"...It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong person stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better...."

This week, I’m reading from Citizenship in a Republic, a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt in 1910, changing the word man to person.

Reflection questions:

• Are you second-guessing yourself or letting criticism steal the joy of giving donors the opportunity to be generous?

• Is there an area where you simply need to let go and remember that this is a new week and new month to start over again?

Reflection on quote:

In my experience, January is one of the toughest months for fundraising professionals.  Not because of the workload.  No.  No, it’s the exhaustion, doubt, and, at times, criticism after year-end giving season that makes January tough.  Yes, January is often a debrief of what we could have done differently with year-end giving.  And, yet, as the saying goes, “hindsight is 20/20.” In the moment, you were doing your best.

Yes, there is a time for debrief and understanding the factors that led to increases or decreases in giving.  Yet, remember that the fact you showed up, gave donors the opportunity to give, and then - something which is completely out-of-your-control - let donors decide. You strove valiantly.  Rest in that fact.

This quote has entered the public domain.

What do you think?

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Music credit: Woeisuhmebop