A couple years ago, I decided to sign up for my first ever beginner triathlon. Even though I didn’t have a training schedule, I did have an irrational sense of optimism – what else could I possibly need? Without a plan, I showed up on race day to the start line without goggles and one sock. Unprepared but still optimistic. I can manage a short swim, bike ride, and 5k because I had done those exercises in some form before – how hard could it be?
Needless to say, I found myself struggling to make it through. By the run, I was exhausted and would shamelessly run when there were cheerleaders and spectators and would walk when no one was watching.
I finished, but it was messy.
That experience taught me something important: passion and optimism are great, but without a focused plan and intentional execution, you’ll spend more energy scrambling than succeeding.
The same is true in fundraising…especially at year-end.