It’s a new year with new goals! Do you have the resources you need to reach those bold, energizing, necessary goals? Or are you already feeling too stretched and not sure how to invest in your nonprofit?

First, stay laser focused on the reason behind your goals. If it wasn’t important, it wouldn’t be part of your plan. Perhaps your nonprofit has a new member on the leadership team in need of some coaching. Or that new initiative needs some seed money. There may be potential partners to connect with. Or your board is disengaged and a new strategy is needed. Or the facility is looking shabby. So many of those blasted “competing priorities”.

How do you know when, what and how to invest in the future of your organization so you can change the world?

Check your mindset on this – it can be scary, but if your goals help lift the community, it’s your responsibility to make them happen. No excuses about not having resources, no whining or feeling sorry for yourself.

Here are 3 signs telling you it’s time to act:

1. The cost to do nothing is more detrimental. Fast forward one year – what will it cost you to do nothing? If you think your challenge is bothersome now, imagine what it will feel like then if you do nothing. How much will it cost you in staff time, frustration, secondary resources or perhaps even reputation? Separate the wheat from the chaff, look beyond today and focus on the things that matter most for the long-term.

2. Low cost or no cost options are available. Have you truly explored your options? When it comes to leadership development, for either volunteers or staff, you may have some inexpensive or free options to consider. Who could serve as an effective peer mentor? If it’s funding you need, are you trying to go it alone? Try a social media campaign and engage your tribe for even longer term benefit. Have a painting party and serve pizza. Remember to look outside your organization and intentionally engage others in your work.

3. Folks are getting restless. What’s your staff retention rate? Are volunteers slipping away? Are you getting radio silence when you ask for new ideas? Are your donors demanding more information? There’s trouble in paradise and you need to re-energize your team! According to Daniel Pink, most people are motivated by 3 things – autonomy (opportunity to accomplish something on their own), purpose (they are working for a meaningful cause), and mastery (learning something new). If you undervalue this, your team may be gone by the time you get around to investing.

You may not be able to do everything at once. But when you lay out an investment plan with a timeline to support your goals, chances are you’ll be able to deliver on your mission in a bigger way. And when you involve others in the plan, you’ll be able to keep them energized and moving forward.

No more whining. Let’s get you moving from intention to execution.

“Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine.” ~ Mario Fernandez

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