I have been actively working towards making things simpler these days. Simpler in my home life, simpler with my systems at work, and simpler in my head.

Aaaah head noise.

The voice in your head that says “but what if you do it that way, will the results be the same? What if you’re missing out on XYZ and you haven’t even thought of THIS possibility? Watch out, Jenny, you’re going to SCREW UP ROYALLY!”

• The What-ifs are brutal.
• The What-ifs create this stress in my head and my body that debilitates me from moving forward.
• The What-ifs paralyze you…and I see so many clients getting stuck in the complications that THEY THEMSELVES CREATE.

So back to simplicity.

Moving forward is simple. Consider the example of launching a new campaign to address a specific need. It breaks down like this -

An idea
Start with the need. What is wrong, and how do you propose fixing it?

Frame the idea
Your case for support. Why does the campaign matter? What is the problem, and how can donors be part of the solution? Yes, this includes research, but also stories and people’s experiences of the problem. Write this first before you move forward to the other steps. It will save you TONS of time.

Test the idea/case
Seek out a few people to test it on; people whose opinion you value, people who you might like to engage in the project. Don’t overanalyze here but do get a second set of eyes. You don’t know what you don’t know. And you don’t know your own biases.

Finalize the case
Say out loud that it’s done. You can tweak it later, but don’t get STUCK in the finalization process. Put a pin in it. Keep it simple.

Build a prospect list
Who are you going to talk to? Create a list. Update the list. Seek feedback on the list.

Start the engagement process
Keep it simple. Don’t focus on the “What ifs.” Focus on getting meetings and listening like mad. Move forward. Don’t overanalyze e.g., “who would be the PERFECT person to talk to this person etc.” Make progress. Learn from mistakes. Get back up and don’t take anything personally.

Track progress
Take time to reflect on what you have done, what’s working, and what you could use more of. Don’t let people drive you bonkers. They can’t help who they are, but you can choose how you react to them. Fundraising brings out core beliefs about money and about the way people see the world. Don’t try to change them or get frustrated in the process. Choose how you react. Keep the head noise to a minimum and try to assume positive intent with every interaction.

Count the money and celebrate together
Celebrate. Celebrate it ALL. Celebrate the journey. Celebrate the moments along the way. Give thanks. Show gratitude. Be clear and concise in your praise of actions and people.

Finish
And then… start the process all over again.

What can you SIMPLIFY right now?

You have the power to choose what you focus on. You also have the power to decide when something is “enough.” Don’t let “perfect” the be enemy of “good.”

You are already good enough.

Simplicity is available to you. You just have to choose it.

Jenny Mitchell is an executive coach and professional fundraiser. She is on a mission to help people master meaningful conversations. Jenny’s company, Chavender, assists clients, across Canada and the U.S., to inspire their donors and achieve their fundraising goals through personalized fundraising coaching and training. Before completing her CFRE, Jenny trained as a classical musician and earned her Doctor of Musical Arts. She brings her creative approach, her drive for excellence, and her passion for people to the world of not-for-profits. Chavender.com