3 Essential Appointments Every Nonprofit Woman Leader Must Make

Three Must Have Appointments for Nonprofit Leadership Success

As a nonprofit leader, I know you have a jam-packed schedule, overwhelming responsibilities and that pesky imposter syndrome that just won't quit. I get it. You're juggling too many balls, and sometimes it feels like you're barely keeping them in the air and worried that someone will find out you aren’t cut out for the job. As such, you are stuck in survival mode, and yet you crave growth; you just can’t seem to make it happen.

​If you are like most nonprofit leaders, you want to get out of survival mode, enjoy your job more, feel that you have time to get to meaningful work, not just the crisis of the day, and, of course, enjoy the rest of your life. To do that, you must be a nonprofit leader who takes action. 

Ask yourself: What am I actively doing to move from survival mode or a place of tolerating the pace, workload and stress to that point where most days you feel like you are thriving?

Too many nonprofit leaders are waiting to develop their leadership capacity!

​I start with the phrase ACTIVELY DOING for a reason. Wishing, hoping and praying things will get better won't change them. Here’s the thing: most leaders are waiting to grow themselves. 

• Waiting for the right time.
• Waiting for things to slow down.
• Waiting to see if your boss or board will support you, encourage you or offer you the opportunities you seek. 

You must stop waiting to be an effective, confident, and content leader. You must intentionally create the leadership and life experience you desire. You do that by scheduling what matters most. Because here’s the thing: wishing, hoping and praying things will get better won't change them.

To be intentional about your personal and professional growth and development, you need to treat it like anything else important in your day — You need to schedule it! Specifically, what do you need to have actually scheduled as appointments in your day-timer, calendar or appointment book? These following 3 things.

The 3 things you MUST have in your agenda
To be an effective nonprofit leader

1 - Schedule in time for self-care: Nourishing Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Yes, I am serious. This is the first one. Self-care is not a luxury; it's a non-negotiable necessity for effective leadership. And by self-care, I am not talking about your manicure.I'm talking about the basics: eating well, moving your body, and getting quality shut-eye. If your lunch breaks are non-existent, it's time to pencil them in. And how about a quick stroll in the afternoon to recharge your batteries? Oh, and don't forget to set an alarm for bedtime. Your body will thank you, trust me.

• COMMIT to taking care of yourself by putting it on your schedule.

2 - Schedule in time for self-reflection: Cultivating Inner Wisdom and Clarity

Next on the agenda is scheduling time for self-reflection. It's time to get introspective. You must carve out space in your day for contemplation, pondering, and tuning in to your inner voice. Maybe it's a quiet walk around the block, a silent drive home without the distraction of podcasts, or a few minutes of journaling in the morning. 

In the whirlwind of daily tasks and crises, it's easy to lose sight of your purpose and values. Discover how carving out intentional time for self-reflection can enhance your decision-making, resilience, and overall satisfaction in leadership.

• ENSURE you have self-reflection booked as an appointment with yourself.

3 - Schedule in time for Self-improvement: Investing in Your Growth and Development

As a nonprofit woman leader, your growth is paramount to the success of your organization and the fulfillment of your mission. 

• But by self-improvement, I DO NOT mean the training that your organization or sector requires of you. 
• I DO mean learning and growth, which YOU want to do.

I'm talking about the stuff that fires you up, the learning and growth opportunities that light a spark in your soul. Maybe it's a webinar you've been eyeing, a juicy book you've been dying to read, or an online course that piques your interest. Whatever it is, make sure it's on your agenda. No more waiting for the mythical "right time." The time is now.

• GUARANTEE self-improvement is on your agenda, not just "when you have time."

​​I will not tell you it's easy to schedule these things. It's not. It requires courage to stand up for yourself, your beliefs and your desires. Become your best self by scheduling self-care, self-reflection and self-improvement. It will be awkward and uncomfortable at times, but that's ok. We are not in a popularity contest. We are here to make a difference in the lives of others, in our families and communities. To do that, we need to be at our best. Please don't apologize for that!