I don’t think so.
If you think “having no limits” is part of your job description, think again.
Everybody has limits. Even fundraisers.
Okay, maybe having “more business than you can handle” sounds like a problem we all want to have.
But let’s get practical about this. “More business than you can handle” is no good for anybody – except maybe your competition.
Technology like e-mail and cellphones have increased the daily pace of philanthropy, but they haven’t made Superman or Wonder Woman out of the fundraisers who use them. All work and no play drives Joe and Jane Fundraiser off a cliff in their fancy new car.
To repeat: Everybody has limits. To do the best job you can for your clients, your peers and yourself, it’s critical that you be aware of yours, and act on that awareness.
So now that you’ve mastered the technique of scheduling work, it’s time for you to move to the “advanced” level – the art of including life.
If you’re thinking, “I don’t have time for that!” – you’ve located the problem.
Try breathing deeply and thinking about nothing at all for 5 minutes. This may be the toughest thing you do today. Tomorrow, try it again. Take your brain out of gear and oxygenate your body. You’ll improve with practice.
Next time you stop playing with your pet because you think you’ve got something more important to do, go back and play some more.
Write “TAKE A WALK AROUND THE BLOCK AFTER LUNCH” on your day planner in red ink, then leave it out where people will see it. Later, take the walk. If it’s raining, walk anyway – just bring an umbrella. And make sure it’s a magenta golf umbrella with bright green frogs on it.
Stop multi-tasking at least once a day – need it or not. Doing one thing at a time is a great way to get things done.
Can you think of other things that should be on this list? Pencil them in. But go drink a glass of water first.
You’ll feel better. You’ll be happier. And your work performance will improve.
