Navigating the Year-End Hustle: How to Protect Your Peace as a Nonprofit Professional
by Grace Bettendorf
Hey there, fearless nonprofit warriors! As the year wraps up, the nonprofit hustle goes into overdrive. If you’re a nonprofit professional, you’re probably wondering how to keep your sanity intact through all the chaos. Fear not, because here are a few tips to make it through this season in one piece.
Set Realistic Goals (I know, we like to dream BIG)
Start by setting realistic and achievable goals for the end of the year. It’s important to avoid overcommitting yourself or your team. Break down tasks into bite-sized steps that allow for progress without totally overwhelming yourself or others. And always remember, you can change plans along the way!
Prioritize Self-Care (Your couch misses you!)
Sure, you’ve got campaigns to run, endless holiday programming, and spreadsheets to conquer…but don’t forget about the cozy spot on the couch. Schedule dates with your favorite TV show like your life depends on it – because it probably does. Like my mother always tells me, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Taking care of yourself is taking care of the communities we serve. Burnout is real.
(Bonus: here is the ultimate guide to every holiday movie out there this season)
Effective Time Management (Yes, that coffee break IS necessary)
Become a time management ninja by prioritizing based on urgency and importance. (I know, I know, everything seems urgent, but this can be done.) This isn’t limited to your work duties, projects, or calendars.
Don’t forget to add that essential afternoon coffee run (or two), the midday chat with your work bestie, and setting boundaries for your work hours. I’d like to put an emphasis on that last one.
Open Communication (It’s okay to ask for help)
The nonprofit world is filled with deadlines, demands, and on-the-fly projects. Keep those communication channels open, friends! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help or discuss possible solutions. This can be intimidating, but it often encourages collaboration and fosters a culture of well-being. Maybe it will encourage your overworked colleague to follow in your footsteps. Be that leader!
Celebrate Small Wins (Preferably with a nice little treat)
The struggle is real, but so are the victories. Celebrate those small wins, whether hitting a fundraising milestone or nailing the perfect microwave popcorn. The nonprofit world hyper-focuses on what we can do better (it’s how we create change). But what about all the little wins that lead up to that? Celebrate your successes and recognize the accomplishments you see in others. We all deserve to be seen and acknowledged. Share the popcorn!
Mindful Practices (Don’t forget your lunchbox!)
Build mindfulness into your routine. Whether it's through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or short walks, these practices can help you stay grounded and focused during this wild season (because certainly everything will “slow down” in the new year…). I will also challenge you to put down your work while eating lunch at least once each week. Or maybe just actually eat lunch… no judgement; we’ve all been there.
Learn to Delegate (It’s a superpower)
You might be a superhero in your own right, but even Superman had a weakness. Learn to delegate tasks to your team so you don’t try to save the world alone. Plus, it’s more fun when everyone gets a cape.
Take It All In (I know, it’s a lot to take in)
Reflect on the year gone by and all the hard work you’ve put in to make a difference. It’s no joke! As nonprofit professionals, we take on a consistently changing environment, the pressure to raise enough money to meet crucial needs in our communities, and countless other duties as assigned. You’ve likely worn more hats than you ever dreamt you could. You are a warrior for good. Don’t forget to take a breath and take it all in.
Keep up the good work and protect your peace as the year ends, friends. You are worthy of it. We all are. Sending love to you all and wishing you a fabulous year to come.
- Grace Bettendorf -
