Resolutions Worth Keeping (and Repeating!)

Exercise regularly.  Read more.  Get out of debt.  Eat healthier.

It’s January.  That means it's time for New Year’s resolutions.

At this time of year, we all have the best of intentions.  We’re going to join a gym (and actually go!) ... vow to spend less time on Facebook and more time with our loved ones ... whittle away our debt ... grow our retirement account ... and more!

These are just a few of the behaviors we hope to change or improve now that the calendar has once again flipped.

However, let’s think for a moment about the behaviors we don’t want to change.  Already a member of a book club?  Keep it up!  Are you a gym regular who's on a first-name basis with all the staff?  Way to go!  Do you max out your Roth IRA each year?  Congrats!

How about improvements at work?  Does your Board of Directors have their own New Year’s resolutions for you?  Perhaps increase the unrestricted giving fund, invite more guests to your annual luncheon, or grow the major donor prospect list?  Of course, all of these are important steps to keep up visibility and the longevity of your organization.

But what about the timeless habits that don’t need refreshing each year?

Thanking your donors.  Listening to them and honoring their requests.  Sharing the importance of their donations and how they're helping people in need.  Reminding them that their support has the power to change a life. 

Regardless of what page of the calendar you’re on, these actions are an absolute must.

What are your organization's goals this year, both short-term and long-term?  How many of these objectives are consistent year-to-year?