June 18, 2024
Here’s the irony of our job: mission-driven work should fill our cup, but nonprofit leaders are inherently prone to burnout. We can’t help it! The work is too important and usually too interesting. But don’t listen to that siren song; your commitment is commendable but if you’re burned out, no one will thrive. And basic time management doesn’t cut it when you hardly have time to eat a granola bar. Here are five other approaches to save your energy when you’re running a million miles an hour:
Implement a Not-to-Do List: While to-do lists are common, your 'not-to-do’ list will be revolutionary. This list includes tasks you intentionally decide to avoid or delegate. Start by identifying and noting tasks that often distract you from your main objectives. Keep it dynamic and handy (try posting it on your computer monitor) and revise it as your priorities and responsibilities evolve.
Embrace Strategic Laziness: Strategic laziness is about conserving energy for tasks that truly matter by deliberately being ‘lazy’ about the less important ones. If you do nothing else, remember to schedule down time. Block out even an hour a week on your calendar where you do nothing related to work (or personal chores!) to recharge your batteries.
Adopt a Minimally Viable Commitment Mindset: Like the concept of a minimum viable product in product development, apply a minimum viable commitment approach to your tasks. Figure out the least amount of effort needed for less critical tasks without compromising on quality. That way you’ll be able to concentrate on tasks that only you can do or where you add the most value.
Find some Reverse Mentors: Learn from younger or less experienced team members! They’ll provide fresh perspectives and solutions that will lead to more efficient ways of managing commitments. Try to regularly schedule sessions where junior team members can present their ideas for efficiency and innovation. You’ll likely discover new technologies and methodologies that can streamline your workload.
Take Advantage of Mundane Tasks to Think Deep: There’s a reason you get ideas in the shower; when part of your brain is distracted with a boring task, the rest is free to wander and think. Common household chores or light exercise are perfect foils for deep thought. So next time you need to problem-solve, try a quiet walk outside, fold some laundry, or load up the dishwasher. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll get the wheels turning.
Finally, know that you’re never going to eliminate the possibility of burnout. But you can spot the signs, pivot, and make change as you navigate the crises of the day. Sidestepping burnout isn’t merely self-preservation; it’s about moving on a trajectory from enduring to excelling and guaranteeing the same path for your organization.
