Leona McDermott
2021-2022 National Chief of Staff & Mentoring for Leadership Ambassador
New Year Resolutions – Simple Things to Ensure Your Auxiliary Will Succeed!
The holidays are behind us and I am sure that many of you made personal New Year resolutions. Here are some simple resolutions that every member can make that are not only easy to do, but they will also help ensure your Auxiliary is ready, willing and able to succeed.
Kindness and Respect – In our every day lives we are not all friends and we are not always going to agree; that’s okay as long as we do it in a respectful manner. We don’t have to be best friends to be kind to one another or to respect the role that each person plays; each of us is an important piece of the whole puzzle. To be successful we must put our personal differences aside – find common ground – compromise – find a way to work together – and always keep the best interest of your Auxiliary and the organization in mind. Remember, it is not always what you say, but how you say it that can be hurtful. Treat people the way that you want to be treated. Keep a smile on your face and be the reason that someone smiles today.
Knowledge – There are individuals who feel that knowledge is power – please don’t be one of those people. If you’ve been a member for a while, share your knowledge with the newer members, however, please make sure that the information you are sharing is correct. Our Bylaws and Ritual have changed many times over the years so be sure you keep up with all the changes. There is ALWAYS something new to learn whether you are a new member or have been a member for many years. Encourage the newer members to utilize all the wonderful resources that are available to learn the workings of our organization. Be the person who helps our members grow.
Positive Attitude – Having a positive attitude means being optimistic about situations, interactions, and yourself. A positive attitude helps you remain hopeful and see the best even in difficult situations. It will not only make you feel better, but it will also help you DO better. When situations get difficult, rather than getting upset, a positive attitude will help you focus on what went right, and then figure out what you can do better next time. A positive attitude will also help you learn to see the thoughts behind people’s actions and why they may have acted the way they did rather than jumping to a harmful or negative conclusion. A positive attitude will help you enjoy what you are doing.
I’ve provided you with three simple resolutions that can make a world of difference in your Auxiliary. Always remember that at the end of the day veterans and their families are our purpose; there is really nothing else that matters. Practicing these resolutions will ensure that we continue to Soar Above and Beyond for our veterans and their families all across this great nation.