Choosing What You Want Most
In nonprofit work, we often experience bursts of motivation. Do you know that feeling you get after a successful fundraiser? Or a meaningful interaction with those we serve? While these moments are welcomed and can fuel us for a time, the day-to-day realities set in again as we sit down to answer our 37th email. Motivation begins to wane, and feelings of busyness and burnout start to surface again. Why can't these motivational bursts sustain us for longer?
According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary, motivation is “the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way”. But what happens when those reasons aren't always clear or consistent? Has your organization ever worked tirelessly on a grant proposal that you didn’t receive any funding for? Or had to lay off a team member? These moments aren’t particularly “motivating”, but they are a natural part of an organization’s life cycle. The question remains, how do we sustain ourselves during times when motivation is nowhere in sight? Are we supposed to wait for the next burst of motivation to come around?
What shifted for me was recognizing this distinction between motivation and discipline. For years, discipline had a negative connotation in my mind. I associated it with things I didn't want to do or had to give up. However, I've come to understand that while motivation provides the reasons for our behavior, discipline is the consistent action itself - it's what keeps us moving forward, regardless of whether we feel inspired at the moment.
There’s a saying that goes, "Discipline is choosing between what you want now, and what you want most." This captures the essence of discipline in nonprofit work. It's not about rigid rules or inflexibility, but rather about creating systems and habits that keep us aligned with our purpose, even when faced with challenges or distractions.
In nonprofit work, our purpose defines what we want most. It's our North Star, guiding us through challenges and keeping us focused on our mission. When we align our discipline with our purpose, we consistently choose what we truly want over short-term distractions. This purpose-driven discipline means that every task, no matter how small, is a step towards our ultimate goal. It transforms mundane activities into meaningful actions that help us fulfill our mission. By grounding discipline in our purpose, we ensure that our daily choices all contribute to the fulfillment of our mission.
I’m a runner. When my alarm goes off at 5:30 am for a run, my body screams that it does NOT want to wake up. At that moment, staying in bed and catching those extra 30 minutes of sleep feels like what I want. But then I think about the marathon I'm running in two months. Waking up and getting that run in brings me closer to what I truly want - completing the half marathon, injury-free. While the extra sleep is tempting, I know I'll be much happier in the long term if I get up and go for the run, even though it's not the popular decision at the moment. It's this kind of disciplined action that keeps us moving forward in our nonprofit work, even on days when motivation is hard to find.
I’m also a nonprofit professional, and I see a few places where the practice of purpose-driven discipline is critical.
Discipline is definitely required when it comes to fundraising, and being consistent with donor engagement. It's tempting to reach out to donors only when you need funds. However, disciplined nonprofits maintain regular communication, sharing stories of impact and organizational updates even when not fundraising for something specific. This builds stronger relationships and often leads to more sustainable giving in the long run.
Then there’s data management. Data entry isn't always exciting work, but maintaining clean, up-to-date records is crucial for smooth operations. Disciplined organizations will allocate time regularly for this task, recognizing its long-term value.
Let’s not forget about strategic planning. While daily operations often demand immediate attention, disciplined organizations recognize the importance of long-term planning. Regular strategic planning sessions, though time-intensive, provide a clear roadmap for decision-making. This process ensures that all actions and initiatives align with the organization's purpose and long-term objectives, preventing short-term pressures from derailing overall progress.
Finally, a disciplined approach to management pays off. Disciplined managers schedule and keep consistent check-ins with their direct reports. While these check-ins may occasionally feel routine, they serve a crucial purpose. Regular communication keeps all parties informed and strengthens the supervisory relationship. This ongoing dialogue prepares both supervisor and supervisee to effectively tackle challenges together when they arise.
Ultimately, discipline is about being prepared. It's about doing the hard work upfront so that we can respond effectively to challenges and opportunities.
By embracing discipline we create a foundation for sustained impact. As we consciously choose what we want most over what we want now, we build not just the capacity to succeed, but to maintain that success over the long haul – and that's where true transformation happens.
Ready to cultivate discipline in your nonprofit? Start by identifying one area where you can implement a disciplined approach this week. Need help? Reach out to see how Rooted Strategy can help.
