What if your first day was every day?
In big business news today, Starbucks will welcome a new CEO. It’s Brian Niccol’s first day on the job. We’ve all been there before - new job, new co-workers, new problems - maybe some that you didn’t expect.
What was your first day like at your in your current role? Were there a lot of smiling faces welcoming you. Did you have optimism and enthusiasm on your side? As a fundraiser, you know the pressure to grow an organization and make an impact. But on the first day, there was something else - possibility.
Now imagine bringing that same first -day optimism to your work every day. What would that look like?
You may be wondering how this mindset can make you a better fundraiser. Well, instead of stressing over what needs to be done, think about what is possible. On your first day, you explored, learned and navigated new ways of thinking. You had curiosity, a fresh perspective and a belief that success was possible.
I challenge you to bring three key attributes from that first day into your daily work:
Exploring and Learning: Approach every challenge with curiosity. What news strategies could you try? What can you learn from today’s tasks that you didn’t know yesterday?
Participating fully: Engage in each moment as thought you’re still earning your place. Fully commit to your role, whether its making a call to a donor or strategizing with your team.
Imagine what’s possible: Focus on possibilities, not obstacles. What new opportunities could emerge if you embraces a positive mindset every day?
Your work directly impacts your progress. So Imagine, your back in that interview chair, confidently saying, “i know what to do.” If you act like it’s your first day every day, you’ll unlock the same potential that brought you here in the first place.
Go ahead - make today your first day again and see how much you can accomplish.