There’s always plenty to do, as a fundraiser, if we’re building good donor relations. But sometimes, it’s hard to decide what to do first and how to get things done. When this happens try a few of the following tips:

• Make a to-do list. It will give you a feeling a accomplishment, just to have the list. Then reduce it to 2 or 3 items to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Plan your week in advance. It will help prioritize what’s the most important.
• “Eat the frog first,” or finish your least favorite task first. This should help you get it done so you can work on the things you enjoy.
• Just start a task. Quit putting it off. By starting a task, it makes it easier to finish; our brains are wired to finish tasks. Stop procrastinating.
• Forget perfection. Get it done. If you’re aiming for perfection, most tasks will never be completed.
• Go offline. The Internet, social media, and email are all productivity killers. If it breaks your concentration, it should be avoided. (for a period of time)
• And while you’re offline, try a different method, use a whiteboard, or a notepad with post it notes for ideas.
• Set an alarm and work in chunks of time possibly 90 minutes, then get up and walk around, clear your mind.

Try putting some of these ideas into practice and see if any help you in getting more accomplished. And now I’ve got to put my own advice into practice and write an appeal letter, or an email or work on a PowerPoint.

It’s too late to plan the week, but deadlines are calling, so I’ll do the writing first. I’ll work at it with my email off for the next hour, then I’ll take a break, get a drink of water and check my email, before I do a rewrite (remember, I’m just getting something on paper the first time).

I’ll go back to it in the morning and read it one more time and add a little polish if necessary and check it off the list. One more thing accomplished!