How to Deal with Nonprofit Freak-Out

So many worries and so little time – grant deadlines, fiscal shortfalls, underpaid staff working too many hours, boards that hate to ask anyone for money, and yet again another year-end fundraising campaign. 

And on top of that - the foundations of our democracy are threatened, Trump’s behavior is becoming more and more unhinged, the appointment of Judge Kavanaugh poses a threat to abortion and LGBTQ rights, and Christine Blasey Ford still can’t go home because of daily threats. 

In the midst of all of this meshugaas (Yiddish for craziness), it’s important to take some time to take of yourself. Here are some ways to do that:

• Breathe. Really – deep breaths in and out periodically are a good way to relax and alleviate your deadline anxieties. 
• Smile. It actually improves your mood (and that of others around you). And note that smiling when you ask for a donation via the phone - as well as in person - improves your chances of success.
• Tell a joke. There’s nothing better than a good (or even bad) joke for changing the mood. Here are three I just found: Why did the Mars marching gift programs fail? Wrong atmosphere. Why didn’t the Invisible Man donate? He couldn’t see himself doing it. Why was the cemetery fundraiser so popular? People were dying to get in.
• Stretch. Move away from your desk and do some yoga stretches. Even five minutes of exercise can help. Better yet, leave the office, get some fresh air, and take a brisk walk around the block. 
• Repeat my favorite nonprofit mantra to yourself: "Excellence is not perfection." We all make mistakes; it’s the human condition. Learn from them, laugh at yourself, and move on.
• Give thanks. Remember all the things you are grateful for. Thank your staff. Thank your board members. Thank your donors. Thank your lucky stars that you go to work every day for a nonprofit that tries to make the world a better place. 

And try to remember that the end of the world is not coming (yet). Take a moment to savor the Democrats’ blue wave. Remind yourself that Ruth Bader Ginsburg is back to work despite three cracked ribs. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Tell them you love them. Have a moment of hope. It’s way better than the alternative.