top of page

Hot Take: Sacrifice Isn't a Prerequisite for Success.

Writer's picture: Katie BrydonKatie Brydon

You can do hard things. Nonprofits love this saying. And trust me, I love it, too… sometimes. I say it to my kids when they need to clean their rooms or to myself when I need to send an invoice (eep!). But it’s also becoming the nonprofit world's version of toxic positivity. ‘Do it for the mission’ seems to make it okay to put your own needs and work/life balance aside.


Despite what our work culture tells us, working for a nonprofit isn’t about struggle and self-denial. But too often, we get caught up in this idea that we have to take the hardest path possible to prove our dedication. We bend over backwards, compromise our values, and chase after any funding opportunity, even if it means straying from our true purpose. All in the name of "mission success."


But here's the thing: compromising your integrity doesn't equal success. When you constantly shift your focus, change your expectations to appease others, or accept funding that doesn't align with your values, you risk losing sight of what truly matters.


It's a tough lesson to learn, especially when you're caught in the whirlwind of nonprofit life. The constant pressure, the fear of failure, the ever-present sense of urgency... it all creates a breeding ground for bad decisions.


We convince ourselves that taking that misaligned grant or bending our values for a big donor is a necessary evil, a temporary compromise for the greater good. But these seemingly small concessions can have long-lasting consequences, eroding our integrity and leading us down a path that's hard to return from.


It's like trying to be popular in high school. It’s elusive; some people seem to really understand how it works and make it look easy; and you always feel like the next thing you do will make it all fall into place for you. You contort yourself, try to fit in with the "cool kids," and sacrifice your authenticity just to be accepted. But in the end, was it worth it?


The same goes for nonprofits. Chasing after fleeting trends, bending to the whims of every donor, or compromising your values for a quick influx of cash might seem like the easy way out in the short term, but it ultimately undermines your long-term impact and sustainability.


It's time to ditch the "hard things" mentality and embrace a more sustainable, authentic approach. One that prioritizes your well-being, honors your values, and focuses on building genuine connections with your community. Because true success isn't about struggle and sacrifice; it's about making a real difference in a way that feels true to you and your mission.


So how do you resist taking the grant, or changing the expectations for that donor, or letting volunteer requirements slide, especially when the pressure is on and you're desperate? (We've all been there!) In my work supporting dozens of nonprofits to find their footing, there are a few strategies to help you stay focused and make sound choices, even when you're feeling stressed:

  • Revisit Your Why: Regularly remind yourself and your team of your organization's core purpose. Why do you exist? What impact are you trying to make?

  • Develop a Clear Strategic Plan: A well-defined strategic plan acts as your roadmap, guiding your decisions and helping you prioritize activities that align with your mission.

  • Establish Clear Criteria for Evaluating Opportunities: Before jumping on a new trend or chasing a funding opportunity, assess whether it truly aligns with your mission, values, and strategic goals. This might be really hard to avoid, but in the end, creating work just to feel like you contributed isn't moving the needle.

  • Don't Be Afraid to Say "No": It's okay to turn down opportunities that don't fit, even if they seem appealing in the short term. Saying "no" allows you to focus your energy on what truly matters.

  • Cultivate a Culture of Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication within your team. Create a safe space for discussing challenges and brainstorming solutions together.

  • Practice Self-Care: Stress can cloud your judgment. Make sure you and your team are prioritizing self-care to maintain clarity and focus.


This is the hard work I can get behind. Doing hard things isn't creating an extra program out of thin air to win a grant or overseeing a different set of expectations for some just so you get the numbers. Hard work is saying no, it's trying again and again, all in the name of your mission and your core values. And this isn't inflexible; your commitment to the mission doesn't have to be rigid. However, the choices you make have to align with your organization's core purpose and contribute to your long-term impact. By resisting the temptation of shiny objects and staying true to your "why," you can navigate challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and ultimately, achieve greater success in your mission.



16 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentários


bottom of page