There’s something about the holidays that invites speed. Talk to any director of development, and he or she will tell you that every activity post-Thanksgiving happens twice as fast as it would during the rest of the year. Days blur into one another, and while juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities is pretty par for the course for a director of development, during the holidays it can seem like tasks become amplified. A director may be planning an annual fundraising event, working on an end-of-year fundraising campaign, meeting with donors, running reports, and giving presentations for the board and executive director.
This year, instead of obsessively planning a new campaign, or trying to fit one more donor meeting into your already packed schedule, take the next few days to step back and reflect on your accomplishments from 2015. Looking back can be just as important as looking forward, and you may find that examining what you’ve achieved will give you the motivation you need to start the new year positively and with enthusiasm.
First, take time to focus on your position. What were you able to achieve that maybe you weren’t able to the previous year? Maybe you made a strong, lasting connection with a major donor, or you were able to strengthen your relationship with your board. Maybe you implemented a new donor management system, or met your fundraising goals. In a study done by the Harvard Business School, researchers found that people were more creatively productive when they took time to celebrate their progress— even when the progress wasn’t considered “major.” No matter how small your efforts seem, focusing on what you were able to do in your position may provide you with a renewed sense of energy and inspiration.
In addition to your personal achievements, It’s also worthwhile to celebrate the accomplishments of your organization as a whole. When your position focuses so heavily on fundraising, it can be easy to narrow your focus to simply acquiring and cultivating donors. If you find yourself becoming bogged down by your failures, talk to your staff and volunteers. They likely have inspiring stories to share about how your fundraising efforts helped the entire organization thrive. Making the connection between your work and the impact on your organization can help you to refocus on the positive aspects of your position, and why what you do matters.
At the end of the year, it can be easy to focus on the negative facets of your position: the money you weren’t able to raise, or the donors who decided not to repeat their previous gifts. However, when you slow down and make a conscious effort to reflect on the successful parts of your position might be the catalyst you need to gain a fresh perspective on your organization and to love your position through the holidays and into the new year.
Want more tips on how to stay motivated and inspired in your job? Check out our free strategy sessions—we’ll help you develop a great plan to stay focused and excited all year. Get in touch with our team.