What will you do next?

Yesterday, I led a discussion among Toastmasters leaders on how to recruit leaders for the next "Toastmasters year," which starts on July 1, 2023.  While the discussion was largely focused on recruiting new leaders, I concluded with the question:  "What will you do next year?"  This was addressed to a group of individuals already in leadership positions, but with the intention of challenging them to continue in a leadership role in some capacity.  The three main options I outlined were:

1. Continue in your current role to keep getting better and apply what you've learned this year
2. Step up to a new, more challenging role to push yourself
3. Serve as a mentor/assistant for a new leader

While this was focused on Toastmasters leadership, I think it applies in our work and other volunteer experiences as well.  We should often ask ourselves, "What do I want to do next?"

1. Do I want to continue to improve my skills in my current role in the company or organization?
2. Do I want to push myself to try something new that will push me further?
3. Do I want to mentor others, especially as they step into a role like the one I currently have?

You don't necessarily need to choose only one of these options - in some cases you could choose all three by continuing with your primary responsibilities while also taking on new responsibilities and mentoring someone, all at the same time!  The important part is that you ask the question of what you want to do next, not just in the next year, but continuously.  Through frequent reflection on what we are doing now and what we want to do next, we can constantly improve whether at work, in volunteer organizations, or in our personal lives.