Let me speak to those of you who are founders for a moment.  You know who you are – you started a nonprofit because you saw a need that needed to be met and felt a spart in your heart to do something about it.

I want you to remember that spark for when times get hard. Sometimes when we are following a dream, we can experience bumpy roads.  Things don’t always go as planned.  Sometimes there are detours and sometimes we get confused about what we’re doing, wondering if we’re doing the right thing.  When you start to feel this way, go back to the spark.  Go back to the reason you started the nonprofit in the first place.

Remember that there are people out there waiting for you to offer services so they can be helped.  In fact, your nonprofit is probably the answer to many prayers.  That’s why you can’t give up and you can’t quit.  When the going gets tough, keep going.

One day, you’ll be able to look back and see your path.  You’ll be so proud of what you’ve accomplished and the many lives you’ve impacted.  And you’ll be glad you stayed focused.

Want help making your nonprofit dreams a reality?  We’re launching my new book “Get Fully Funded:  How to Raise the Money of Your Dreams” on September 30.  In it, you’ll find all the steps you need to take to raise big money for your nonprofit.  Stay tuned for more details. coming very soon!  And until then, enjoy the 30 Days of Tips right here on the Get Fully Funded blog.

There’s a phrase that I heard not so long ago that I love and I want to share it with you.

What you think about is what you bring about.

In other words, your thoughts determine your outcomes.  Think about it for a moment.  If you focus on negative stuff, what is your experience?  More negative stuff.  If you focus on positive things?  More positive things.

It directly applies to fundraising.  If everything you think about around fundraising is negative, you’re bound to have a negative experience. The more positive you can be, the more likely you can raise the money you want and your organization needs.

Here are some negative thoughts you might be thinking, and their positive counterpart.

I challenge you to monitor your thoughts this week.  Everytime you catch yourself thinking something negative, say to yourself “cancel!”  Then think a more positive version of that thought.  And see what happens.  I bet you’ll have a different experience and see some amazing things start to happen!