Overcoming Obstacles #1: Motivation
Welcome to our four-post series, where we tackle the biggest obstacles that stop youth from taking the first step to starting their own initiatives and look at ways to overcome these barriers.
***
When I was first starting my own fundraisers and non-profits, my biggest problem was following through. I'd get all these great ideas, but I wouldn't actually take them anywhere. Why? For starters, I was worried about putting the effort in. I had no motivation. I didn't think I could make a difference. And I was overwhelmed. So with that in mind, here are some boosters to help you tackle the negativity that's stopping you from getting going.
I don't have time.
I feel you. None of us do. Life is so hectic when you're balancing school, work, family, hobbies, sleeping eating.... and then you look at all these trailblazers who seem to be doing it all and doing it all perfectly. Talk about lack of motivation.
So what can you do make more time?
My favorite way is choosing to either wake up or stay up later than I usually do for an hour, every single day. In that hour, I work on anything "initiative" related. I don't measure my success by setting milestones that I need to accomplish in that hour. As long as I work on anything for an hour straight (whether that be productive action, idealistic planning, frantic researching), I consider that a win.
There are lots of other ways to make time too. Use the time wasted on your commutes, pop in a few minutes before breakfast, send important emails as you run on the treadmill, whatever works.
Remember, there is no deadline for your initiative. It's better to do something than nothing at all.
So with that said, make your own timelines and start checking off those tasks, even if you're going slowly.
There's so much to do. I'm feeling overwhelmed.
This is totally to be expected. Planning an initiative is hard and it takes a lot of working parts. Remember, do what you can, without thinking about what still needs to be done. And celebrate the small wins.
Here are some coping mechanisms to get that panic under control:
Make a comprehensive list of all the tasks that need to be done. This will help get them out of the swirling void in your head and into a concrete piece of paper. It's too easy to think something is bigger than it actually is when it's not written down.
Delegate, delegate, delegate. Ask your teammates to completely handle certain aspects of planning. And then step back. No micromanaging. No aggressive panicking. Just trust them to do it and give yourself peace of mind.
Use the resources you have. This blog and website are an excellent start. Check our our ambassador resources as well. But remember the internet is full of guidance, advice, tools, tips and tricks. Take advantage of those.
What I do doesn't matter.
Ah, my friend, but it does. If each person walked away thinking they couldn't make a difference, nothing would happen. This world would not change. What if Malala had walked away and said her voice doesn't matter? What if Greta Thunberg had said "I'm just one person protesting."
Because they refused to say "I don't matter", they're now responsible for movements that include thousands of people. And before you say, "I'm not Malala", remember that you won't know your impact until you try. You might just surprise yourself.
Here are some affirmations to guide you:
It makes a difference if I help even one person.
Even if my impact isn't large, I'm inspiring others with my story.
I won't know what I can do until I try.
The world needs more change-makers to step up.
You have nothing to lose. Go forth and make change,
What if I fail?
I know it's scary. But please remember, there is no way to fail when your trying to create positive change. These are YOUR goals. YOU decide what success is for you. Any positive impact (no matter how small) is a success.
But that's not really what you want to hear.
The truth of the matter is, sometimes, your fundraisers will be a flop. No one will follow your social media. No one will notice you.
And that's okay. Try, try, try again. Everything is a learning experience. Approach your change-making with this mindset: "I won't stop until i reach my goal." And if that means pivoting your initiative, starting something new, or even running the same fundraiser for years.... then so be it.
***
I hope this was helpful and a boost to remind you that you can do it! Check back next week for the new installment of #OvercomingObstacles and remember to follow us @youthbeheardcanada on Instagram and check out becoming an ambassador for even more resources.
Comentarios