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STAGE TIME: I’m Retiring! If I Wanna Grow, I Need to… !
By Darren | September 28, 2009
Alex Mandossian & Darren LaCroix
“Wealth should buy you time.”
~ Alex Mandossian
Have you dreamed of retiring? Have you secretly dreaded it?
While attending a seminar last week, my own dreams became crystal clear. Though my business is growing along with my demands, my life has not been growing in the direction I would like. I’m getting more and more demands for coaching, e-mails, speaking engagements… and I’m finding less time of my own.
I posted a comment about this on Facebook recently. There were so many people asking about the changes I am making, that I felt compelled to write about it, with hopes that it would inspire you to do the same.
One of the speakers at the seminar was Alex Mandossian. During his session, he said something that hit home with me…
“Wealth should buy you time.”
Ouch! For me, the exact opposite has been happening. I’ve given back my time to Toastmasters. Each Fall, I give 6 weekends to Toastmaster District Conferences… and in the Spring, sometimes even more. I love doing it. I have so much fun!
One of the reasons I moved to Las Vegas was to pursue one of my dreams: my own one-man inspirational show, Humor and Hope. Las Vegas is one of the few places in the world where you can have a new audience everyday and not travel.
During Alex’s session, I realized that while I’ve been talking about my dream… I haven’t been moving forward with it. Do you ever do that?
In order to design my life, I’ve decided to retire from doing Toastmasters District Conferences. This is a huge decision for me - it has been a big part of my life for so many years! A couple of my closest friends, Steve & Erin Pavlina, reminded me recently that my story can help more than just speakers… it can inspire anyone.
I had a real-life reminder of that a few weeks ago. I was speaking at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Toastmasters, and a young man (who’d’ been dragged there by his mother) made comment that hit me in the face. “I heard your story and I’m going to pursue my dream of being a tattoo artist. I think I can do it now.” Wow!
Another time management pearl of wisdom from Alex was: Say, “No thanks” 10 times more than saying “Yes.” If we say “yes” to everything, we’re saying “no” to something important.
Life is short. In order to grow, we must let go of something. We need to make room for the new. I will honor my current commitments to Districts and any new ones that come before May, when I will be in Ireland and Australia. After that, I’m going to say “No, thanks.”
I’m still going to support Las Vegas Toastmasters Clubs, and I’ll still be at the International Convention next year. I’m still going to hold my Boot Camps and continue to write about speaking. It will always be a part of what I teach. I will still be an ambassador for Toastmasters - I’m just deciding to make a change. I want to take my life and business in a new direction, I want to help people believe in and pursue their own dreams. That is mine.
What is your dream? What do you need to do tomorrow to get closer to that dream? In order to get there, what do you need to retire from?
Stage time,
Darren LaCroix
2001 World Champion of Public Speaking
This Week’s Video Clip:
The HUMOR Boot Camp is Back!
Click here to watch the video!
P.S. I want to stress that I love Toastmasters. It has been the bridge to the dream I was told I’d never get! I will still give back… just in new ways. I hope you do, too.
Topics: Motivational Inspirational Tips, Stage Time Comments |
September 29th, 2009 at 4:26 am
As you grow, the time comes to move on to do something different. It’s hard to move away from activities that, in the past, helped build your view of yourself, your career, your life.
I will be interested in seeing your growth and the impact your NEW activities will have.
September 29th, 2009 at 5:15 am
Darren,
I wish you only the best and can whole heartedly agree with your decision. It is the same decision that I made a year ago to leave my ‘comfortable’ healthcare position to work on my “to do” list which wasn’t getting any closer “to done”. Your passion is greatly appreciated and it will serve you well.
September 29th, 2009 at 5:23 am
Darren,
I can only say how fortunate I feel to have met you through Toastmasters. You and Craig gave me inspiration to leave my full time position and live the dreams I have. I am honored and will always see you as one of my lifelong mentors.
My husband and I will go to Vegas one day, can’t wait to see your one man show; go for it, today, tomorrow and always!
Sarah
September 29th, 2009 at 5:45 am
Darren, way to go! When I started to retire my coworkers kept telling me that I didn’t want to do that. I just told them that work was getting in the way of things I wanted to do! Although I am busier than I was when working, it is busy with things I have wanted to do. That is so very satisfying. Good luck! I am sure you will succeed.
(Guess I had better scratch your name as a possible speaker at our conference in 2011!)
September 29th, 2009 at 5:53 am
Darren, I understand how difficult it is to breakaway from what you’ve always done. The people who depend on you and expect you to continue to deliver. The problem is like the speed boat racer -the water which is the necessary component to move faster is also the very thing that slows you down! Please keep me tuned in as to your progress because I have the same comflicts!
September 29th, 2009 at 6:07 am
Thanks for your comments about getting clear about your dream. Saying “yes” is important to let opportunity flow through you but sometimes saying “no” IS saying “yes” to what really matters to you. The biggest “yes” is to yourself and your dreams. Bravo for making that shift for yourself!
Pam
September 29th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Darren - Congratulations on your decision and your new direction. I am so fortunate to have connected with you and I have learned so much from you. Thank you for your energy, your commitment and your encouragement.
You have touched many lives over the years, and have been truly inspirational. You’ve given so much to others, and it is time that you give to yourself. I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing how this new adventure unfolds. Good luck to you.
September 29th, 2009 at 6:59 am
This is not goodbye, it really is HELLO!
September 29th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Darren - Congratulations on your decision! I’ve been wondering how long it would be before you realized that some of your future rightly belongs to you, not just to others. You, as a long-time world class servant leader for Toastmasters are fully entitled to reap some of the benefits, in this case, the ability to make that shift toward your long term big goal of a one-man inspirational show. In doing so, you are still modeling behavior for Toastmasters and non-Toastmasters to follow. Reach your dreams!
September 29th, 2009 at 7:13 am
“Dreams are a wish your heart makes”. Go for it!!!!!
September 29th, 2009 at 7:24 am
You are merely taking your message to an even bigger stage. As far as we are concerned, you are ALREADY the best ambassador Toastmasters has ever had. If we had a Hall of Fame, you’d be in it.
Godspeed, and Happy Trails. Keep us posted…
September 29th, 2009 at 8:02 am
Man, you guys are going to make me cry! - Thanks…Darren
I’ve got lots of work to do, and a passion behind my direction.
September 29th, 2009 at 8:04 am
I met you though Toastmasters two or three times and have talked with you via phone the same number.
I was inspired by your commitment to your cause.
Changing directions does not necessarily mean you are leaving what means so much to you. If one wants something in their life to change than they have to change something they are doing. Now you have all the training and all the experience of Toastmasters to apply to your new endeavors. I wish you the best.
September 29th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Darren,
Absolutely the right choice, and I commend you for making it. You have been an excellent ambassador for TM over the years and a great coach. I personally appreciate the help I got from you last summer.
Colin
September 29th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Way to go Darren! It takes courage to stop doing something you love to make room for something you’ll love even more. Appreciate you sharing your decision!!
Betty
September 29th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Go for it!! “Be all that you can be!” “Hello” to a new adventure! I can hardly wait to hear about your one-man inspirational show! That is something I personally want to learn more about!
I’ll be watching you with great anticipation…..
September 29th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Darren — “Letting go” doesn’t mean that you stop caring about (Toastmasters), it means expanding your caring — your outreach — and honoring the Truth of your being. Your humor (from a guy everyone said “wasn’t funny”) is your strongest asset and your ability to deliver motivational messages through it is a real blessing. Know that those of us lucky enough to have studied under you will always be grateful and definitely support you on this new journey. Many blessings!!!
September 29th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Darren,
Go for it! I admire your courage. You will be a great and I hope to catch your performance sometime in Vegas. I will miss not hearing and seeing you at the Toastmaster conferences. I’m feeling a sense of loss.
Chris
September 29th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Darren,
Obviously you have a good sense of priorities.
Andrew
September 29th, 2009 at 10:36 am
I guess this comes under the heading ‘….a closed door opens a new door’. But doors don’t swing by themselves. It requires a decision and action.
You will find success on any path you choose - because you have learned how to work for it.
I hope ‘Stage Time’ will continue. Good stuff for us still on the trail. Keep us informed.
Terry Hewins,DTM, PDG
D-5, San Diego
September 29th, 2009 at 11:53 am
Darren!
The path is the path - only the backdrop shifts when we allow it. I don’t see any big change here at all, just a different backdrop. You will continue to be who you are - a guy who inspires people with his stories and humor - what an excellent “calling”. It is the Voice that calls you forth into greater and greater venues.
Thanks for your gift of time and attention along the way!
Brian Logsdon, DTM
D78 Gov
September 29th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Darren
You continue to be such a source of inspiration to me! You’ve accomplished so much in the speaking world and to now take your message to an even broader audience is fantastic. I wish you heaps of fun and success.
Barb
September 29th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I actually felt guilty about easing my Toastmasters workload (to follow other dreams)until I read your news! Yet again you have inspired me to reach greater heights and I thank you. GO DARREN! and let your light shine even brighter as you bring joy to the masses who will come to see you in Las Vegas. We all owe you big time.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Thank you for all that you’ve done for Toastmasters like myself. Toastmasters is a stepping stone to great things, and having a show in Las Vegas sounds like a wonderful opportunity to further your comedy career. I wish you great success on your show! Keep us posted on the dates.
September 29th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Darren,
It’s about time! You just cut another anchor line from your dream ship. Set your sail for tomorrow with a crisp wind at your back and reach…for the stars. You have made a life long impact on so many…I appreciate all you do and look forward to hearing about your new adventures.
September 29th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Darren
I hear you are coming to Australia next year.
Please tell me when and where. I have never met you, however as with all of your fans, if I do it will be as if I have already met you.
Henk, Melbourne, Australia.
September 29th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Darren,
congratulations for walking your talk and daring to do what you feel is the right thing to do for you. With this decision you really can be a role model for quite some overworked and sometimes underappreciated people out there who are reading your newsletter.
Enjoy your newly designed life to the fullest!
Beate, Shanghai, China
September 29th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Darren,
It is easy to say YES but it needs courage to say NO THANKS. You live only once so live it your way!
Brindha, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
September 30th, 2009 at 1:49 am
Hey Darren,
Good for you - not an easy decision I’m sure, but it definitely sounds like the right one!
Look forward to seeing what the realignment makes possible for you!
Simon B from across The Pond
September 30th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Thinking about retirement is scarey and I appauld you for the way you’re moving forward to focus on your “retirement” dreams. It’s really hard to move away from things you love but you are tightening your focus and will still be there doing those things you’re passionate about.
Linda from Southern California
September 30th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Darren, congratulations on the next step in your journey. I, too, just gave up a big responsibility in order to pursue what I’m passionate about. You are always an amazing inspiration, and this change you had the courage to make will encourage others to do the same and follow their dreams.
Sara Blumenfeld, Houston TX
October 1st, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Darren,
When I saw the words “I’m retiring” my first thoughts were “Oh No, what’s wrong.” Then I read the rest of the story and I saw that evrything was all right. Good for you. I think it is time you followed your own dreams full out. Be Blessed.
Love,
Cherylle (D31)
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:36 pm
To quote an amazing speaker:
“GET OUT OF THE CLUB!”
I saw a man that up until that point seemed all smiles and comfort, but at that moment, I heard the words of a man desperate to call the audience out of the armchair and into the game.
He implored us to reach beyond the training wheels and leap into the unknown, to test our mettle and to challenge ourselves to bigger and better things.
To this day, my peers echo the sentiment of a wild man shocking a comfortable crowd out of the familiar and into the wild.
Little did we know that his words were not just for the audience, they were for the speaker as well.
My Mother always ‘hated’ when I said her words back to her, but she always smiled because in that moment, she knew that I finally added her wisdom to my soul.
Get out of the club, Darren. Practice time is over!
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Thank you Darren. What a great newsletter. I have grown because of it. Good luck to you. You will continue to achieve your goals and it is nice to stand on the sidelines and be encouraged by that. Thank you for your honesty.
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:27 am
Great article Darren! There is a lot of change going on in the world at this time, and you are right in saying - you have to move on to grow.
I just read a great book called “Love is Letting go of Fear” by Gerald G Jampolsky. In one of the chapters he talks about being clear and consistent, and that too many goals only confuse and deflect one’s focus.
So good for you for recognising that! I wish you every success with the next step of your journey.
Kind regards,
Cheron Long-Landes.
Goodyear Toastmasters, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada.
October 4th, 2009 at 4:28 am
Congratulations for organizing your priorities. Everyone must live their dream, life is too short. Your article has made me seriously think about why I am hesitant about retiring.
October 4th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
When I look at all the things you are upto its amazing you
> have lasted this long!! I met you at the Spring Conference in
> Toronto. I have Laff pack and your DVD.
> Thanks for all your help.
> Let me know when/if you will do a boot camp in Toronto and keep
> thoes e-mails coming.
> Cheers
> Andrew
October 10th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Just yesterday I made the decision to say no to a position on the District Executive for next year. The responsibilities take time away for what I truly want to do. There are other contributions I can make to Toastmasters that utilize the skills I need to work on to reach my personal goals.
When I read your news I felt like I was being given permission to notify the person who asked me to consider the position that I am declining. Thank you.
And best of luck in turning your dream into reality. I have been fortunate enough to attend conferences and here you speak. I know you will succeed.
November 1st, 2009 at 7:08 pm
I think you’re making a good decision. As much as I love Toastmasters with all my heart, I agree that you must follow your heart, wherever it may take you.
After all, you have to be the happiest person yourself before you can give to others fully and there are so many ways of giving.
Check out these books, they may help you reorient yourself closer towards your dream:
4-hour Work-week by Timothy Ferriss
Vagabonding by Rolf Potts
DaVinci Method by Garret Loporto
All the best,
Miranda