During this past holiday season, if you have a t.v., most certainly you caught at least a glimpse of the now-holiday-classic movie, “A Christmas Story.” For some unknown reason, the programming wizards at TBS have taken it upon themselves to show this movie a full 24 hours, beginning to end, starting on Christmas Eve and ending Christmas night. I must confess – I never miss it.
One of my favorite scenes is when the turkey is taken out of the oven for Christmas dinner and all of a sudden the Bumpus dogs from next door storm through the house and destroy said Christmas turkey. The scene is narrated, “The heavenly aroma still hung in the house. But it was gone, all gone! No turkey! No turkey sandwiches! No turkey salad! No turkey gravy! Turkey Hash! Turkey A La King! Or gallons of turkey soup! Gone, ALL GONE!”
Now, why have I gone to all of this trouble to have you picture this scene in your mind? For a moment, I want you to remember that golden, delicious scent of turkey. It hasn’t been all that long ago that you yourself probably pulled that delicious feast from your own oven and had your family’s mouths watering. My husband is just about as excited about that turkey as the “Old Man” in “A Christmas Story.” He looks forward to it every year.
So, as you’re imagining that delectable and mouthwatering fragrance, I then want you to imagine pulling your turkey out of the oven and then refusing to share it with your family. You’ve spent all of this time basting, perfecting and driving your loved ones to distraction with the smell, you pull it out – and then throw it in the garbage. Your gift hasn’t been shared with anyone. How would that go over?
Just as you’ve spent precious time and energy perfecting a holiday dinner masterpiece, haven’t you spent that same kind of time, and lots more, actually, perfecting your nonprofit career gifts? Whether you’ve spent time as a planned giving officer, a grant writer, a major gift developer, a direct mail expert, an auctioneer, a research analyst or a marketing and communications whiz…whew – you get the point!, you have a gift to share with others.
This year, 2012, may be the year you’re ready to step out in a much bigger way. To “share your turkey” so to speak. If you haven’t been happy with the level of success you’ve experienced so far in your nonprofit career, you must change your plans and preparations for the future. What are you doing to make sure that others are receiving your gifts? Are you sharing your turkey with everyone?
You can’t expect to do the same thing in the New Year and expect different results. Here are five things to do to shake things up!
- Create a plan.
- Do so immediately rather than later.
- Write down what you want to accomplish.
- Think year-round goals – not just January.
- Remain flexible.
For help in creating your overall plan and your “bite-sized” goals, try MyGoals.com. If you’re ready to spread your wings and create a freedom-based nonprofit consulting career, I’d love to help you achieve that! Be sure to email me at betsy@YourGrantAuthority.com.
Make a plan and work that plan. Happy New Year!
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