Make 2011 the Year of Acts that Require Deeper Thought
- Wed, January 05 2011
- Filed under: Nonprofit leadership
Everything is so speedy these days. We’re in a rush of obligations, distractions and challenges, and moving fast seems the best way to cope. And yet… I feel the harder I run, the less distance I cover.
The number one reason I blog is that it makes me slow down, stop and think. When I read a book and blog about it, I have to reflect on a deeper level. When a new trend develops in nonprofit marketing, fundraising or consumer engagement, blogging makes me decide what it means to me. Blogging makes me look for interesting content elsewhere online that’s worth sharing. And when a reader makes a smart comment, I contemplate how that evolves my own thinking.
Blogging isn’t for everyone, but carving time out for reflection should be. What can you do this year to force yourself to make that time? I think public communication can be a great way to push reflection higher on the priority list. Can you develop a great speech? Can you start a professional book club? Can you reserve five minutes a day to send your colleagues the best article you read that day with a quick word on why it matters?
It is hard to do, because halting the rush forward takes a mighty force and discipline. But the the payback can be incredible: learning, epiphany, satisfaction, community. And our work gets better, faster.
In 2011, I’m going to try to slow down. It’s the only way to truly cover more ground.
Comments
Good points, I think we could all take a moment and slow down. I know for a fact I have too many irons in the fire so I am always rushing. Great advice.
Wrong decisions made me some hassle. Great advice, I’ll better not hurry making my moves and harvest the great result 
...