It’s difficult to stay motivated when corporate giants continue to grow and grow. These companies that enforce unethical practices in the name of profit maximization are, sadly, more of the norm than an exception. As a sustainable organization, it’s easy to become jaded, but it’s important to remember how that mindset is not productive. Your goals are rooted in long-term, positive change - not just the bottom line.
So, how do you stay motivated? How do you move away from the conventional business model?
Let’s look at some strategies that can help foster sustainable values in conservation nonprofit work.
1. Redefining Success: Beyond Checks and Balances
It is important to recognize that, while profit is necessary, it is not the end goal. For mission-driven organizations, like conservation nonprofits, success is about the impact on individuals and communities, the culture you cultivate within your team, and the positive change you inspire. Instead of asking how much money was generated the past month, ask questions like:
Are we fostering a positive, fruitful work culture?
Take the time to check in with your team by encouraging honest feedback, whether it be through one-on-one meetings or team discussions. Have your impact begin in your office walls so it can extend far and beyond.
How have we given back to our community?
What matters here is the personal, not the numbers. Keep your focus on community and the tangible/intangible ways your organization has become a part of the community.
What impactful stories can we share?
Numbers can tell a story, but it’s always a short and impersonal one. Stories are powerful in the way they stick to us, so make it a habit to document the testimonials, photos, etc. that reinforce the significance of your mission.
2. Setbacks Do Not Mean Failure
Setbacks are inevitable in nonprofit work. It’s essential to view setbacks and failure as two completely separate things. Think of each setback as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.
No road is a straight path that has already been set out. Detours are inevitable, so it is best to accept that setbacks are a part of the journey and that you and your team can overcome them.
Avoid: “What could we have done to avoid this?”
Consider: “How can we move forward?”
Accepting setbacks as a part of the journey allows your team to stay motivated and focused on the bigger picture. Rather than dwelling on temporary setbacks, focus on the progress made and the solutions that can arise from these obstacles. Embracing this mindset helps in fostering a culture of adaptability, which is vital for any sustainable organization.
3. Balancing Money and Mission
Balancing financial sustainability with mission-driven work is a unique challenge for nonprofits. While generating revenue is necessary, it’s equally important to ensure that financial activities align with the organization’s ethical and sustainable values. Profit, therefore, should be viewed as a means to further the mission, rather than an end in itself.
Consider implementing ethical revenue-generating strategies that keep your nonprofit close to its mission. Focus on partnerships with businesses that share similar values or explore grant opportunities that support your mission. Also, be transparent with your stakeholders about how funds are used, reinforcing the trust that the community places in your organization. By prioritizing mission-aligned financial practices, your nonprofit can remain sustainable without compromising its core values.
4. Imposter Syndrome: Knowing and Validating Yourself
Imposter syndrome, the feeling of not being capable or deserving of roles, is all too familiar. As a woman-of-color who went to a PWI (primarily white institution), I’ve questioned a great deal of my abilities.
Here is something I remind myself when I feel imposter syndrome creeping up on me: You cannot be the one to count yourself out.
When you start thinking that you are not the person who your colleagues may think you are, ask yourself:
What evidence is there behind my imposter syndrome?
Most of the time, you’ll find that imposter syndrome is built on unfounded fears. Use this moment to tell yourself that your presence in your role is a testament to your passion and commitment.
What would I say to a friend who was feeling the same way?
We tend to be kinder and more supportive of others than we are of ourselves, so ask yourself what you would tell a friend if they were struggling with feelings of inadequacy. Put yourself in a different part of the equation and see how it changes the product.
Who are the people working with me?
Think about how many people are in your support network and why you were hired in the first place. Empower yourself with the knowledge that you were chosen.
Imposter syndrome is especially common when working in a mission-driven environment where the stakes feel incredibly high, and the pressure to create meaningful change can be overwhelming. To combat imposter syndrome, celebrate small victories and acknowledge the progress, however gradual, that you’re making toward your goals. Understand that you are in this role because of your passion and dedication, and that your work genuinely matters. Seek support from colleagues or mentors and give yourself grace.
By fostering a positive, affirming work culture that recognizes individual strengths and contributions, your organization can help team members feel motivated, empowered, and capable, allowing everyone to focus on the greater mission with confidence.
5. Remember to Practice Self-Care and Community Development
Conservation nonprofit work requires energy and resilience, both of which are replenished through self-care and community support. You’re not just part of an organization—you’re part of a movement. Taking care of yourself enables you to better take care of others.
Make self-care a part of your mission.
This doesn’t have to mean large, extravagant gestures like planning a vacation or attending a retreat. My self-care is journaling, petting my cats, sitting outside, etc. These small acts of self-care prevent me from getting burnt out, which allows me to continue working towards my goals.
When you take the time to nurture yourself, you become better equipped to engage with your mission wholeheartedly. This shift not only benefits you personally but also enhances your contributions to the organization and the community you serve.
A Note on Perseverance
Conservation nonprofit work is hard but necessary. In moments of doubt, remind yourself about what moved you to start. Every step taken is a step towards a world that values people and the planet, not only profit maximization. The road may be long, but it is worthwhile.
I have to regularly remind myself that growth is rarely linear. I would love it to be, but that’s not realistic. I’ve encountered many bumpy roads that make me question what I am doing. It’s hard, but it’s also reinvigorating. Each obstacle is an opportunity to dig deeper, to reconnect with my core values, and to remind myself why this work is so vital. The struggle to overcome hurdles often leads to new insights and innovative ideas, rekindling my passion and commitment. I've learned that the bumps in the road serve a purpose; they remind me to stay adaptable and open-minded. The very nature of the journey is what shapes who we are and a better future.
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