{"id":596617,"date":"2023-12-13T17:00:38","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T22:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joangarry.com\/?p=596617"},"modified":"2023-12-29T18:18:15","modified_gmt":"2023-12-29T23:18:15","slug":"takeaways-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joangarry.com\/takeaways-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Joan\u2019s 3 Biggest Takeaways of 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When we entered 2023, I had no idea what I was going to write about on my blog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be honest, many of these blog topics come from you, my readers. Some come from my clients. Others from Nonprofit Leadership Lab members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of them cover \u201cevergreen\u201d topics. Things like what it takes to be a great executive director, or ways you can make your board members feel appreciated. If I had written them yesterday, or 10 years ago, it would really not make any difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other topics are more timely. Of the moment. Sometimes urgent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like so many of you, I tend to get nostalgic at this time of year. I like to look back and see what has been accomplished. Where I can improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In reviewing all of the blog posts I wrote in 2023, there were three topics in particular that stood out for me. Three overarching themes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you prepare for 2024, I\u2019d like for you to reflect on these topics, perhaps while you are getting some long overdue down time during the holidays (she says hopefully)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. YOU<\/strong><\/strong>‘VE GOT TO MANAGE YOUR TIME<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time my friends. It\u2019s time to stop wearing the number of hours you work like a badge of honor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time to stop behaving as if you are surprised by what appears on your calendar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time to really look at the work you do every day and make sure it is in fact the best and highest use of your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two blog posts this year offer actionable strategies that really help. They are there for the taking. Several readers told me that they used one of these ideas to successfully make the case for hiring administrative support. Other readers told me they are finally getting a grip on their calendars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2023, I offered you two pieces of very practical advice. That\u2019s my job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your job? Put one foot in front of the other and try them. Both of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n