4 ways of knowing when it’s time to let go
- Tue, June 12 2012
- Filed under: Nonprofit leadership
Are you chasing an idea, donor or initiative with great determination? Fantastic – unless it’s time to abandon the hunt.
This past weekend, I was reading a piece by Tony Schwartz that shared four questions to ask yourself when you’re wondering whether your persistence is wise. It was especially important for me to read his thoughts, because I definitely err toward fanatic determination. I don’t like declaring things impossible, and I prefer to exhaust every option before giving up. But the older I get, the more I realize there are times that it’s best to let go and redirect. And I increasingly embrace the wisdom of saying no – or “no more” – because when I do, I find I never regret it. So I thought I’d pass on his four questions, which I intend to ask myself more often.
1. Do I have a feeling in my gut that this dog just won’t hunt?
2. How important will this seem to me in six months?
3. How important will this seem to me in two years?
4. Is there a more enjoyable and more productive way I could be investing my time and energy right now?
Great questions, right? As Schwartz says, if the answers to 1 and 4 are “yes,” and the answers to 2 and 3 are “not much,” then it’s time to let go.
Comments
i guess, those are right question to ask oneself before letting go.they can do magic for you
I sure hope the LinkedIn Chronicle of Philanthropy Group is reading this!
Great questions - it all comes down to perspective and whether you have a realistic perspective of the situation or not. I’ve fallen into the trap in the past of obsessing about a client/contract/idea and then ignoring the advice of others and my own gut instinct and ending up wasting hours of time on something which won’t be fruitful. The question ‘how important is it?’ is vital when it comes to knowing what is and what isn’t worth pursuing.
Social media works for fundraising efforts. Especially for all sources-grants and private donations. I’ve had great success finding resources for grants from www.grantwatch.com. It is a starting point for those who have never had the pleasure of participating in a fundraising committee.
Great questions! They remind me of the last line in The Summer Day by Mary Oliver. “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
I admire your tenacity and at times I think it is wise to step back and ponder one’s course.
All best,
J