For many of us, there’s an almost inbuilt inertia to fundraising.
It’s not something that we feel motivated to do. We may need to do it. And we do it. But mostly when our present needs necessitate.
When it comes to the important efforts we should be doing, that are not immediately urgent, but will build our fundraising or our organization for the future, procrastination easily sets in.
This is where ‘The 5 Second Rule’ can really help.
‘The 5 Second Rule’ is a best-selling book by Mel Robbins. She shares a simple and useable idea that that will help you combat procrastination, increase productivity and help you be courageous and step outside of your comfort zone.
You’d use The 5 Second Rule in your fundraising when, you’re…
– Putting off making a call to a certain donor
– Not making enough efforts to reach out to a new potential funder
– Avoiding introducing yourself to a potential donor at a function
– Feeling unmotivated to organize your day so you’ll be productive
– Getting busy with other things instead of writing that important email or proposal
With the 5 Second Rule – All you need to do is count backwards from 5.
‘The 5 Second Rule’ gets you to act. It eliminates the possibility to come up with more excuses by acting instantly.
HOW TO USE ‘THE 5 SECOND RULE’
It’s very simple, with just 2 steps:
1. Count backwards from five: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. By counting, you stop focusing on any excuses, fears or distractions and focus on the goal.
2. The second you reach ‘1’ you take action, you move, you get started, you take action.
It really is so simple and effective. As soon as you start counting backwards from 5, you’ll find that your mind will slow down, and you’ll be ready to leap into action as soon as you reach 1.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Robbins explains that you create a mental shift when you count backwards, it’s not what you expect and psychologists refer to this as “assert control.”
By counting backwards, you distract yourself from any excuses and your mind becomes free to move forward.
And by taking physical action rather than pausing to think, your action falls into place and your mind quickly follows.
Robbins, like many other productivity authors, believes that taking one simple step forward will drive momentum and prompt you to keep going. You’ll also establish a sense of freedom and power; this is essential to keep the momentum going and fill you with the drive to do more.
ACT NOW USING ‘THE 5 SECOND RULE’
– What in your fundraising would you like to stop putting off?
– What would you like to start doing?
– What are lacking courage in right now?
– What small step will you take today, using ‘The 5 Second Rule’ that will get you moving toward the end result you are looking for?
B’Hatzlacha Raba Raba with all your efforts!
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Avraham Lewis guides Jewish leaders, running their own projects or organizations, to change their current reality and ‘up’ their fundraising game and personal productivity, through effective mindsets, strategies and techniques, that have a track record of raising more funds. See more at avrahamlewis.com |
