A timely bulletin from Jim Lord ... for philanthropists, civic leaders, students, board members, staff leaders, CEOs, consultants, development professionals, foundation executives, social entrepreneurs ... and anyone who invests themselves in society.

What will 2011 be like
for you and your organization?

In uncertain times, it’s only natural to want to pull back. To hunker down. To wait for better days.

Every day, I hear from people who are doing just that.

Waiting.

Putting things off.

Trimming their ambitions.

When one wrote today, I wanted to put my arm around his shoulders, comfort and reassure him.

Well, that might be nice. But I have something more useful to offer you.

Will this be your best year … or a lost year?

One thing’s for sure: this will be a pivotal year for many organizations and causes. Those who drift or shrink back run a real risk of becoming permanently diminished.

The thing is, success in these times will not come from following the herd. The people who are really making a difference aren’t buying into the “woe are we” noise that surrounds us these days … they’re on a completely different path.

They’re succeeding (even now, in “this economy”) because they’re innovating. They’re seeking out fresh ideas, trying new approaches, moving beyond the status quo.

(In particular, they’ve rejected the limited thinking that sabotages most “nonprofits” and social enterprises. So they’re not wasting their time competing for limited resources or fighting endless uphill battles.)

The “secret key” to their success is miles apart from the conventional wisdom.

You can join these exceptional folks and move forward on your dreams — instead of dismissing them as “unrealistic.”

For you and your organization, this means the difference between living your life small, hemmed in by limits and lack ... and making your greatest contribution to the world.

If that sounds attractive (and even if it sounds a little scary), stay with me for a few minutes and see how you can get …

• A proven way to inspire people’s confidence in the future, instead of getting dragged down by needs and problems.
• Strategies to sustain your energy, so you can keep the flame of your idealism burning brightly — a beacon for others, no matter how dark the days may seem.
• Grounded confidence (far removed from “motivational” rah-rah or shallow platitudes of “positive thinking”). So you can pursue what matters to you. Right now, despite the noise that surrounds you.

So here’s the question: Do you want to align yourself with what’s exciting and encouraging about these times ... or do you want to be part of the dialogue of despair?