fundraising

When you’re passionate about your cause, it’s easy to work too much. Life-work balance for Fundraisers is critical to prevent burnout and operate at maximum efficiency.

Here are five quick lessons to keep you on track with life-work balance.

We think of work as something negative and play as something positive. Why can’t work be fun, too?  ANYTHING can be fun or drudgery.  It’s all in how we think about it. Over-committing ourselves, saying “yes” more than “no,” and waiting until the last minute can all lead to work becoming a chore.

Everything you do should have a purpose.  Everything. You should have a purpose for reading this blog and I should have one for writing it. Your purpose should be simple, clear, and 7 words or less.  For example, my purpose for writing this blog is “To share information, inspiration, and resources.”

Our purpose is the “what” of our work.  How we do it determines if it’s fun or work.

Be in the here and now.  If your mind is somewhere else, you should probably start moving your feet toward it. I’ve heard it said that depression is living in the past and anxiety is living in the future. Staying in the present keeps you grounded and enjoying what you’re doing.

Stop saying “I have to” and replace it with “I want to.”  Subtle but important difference. “I have to” feels like being forced and that’s not fun for anyone. “I want to” feels like a choice and that’s a better place to come from when you’re working.

Love the people you’re with. That’s what really matters. Find something to appreciate about those you work with and those you spend your precious free time with.

These five lessons are certainly applicable to everyone, and particularly to professional Fundraisers. It’s easy to spend ALL your time working, especially when you’re dedicated to your cause. A lack of life-work balance for Fundraisers leads to less productivity and ultimately burnout.

Follow these simple ideas and make sure you’re spending enough time recharging yourself so you can be the best you can be.