only to regret not asking them sooner. It’s better to sound foolish today by asking what seems obvious than to pretend to know everything and remain ignorant.

Fellow Toastmasters and friends, the answer to that question might hold the key to greater understanding tomorrow.

Good evening, everyone! I am Joana, a passionate advocate for lifelong learning. I would like to introduce myself by discussing four self-assessment practices that are crucial for continuous personal and professional development.

●        Setting Goals

From high school and college, we've been taught about short-term and long-term goals. Long-term goals are our ultimate ambitions, but short-term goals keep us on track toward achieving them. My overarching goal is to excel in my field as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and associate professor at Our Lady of Fatima University. Managing the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Accounting Information System programs, I find fulfillment in teaching and mentoring students.

Achieving a goal should be a stepping stone to setting new ones. After becoming a CPA, I pursued further education, completing my Master’s in Business Administration in 2017 and my Doctorate in 2020. I also became a Certified Computational Finance Analyst and joined the National Research Council of the Philippines. Each of these accomplishments began as a goal, reinforcing my belief in goal-setting for lifelong learning.

●        Monitoring Time Management

Time is our most valuable asset and seems scarcer as we grow older. Efficient time management is essential for balancing personal and professional responsibilities. As a mother to two beautiful daughters, Sierra, a two-year-old, and Sandari, my nine-month-old, balancing motherhood with a demanding career is challenging but fulfilling.

In my role as a college professor and program head, I manage a variety of tasks, from assisting my college dean to addressing student concerns and attending meetings. Prioritizing tasks aligned with my goals helps me stay organized and make steady progress toward my objectives.

●        Seeking Feedback

Constructive feedback is a cornerstone of personal growth. Actively seeking feedback from colleagues, students, and mentors helps us understand our strengths and areas for improvement. However, obtaining honest feedback can be challenging due to hierarchical relationships and personal biases.

In my current work, this challenge is particularly pronounced. Colleagues might hesitate to provide candid feedback, and students might feel uncomfortable offering criticism. To counteract this, I joined a Toastmasters Club. Toastmasters provides a supportive setting where members give and receive constructive feedback on communication and leadership skills, offering insights that might be difficult to obtain in a regular work environment.

●        Practicing Self-Reflection

Feedback alone isn’t enough; we must reflect on our learning experiences to make meaningful improvements. This involves analyzing feedback and implementing changes. For each area of improvement identified, I create a detailed action plan outlining steps to address it. This might include setting new goals, learning new skills, or changing my approach. Reflecting on the outcomes helps me understand the impact of my efforts and refine my strategies for the future.

I believe that my greatest competition in life is my old self. Rather than comparing myself to others, I measure my progress against who I was yesterday and envision who I want to become tomorrow. This mindset fosters continuous self-improvement and helps me stay motivated without falling into unproductive comparisons. 

For me, humility is the most crucial ingredient for pursuing lifelong learning. It keeps us grounded, acknowledging our imperfections, and believing that there is always room for improvement. Humility helps us accept our limitations, seek and embrace feedback, and stay teachable, enabling growth from every experience and interaction.

I hope these insights inspire you to engage in lifelong learning and continuous self-improvement!