With each passing year, time seems to slip by and feels more overwhelming as the world around us goes faster and faster. How is it possible that my kids are grown up and leaving the nest? And how did I become middle aged?
It has made me want to focus on the most important things and be more intentional about how I spend my precious time. We are so over-scheduled and overwhelmed that we would pay anything to help reduce stress and keep our sanity.
I’ve written about this before in regards to raising more money, but this post has more to do with improving your overall wellbeing.
Why Nonprofit Leaders Are Burning Out
I recently spoke with an executive director who was simultaneously running a school, being featured in two documentaries, managing a vet clinic/petting zoo for exotic animals, up against a book deadline, and contemplating a capital campaign.
She admitted that she was only getting 3 or 4 hours of sleep per night. I agreed that she has no time for fundraising and she’s headed for burnout!
So what’s a busy fundraiser or executive director to do?
Give Yourself Permission to Say “No”
Sometimes it’s important to say no. As nonprofit professionals, we’re wired to say yes. We’re pre-programed to help. But sometimes simply saying “no” is your best option — and that’s okay.
In case you feel pressure to say yes to everything your board or boss asks of you, I strongly encourage you to give yourself permission to say no.
Saying “No” isn’t a Crime — Nix the Guilt
This year I made a very difficult decision to close my online program, Mastering Major Gifts. It’s been a huge part of my identity for nearly a decade and a significant source of my income. But it was no longer exciting me the way it used to, and it was getting in the way of me saying “yes” to bigger priorities in my life and career.
I also felt a lot of pressure to join the executive committee of a board I serve on. But I knew I would not be able to give it my full attention. I decided it was better to help support those who were up for the task. Saying no was hard, but ultimately it was the right decision.
Both decisions to say “no” seemed like a big deal. And they were. But immediately after, I felt relief.
Tactful Ways to Say “No”
There are many ways to say no without being disrespectful. You might say something like:
Honestly, my plate is full right now. What could we take off or how can we reprioritize before adding something else?
Or…
That’s a great idea. Who could we tap to take the lead or help with that?
Strategically Say “No” to Improve Your Life: 3 Tips
You may believe you need to do everything that’s currently on your plate. But I’m guessing one or more areas of your life are suffering as a result. Your health? Your sleep? Personal relationships? Your job?
Below are three strategies to consider as you contemplate pulling back and strategically saying no.
1. Prioritize
As you reflect on the responsibilities you have, take time to consider what’s most important. While on the surface everything may seem like a priority, once you take a step back, some things will emerge as more important than others.
- Not every grant needs to be written.
- Not every event needs to be planned, simply because you did them last year.
When you prioritize, you’ll be able to focus on the other two strategies — delegating and eliminating.
2. Delegate
What are you currently doing that could be delegated to someone else on your team? Perhaps another staff member or even a volunteer. Assume that whatever the task is, it may not be done to your standards. But done is done.
3. Eliminate
Some things on your to-do list ought to be eliminated. That might mean applying to less grants or planning fewer events. It might mean attending less meetings or cancelling meetings. What meetings could be replaced with an email or quick phone call?
What are you doing that’s not a good use of your time or energy? If you can eliminate those things, do it!
Make a list of all the things you currently do that aren’t a good use of your time, energy, or have the highest ROI. Those are the things that should be eliminated or delegated.
Saying “No” Opens Up New Possibilities
Saying “no” will make more space in your life and career to say “yes” to other things that matter more.
Life is too short to be miserable at work or at home. What changes can you make right now to improve your life? Let me know in the comments below.
Thank you for emphasizing the importance of saying ‘no’ as a form of self-preservation and empowerment. Learning to set boundaries—whether at work, in social situations, or with our own expectations—truly helps us direct energy toward what matters most. Your practical examples and confidence-building advice make it clear that ‘no’ isn’t rejection—it’s a declaration of self-respect. A powerful, timely reminder to protect our wellbeing and our purpose.