How can you balance your passion for Nonprofit Leadership with self-care?

I've found that three things are essential to self-care. First, you need to own your responsibility for self-care. Others can help facilitate, but it all starts with me internally. Second, you have to be intentional. Finally, you have to give yourself grace and recognize that this is an interative process. You may go through fits and starts to self-care success (I have!) and that is ok. Being on the self-care journey is what matters. Accept this and you're on the path to wholeness and balance.

It’s a tough line to walk. I’m pretty well known for all my work in the Veteran community here in Colorado and I’ll be the first to admit, there was (sometimes still) a time a took too much on. Several organizations, several state and federal task forces, a full time job and a family. Started exiting a few things after diagnosis. I’m now at the point where I’ve left some boards, I bow out of a lot of events and I’ve whittled things down to things related to my MS - though I still focus on Vets with MS. I now counsel others on taking time for self care - I wish someone would have smacked some sense into me much earlier.

Working at Charity and for a cause that really motivates you is so important! I would meet with my management staff weekly to handle disagreements and stress. Communication really cuts down on disagreements. Be ready and able to listen to all staff. When you have a successful moment or staff person make sure you congratulate and support them.

Before you can significantly impact and assist others, you must first address your own 'unfinished business', the issues you yourself might still be struggling with. For example, you can better assist teens with family issues only if you have addressed significant issues in your own life from your teen years that might still be unresolved. If not, your personal 'unfinished business' could negatively impact your ability to assist others. Take time to unpack and consider your own issues before assisting others as a profession. It will make you and your organization more effective.

Guarding against complacency is essential to personal professional growth and effective leadership. Four years ago, I felt a need to confirm that our DSPs had a similar view/experience of our organizational culture as our management and administrative staff. To that end, we conducted a comprehensive (anonymous) organizational culture survey and were pleased to find that was indeed the case. Not only did our DSPs view our agency mission and approach to operationalizing it nearly identical to management and admin staff, but we also discovered how important it was to them to make that inquiry. We will now be conducting this survey every 5 years as we do not want to make any assumptions while ensuring that "we" applies to everyone on our team.

Nonprofit leaders are very mission oriented and oftentimes conflate the needs of the organization with their own. I think that it is important that nonprofit leaders understand this difference and work to separate their personal lives from the needs of the work. Since succession planning is critical to maintaining the mission and vision of the organization, it is imperative that nonprofit leaders work to develop the next generation of leaders which will give them the opportunity to focus only on the things that they need to do.

I find it’s easier to practice self-care when I can truly accept that the only way I will have the capacity give is when I am ‘filled up’. Giving from empty serves no one!!! Giving from abundance serves all.

I am continually reminded that "you can't pour from an empty cup." It doesn't matter how great you are, how big your "why" is, how intertwined your heart is with your mission – if you are not serving yourself first, you cannot serve anyone else as efficiently or effectively as you would like to. Find your balance, and let your heart balance what that looks like once your head has helped you see what you need – physically, emotionally, spiritually – to be the best you can be.

Remind yourself constantly that you are in a marathon and not a sprint. Any set back should not br further than your own ability to bounce back.

In my experience, being disciplined with strategy and aware of pacing helps with boundaries. It is not unusual for those drawn to nonprofit work to want to make tremendous impact, quickly. What I have learned is to build realistic pacing expectations into planning for projects and organization strategy. First, say no to items that do not fit into your strategic objectives. Second, be aware of boundaries (and other commitments) when you are designing the timeline for projects. Be open about boundaries & pacing in organizations too. When reviewing project proposals, make it standard operating procedure to look for pacing and boundary issues. Ask, is it possible for the team to accomplish this with working consistent overtime?

Be aware of your energy levels. Can you schedule emotionally demanding work on Mondays when you have more emotional reserve? How about Fridays when you know you’ll have space to reset the next day?

Non Profits require constant attention and many people want to volunteer but have no leadership skills leaving those that do have the skills overloaded. Then the non profit becomes a job verses a passion you love. Set time and commitment levels as not to overload your personal time.

Nonprofits need time and attention from volunteers. And a good one, will never turn down good guidance and time from talented volunteers. I like to set a number of hours a month to each and use them wisely. If asked to take part in an opportunity that will take more time, I’ll think about how it will benefit all parties.

Estabelecer limites saudáveis não é apenas um ato de auto-preservação, mas uma habilidade vital para promover o autocuidado. Ao comunicar claramente suas expectativas e proteger suas fronteiras, você está fortalecendo sua capacidade de enfrentar desafios, preservar seu bem-estar e cultivar um ambiente de respeito mútuo. Lembre-se, estabelecer limites não é egoísta; é um passo corajoso em direção a uma vida equilibrada e satisfatória.

Setting boundaries is something many of us who serve others have difficulty doing. We all hear how important it is to "put on our oxygen mask first" before we try to help others. Unless you take time to step away, rejuvenate, and reflect, your ability to help others will be diminished. Start trying a few simple steps to carve out time for yourself like setting a recurring block on your lunch hour or scheduling meetings for 45 minutes so you have a break between. Think though individually or with a trusted friend what you fear will happen if you say "no" to a request. Are there other options you can offer that fit within your capacity? Once you set better boundaries, over time, future requests may become more reasonable.

In my experience leading non profits, I must say setting boundaries requires a lot of discipline and consistency. This cuts across the boundaries between you and your work, family, personal life, staff, partners, beneficiaries and volunteers. Boundaries can help one to effectively manage time and save energy. This can be achieved by saying ‘NO’ to certain requests when necessary. Rest time can be scheduled and adhered to just the same way you keep to your to-do list. Also, it is important to know how to manage what gets to you directly as the leader. Having well structured systems can aid control and reporting systems, hence, reducing direct access to you especially for the tiniest things that don’t demand your attention.

Nonprofit leadership can quickly become a 24/7 job. But allowing that to happen promises inefficiency and burn-out. It is important to set a schedule: of what hours or days you will work, and what hours or days you will NOT work---and then stick to that plan.

Estabelecer limites saudáveis não é apenas um ato de auto-preservação, mas uma habilidade vital para promover o autocuidado. Ao comunicar claramente suas expectativas e proteger suas fronteiras, você está fortalecendo sua capacidade de enfrentar desafios, preservar seu bem-estar e cultivar um ambiente de respeito mútuo. Lembre-se, estabelecer limites não é egoísta; é um passo corajoso em direção a uma vida equilibrada e satisfatória.

Estabelecer limites para si mesmo, bem como nos relacionamos interpessoais é precedido do sentimento de amor próprio. Quem pratica o amor próprio não topa qualquer situação, não subjuga os próprios valores, não diz sim para o outro, em troca do não para si mesmo. É importante investir em autoconhecimento visando entender aquilo que negociamos, mesmo sendo inegociável ou aquilo que aceitamos, ainda que seja inaceitável. Respeite-se, honre sua história e mergulhe na sensação de liberdade e poder pessoal que os limites nos proporcionam.

I value two types of support - the first is support from peers outside your organization. This is a wonderful way to gain perspective and sometimes vent when it's necessary. The second is to surround yourself with a team of domain specific experts when something may be beyond your ability to address on your own. This could be a coach, board members, or contractors, or even loose contacts you trust.

You have to realize that self-care isn’t selfish. We spend so much time taking care of others that at some point we have to prioritize ourselves to avoid the inevitable burnout. Having a community of support systems can help with keeping you accountable for taking care of you and not feeling isolated in the process. In the same way that the people we serve are looking for help, we have to be willing to do the same for our own well-being.

One thing I found helpful while operating a non profit was collaborating with others who were doing similar work and who’s mission aligned with my organizations. When it makes sense to partner with a similar organization then do that. That way there are more individuals carrying the work load leaving time for you to practice self care and incorporate work life balance. Areas for possible partnerships: fundraising and annual/ quarterly events.

Agree! It is crucial for non-profit leaders to prioritize self-care in order to maintain their own physical and mental well-being. By doing so, they ensure they are able to effectively support and lead their staff, ultimately fostering a healthier and more productive work environment. If I'm not doing this effectively as a leader I'm not in a position to support my team and our mission.

Ter uma rede de apoio, buscar a sua “tribo” te ajuda a se sentir pertencente à um grupo, a exercer a empatia, a escuta ativa, a solidariedade, a formar networking genuíno e através dele poder atingir seus objetivos de forma mais sustentável. Eu participo de grupos de interesses diversos à minha área principal de formação e isso me ajuda a ter uma rede de conexões poderosa , a desenvolver bons repertórios, a aprender e compartilhar conhecimento. Se ainda não está inserido em algum grupo, se desafie em 2024. Aqui mesmo no LinkedIn você pode se conectar com diversos grupos sobre os mais variados assuntos!

Something I find helpful- and am so grateful for - is a strong network of supportive peers. These are former colleagues, current colleagues, friends near or far. Whether it's in person or virtually, I set time with them on a regular basis to check in, to share with each other and to ensure we're doing well. Set the time in advance like a regular meeting. You'll be so glad to see it come up on your calendar!

Oui c'est primordial pour cela je met toujours à profit mon carnet d'adresses afin d'optimiser toutes mes actions à but non lucratif

To make a significant impact, it's important to acknowledge that alone, our reach is limited. History is full of examples of individuals who have achieved remarkable feats, but behind each of these successes lies a common thread – the support of others. It’s in the collective pooling of strengths, talents, and abilities that the true potential for change emerges. When we unite our efforts, the scale of what we can achieve multiplies exponentially, surpassing what any one of us could accomplish alone. By collaborating, we not only amplify our individual capabilities but also become part of something much larger than ourselves, a force for collective action and meaningful impact.

Demande de l'aide aux autres prouve que nous sommes des humains donc limiter. Celui qui demande montre aux autres qu'il ne ce suffit pas. Par ailleurs il est moins orgueilleux

In your self-care journey, seeking support is crucial. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, friends, or family who can empathize and assist. This network becomes a valuable source for sharing challenges, learning from experiences, and gaining feedback. Support helps you access resources and opportunities, fostering personal and professional growth. Utilize tools like the Support Network Map or Support Seeker Worksheet to identify and connect with your support system. By doing so, you not only alleviate isolation but also strengthen your ties within the nonprofit community. Remember, seeking support is not a sign of weakness but a powerful step towards holistic well-being.

Every single day, I reflect on at least three things I am thankful for. It could be a simple thing or a big thing: a genuine smile from a stranger, a meeting that went well, a kind word from a colleague, a task or project reaching completion, a wonderful meal, a positive anecdote from a client, a beautiful sight in nature - the list goes on. This is often a nice practice to have before you drift off to sleep - as long as you focus on positive things that don't cause your thoughts to wander towards the negative. A focus on gratitude helps to keep things in perspective and to boost positivity.

Ser grato é fundamental para a oxigenação da nossa mente e o aumento do positivismo diante da vida. Independente de como está s nossa vida, sempre há o que agradecer. O diário da gratidão é uma excelente ferramenta para te ajudar a alimentar o cérebro de forma saudável. Seja grato genuinamente todos os dias e verás bons resultados na sua vida!

A gratidão é um sentimento sublime. É quando compreendemos que todas as circunstâncias cooperam para o nosso bem. Ainda que tenhamos momentos difíceis, a prática da gratidão nos revela a beleza dos aprendizados e ensinamentos a partir das nossas dores, fraquezas e decepções. A gratidão integral não escolhe a situação ou circunstância, quem a tem reconhece que se algo deu errado, é porque não era o caminho correto, mas com certeza servirá como um caminho de superação e aprendizado.

Cultivar a gratidão é essencial para o autocuidado, pois ajuda a valorizar os aspectos positivos da vida e do trabalho, promovendo uma mentalidade otimista e reduzindo o estresse. A gratidão permite focar nos pontos fortes e conquistas, bem como reconhecer as contribuições e impacto de outros. Ferramentas como o Diário de Gratidão ou a Carta de Gratidão podem ser úteis para cultivar essa prática. Ao valorizar o reconhecimento e celebração, a gratidão fortalece a positividade e a resiliência emocional, beneficiando tanto o indivíduo quanto sua equipe e parceiros.

Chaque jour est un cadeau, une opportunité pour être reconnaissant envers ceux qui nous aident, mais aussi et surtout envers ceux qui acceptent de nous aider

La gratitude est l'élément essentiel de la vie qui permet de reconnaître la valeur des autres. L'homme est créé par Dieu mais c'est l'homme qui fait la valeur de l'homme

Cultivating gratitude is a game-changer for self-care. It shifts focus from weaknesses to strengths, fostering a positive mindset and reducing stress. Embracing gratitude personally builds self-empowerment, while expressing it towards others strengthens relationships and collaborations. In teamwork, acknowledging contributions of team members, partners, and beneficiaries creates a positive culture. Tools like Gratitude Journal or Letter facilitate this practice, making it tangible and impactful. Let's weave gratitude into our collaborative fabric, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

J'ai tendance à dire que le bénévolat est un emploi à temps plein mais qui ne paye pas avec de la monnaie sonnante et trébuchante. Mais il existe une réelle rémunération derrière chaque acte de bien que nous posons, ils font de nous de meilleures personnes

A busca incessante pelo aprendizado e crescimento é uma jornada que nunca se esgota. Ao abraçar esses processos, você não apenas fortalece suas habilidades como líder sem fins lucrativos, mas também cultiva uma mentalidade de evolução constante. O aprendizado não é apenas uma ferramenta para enfrentar desafios, mas também uma chave para desbloquear novas oportunidades e alcançar seu potencial máximo. Ao praticar o autocuidado através do aprendizado e crescimento, você está construindo as bases para uma liderança cada vez mais impactante e significativa.

O aprendizado contínuo faz parte do autocuidado, aprender a desaprender e reaprender é uma competência valorizada nos dias de hoje. Desenvolver a mentalidade de crescimento pode te levar a patamares inimagináveis!

When you have roles like nonprofit leadership, learning and growth aren't just beneficial, they're essential. Think of it this way, if we're not moving forward, we're inadvertently sliding backwards. Staying up-to-date and getting ahead isn't just about keeping pace, it's about thriving. Embracing learning and growth means absorbing new knowledge, honing skills, and widening your perspectives. This constant evolution bolsters your effectiveness, ignites creativity, and strengthens resilience. It’s about turning challenges into stepping stones and obstacles into opportunities.

The world is evolving on several levels and there is new knowledge and inventions making learning critical to your success as a nonprofit professional. Start by always looking for new discoveries, knowledge, and research key to nonprofit. It is not enough to learn but also find ways to apply this in your activities. You may have to change some approaches, expand, and partner with others to make your nonprofit better. Remember that refusing to learn is refusing to grow.

Sometimes we need to take a step back to see the bigger picture. The rigors of following your passion in the development space can be draining and sometimes frustrating. Practicing self care starts with prioritizing your mental health to plan for the next phase. This is usually individualized so what works as recharging and relaxing for one person might not work for the other. It is therefore imperative that we spend time to find/understand what works for us- as an individual cum what we need at that time. For example, I prefer to read books to recharge but other times reading is not what I need at that time. Other times it’s reading in a different location than I am used to…

A diversão é a essência que transforma a jornada do autocuidado em uma experiência completa. Ao se permitir se divertir, você está não apenas cuidando de si mesmo, mas também alimentando a chama que mantém a vitalidade e a alegria em sua jornada como líder sem fins lucrativos. Lembre-se, a diversão não é um luxo; é uma parte fundamental do seu caminho para um equilíbrio saudável e uma liderança sustentável. Ao se divertir, você completa o ciclo do autocuidado, criando um ambiente propício para o florescimento pessoal e profissional.

This should actually be paramount in any work you do. Humans crave empowerment and 85% of it is all connected to our own sense of our world and how we interact with others. This is from our Empowering Differences global research study. Typically we take all of our decisions too seriously and stress so much about the work we do to drive impacts. So we need to align ourselves with engaging and fun elements to make the work we do better for our own health.

O último passo do autocuidado envolve se divertir e desfrutar tanto do trabalho quanto da vida. A diversão proporciona alegria, prazer e satisfação, contribuindo para o bem-estar, relaxamento e renovação de energia. Além disso, permite expressão, conexão social e equilíbrio entre trabalho e vida, evitando o esgotamento. Ferramentas como a Lista de Atividades Divertidas ou o Rastreador de Diversão podem ajudar a incorporar mais diversão à rotina.

I think that people that work for nonprofit organizations are special people in that they have directed their careers towards caring for those that are in need or suffering. Often the people supported by the nonprofit are often difficult to sit with and therefore have experienced rejection, isolation and judgement. We all have parts of ourselves that feel rejected, isolated and judged. To manage burnout I would suggest that those in the nonprofit world use the skill they have developed in caring for the the rejected, isolated and judged people and love the rejected, isolated and judged parts of themselves. We all deserve the love we give each other!! This leads to compassion satisfaction. Take in the good...as much of it as you can!

Something else to consider here is to ensure wellness activities are built into the HR function. These should include breath work, mindfulness exercises, exercise, and any other activities.

J’ai remarqué qu’en prenant un mandat de gouvernance pour un organisme à but non lucratif il est plus gratifiant et plus facile de prendre soin de soi lorsque nous avons des affinités avec l’organisation. On arrive à faire profiter l’organisation de nos forces et nous avons moins d’efforts à faire pour devenir efficace. On a donc plus de temps pour équilibrer notre vie et prendre soin de soi.

Be Intentional with everything concerning your nonprofit including your self care. Have realistic goals and calendar to work with, adjust base on needs and be flexible. If at a certain period, the workload is too much and after that there is need to rest, do so. Build good corporate governance structures, so that all the decisions and thinking does not fall on you. Also, know your limits and as much as we want to do so much in making impact, it is important to know how much we can take per time base on available resources.

Always go with your gut instinct, but before doing so, analyze the broader situation and allow your instinct to adjust based on the observations. Do what's right but make sure you're listening to others and understanding the cost-benefit analysis of your pursuit.

A brisk walk (or run) outdoors has always been my go-to device to allow me to think without interruption, even if time only permits a brief break. I always return with a refreshed perspective, ready to get back to work. It never fails!

A flexibilidade e a adaptabilidade são aliadas valiosas em nossa jornada de autocuidado e liderança. Ao incorporar esses princípios em nossa abordagem diária, não apenas enfrentamos desafios com mais confiança, mas também cultivamos um ambiente de crescimento sustentável. A flexibilidade é uma virtude que, quando combinada com práticas de autocuidado sólidas, nos capacita a liderar com resiliência e alcançar nosso pleno potencial.