September 2, 2025
What I’m Thinking About
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about seeking opportunity in uncertain times. We’re unsettled because we’re constantly experiencing uncertainty. Many nonprofit leaders feel at the mercy of continuously shifting information about federal and, therefore state and local, funding. The polarization of our society is weighing heavily on faith leaders and career civil servants are caught in political quicksand. It makes perfect sense that leaders feel overwhelmed, under-resourced, and perplexed as to how to navigate their organizations back to steadier footing. Perhaps for many this is leading to or has resulted in paralysis. Why do anything if everything appears to be always changing?
However, what if we can convince ourselves to think about uncertainty as a catalyst for opportunity? The organizational psychologist Adam Grant suggests that we should “lean into the discomfort of now knowing.” In other words, can we harness the moment (or season) of uncertainty as an invitation to discover opportunity? Here’s just one illustration. What if nonprofit organizations enmeshed in federal funding began focusing energy on fund development planning with a goal of raising most of the organization’s funding from individuals and family foundations? I’m not suggesting giving up all federal funding; just reducing the organization’s reliance on a source that currently feels uncertain at best. If done with intentionality, and understanding that the return on investment will not be realized in the short-term but will ultimately build long-term sustainability, leaders can take some control over the narrative and focus on opportunities rather than languish in uncertainty. Yes, turning uncertainty into opportunity is easier said than done, but wouldn’t feeling less unsettled and more energized by opportunity be a welcomed change in these uncertain times? I’m in.
Something Practical You Can Use
One of my favorite authors and podcasters is Carey Nieuwhof. A Canadian, Nieuwhof is a former attorney and pastor who has transitioned into being a bestselling author, speaker and podcast host focusing on leadership and change. While most of his audience are church leaders, his advice is equally reliable to all leaders. I especially love his book At Your Best: How to Get Time, Energy & Priorities Working in Your Favor(Waterbrook, 2021). My big takeaway from At Your Best is what Nieuwhof calls the Energy Clock and how it helps you determine when your energy is at its best – it may not be when you think. More importantly, At Your Best helps you understand how to make great use of time even outside of your optimal energy zones. The book comes with some great tools that you can access online. I highly recommend At Your Best – I’ve read the book, listened to it on audio, and used several of its accompanying tools. Knowing how to best work in all three energy zones (green, yellow, and red) is a skill I’ll utilize for the rest of my life.
Spotlight
I’ve got a friend named Dump – yup, Dump. For almost of all his adult life he’s been a pastor including leading a church in a park in Mount Holly, NC. Several years ago, Dump traveled to war-torn Ukraine as a chaplain and was, as best as I can describe, transformed. I then had the honor of helping Dump put together a nonprofit organization (based in Gaston County, NC) that he named Viddykh (meaning breath or rest). The purpose of Viddykh is to provide “mental support for Ukrainian youth” – in Ukraine. Dump’s team is based in-country, and he travels there several times a year. There is so much about Viddykh that is unique and there is not enough space here to do it justice. Please take a few minutes and check them out at viddykh.org. You’ll be amazed!
