How are you feeling? It’s only halfway through December, and we’re hearing from a lot of fabulous fundraisers that they are burnt out! We all know that year-end fundraising is exhausting. Plus, you’re likely wearing multiple hats while dealing with the stress of the holiday season and these challenging times. What if you set those hats aside for a moment and did something just for you (and encouraged your staff to do the same)? That’s self-care – and we suggest you move it to the top of the to-do list for these last few weeks of the year. As a holiday greeting to you, our team thought it would be fun to share our favorite self-care strategies. Here’s a taster:
- Evan, our newest consultant, loves exploring new restaurants.
- Beth Ann, director of the Academy and Senior Consultant, relaxes over a cup of tea and a great novel.
- And Gail gets centered through solitude and mindfulness.
It’s all about being aware of what makes YOU tick – just as you are aware of what interests and excites donors. Think of this as practice for the major donors you’ll be working with in the new year. And, remember, there may be changes you can make in your workplace that can positively impact your wellbeing and that of your staff. You and your team can feel better and achieve more! We also recommend a terrific book that our friends Beth Kanter and Aliza Sherman wrote, called The Happy Healthy Nonprofit. You’ll want to put this one on your holiday reading list. It’s full of “strategies for impact without burnout.”
Bottom Line on Self-Care: It’s essential if you want to be happy, healthy and productive.
You can achieve the impact you hope for (and more) without sacrificing your health and happiness!
If your organization is planning a capital campaign or expanding your major gifts program – we can help. Email coaching@gailperry.com if you’d like to schedule a free strategy call with us.
