Have you seen that trend where people introduce themselves as a [fill-in-the-blank] and then they go on to describe what they do in sweeping generalizations?
It might be cliché, but I’m a Gen Xer without a TikTok to speak of, so humor me here, would you?
You’re a nonprofit leader… of course you stay up until 2am every night replying to donor emails and somehow make it to that 7am strategy meeting fresh as a daisy. 🥱
… you haven’t taken a real lunch break in years because there’s simply too much impact to be made and lives to be changed. 🥪
… clearly you structure your whole life around board meetings, fundraising galas, and community events morning, noon and night. 🗓️
… your idea of self-care is not looking at your inbox for a full hour while watching Netflix…until the guilt sets in after 38 minutes. 🛋️
… a “vacation” means sitting poolside but still sneakily checking program reports and donor updates when your family isn’t looking. 😎
… you’ve perfected running on fumes, caffeine, and the occasional free lunch at donor cultivation meetings. ☕😅
Silly generalizations? Yes. But, as the kids say these days, it’s funny because it’s true.
So I have to ask, if you’re fixing and fueling everyone else, what’s fueling you?
As you go about championing your cause and garnering support for the vision of your NPO, are you coming from a place of peace and wholeness or a place of anger, hurt, and a sense of injustice?
Don’t get me wrong. No matter the energy, the work is getting done, and that’s a good thing for everyone else—in the short term.
But as you fight to make sure everyone else finds peace, joy, and harmony, you’re burning yourself out.
And, in the long run, you’re going to cut your impact short and starve the world of what you have to offer.
The question is: how can you make sure you’re properly fueled with “clean” energy to do the work you want to do?
Here’s what I believe in the simplest terms:
- You have to accept what you can’t change and focus on what’s in front of you.
- You have to practice self-care before you care for others.
- You have to reclaim the narrative, understand and find healing from your trauma so you can continue the work without burning out.
And trust that, even if the work is never finished, everything is going to be okay.
🎤🎤🎤
This week on the podcast, I had an illuminating discussion with spiritual healer John Jacob Mubarak – a spiritual advisor with a heart for integrating soulful practices into everyday life – that was nothing short of transformative.
Our conversation cut straight to the heart of how we can give our all to the causes we love, without losing ourselves in the process.
During our conversation, we zeroed in on a few big ideas:
- By reconnecting with nature and embracing practices like plant medicine, we’re not just healing; we’re unlocking deeper insights about ourselves. It’s a powerful reminder that taking care of our inner world is just as crucial as fighting the good fight.
- We dug into how our past and the pressures of “I must” drive us but also how creating new, healthier narratives for ourselves can change the game. It’s about knowing your “why” and making peace with it.
- Putting trust in the bigger picture, whether it’s the universe or another higher power, gives us the strength to push through. And when we approach our work with an abundance mindset, we see that serving others enriches us too.
If you’ve been feeling the burnout creeping in, this episode is your reminder that it’s okay to pause, recharge, and reflect.
Listen to the full episode right here 🎧: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/277-healing-the-wounded-healer-with-jj-mubarak/id1436858854?i=1000648767067
Making sure you’re running on “clean” energy is just the start of becoming a “Big Ask” Fundraiser who doesn’t burn out. If you’re looking for a proven strategy for attracting (not chasing) donors and a comprehensive solution to build a robust Individual Giving Program, apply to enroll in the next cohort of my Big Ask Gifts Program today! https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
