Your mindset matters.
Your mindset influences the words you use, the actions you take, and ultimately, the results you achieve.
Often, the difference between feeling drained and feeling energized has less to do with what you’re doing and more to do with how you’re thinking about it.
Reframing “Have To” Into “Choose To”
When you approach your day, week, or month as a list of things you “have to do,” those tasks tend to feel heavy and burdensome. In contrast, when you see them as things you “get to do” — or better yet, consciously choose to do — you bring a completely different energy and attitude to your work.
For example, nearly every week for more than 15 years, I’ve written a blog post. If I’m being honest, writing is not always one of my favorite activities. When I fall into the mindset that I “have to” write a post, I procrastinate. I rush. I miss deadlines. And that negative energy often shows up in a lackluster post.
However, when I remind myself that I get to write a blog each week, and that I’m fortunate to have thoughtful, engaged readers like you (thank you for being here!) — everything changes. The ideas flow more easily. I give myself the time I need. I often finish ahead of schedule. And the final result is something I’m genuinely proud of.
Choosing Positivity Over Obligation
Of course, there will always be tasks in life, at work and at home, that we don’t particularly enjoy (washing dishes, anyone?). But even with these everyday chores, a mindset shift can make a meaningful difference.
- I get to wash dishes because I’m fortunate to have healthy food to eat.
- I can make the task more enjoyable by listening to my favorite song or a podcast while I’m doing it.
- And when I’m done, I get to relax without a messy kitchen hanging over my head.
Fundraising is privilege, not an obligation
This mindset shift is especially powerful when it comes to fundraising. You or your board members may think, “I have to” or “I should” when it comes to asking for money. That framing can make fundraising feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even burdensome.
But what if you reframed it?
What if you reminded yourself that you get to ask for money, or that you choose to ask because you believe deeply in the mission?
Fundraising isn’t an obligation; it’s a privilege. You have an opportunity to invite others to invest in a cause that truly makes a difference.
A Small Shift Can Make a Big Impact
Sometimes, all it takes is a small change in perspective to transform a dreaded task into a meaningful opportunity. When you move from “I should” to “I choose,” you reclaim your sense of purpose and agency. And that shift doesn’t just change how you feel — it changes the results you create.
The next time you catch yourself thinking, “I have to,” pause and ask instead: “What if I get to?” You may be surprised by how much lighter (and more effective) your work and life becomes.
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