36 Days and Counting…

It’s almost the end of 2019. Have you achieved your year-end goals? If not, don’t despair! You have plenty of time if you act now. Just follow my 3-step process.

There are 46 weekdays left between now and December 31. Take away 10 days for holidays and vacation, and you have 36 days left. 36!

36 days to do all that stuff you declared you would do in January. 36 days to meet your end-of-year goals. Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t. You can do this! Just follow these three simple steps:

1. Prioritize. What are the top 1-3 things you want to accomplish by the end of the year? These could be professional, personal, or both. Write them down and put them someplace you will see them every day.

2. Schedule. Let me tell you a big secret: You actually have to block out time in your calendar to accomplish your top priorities. I know, shocking right? Who knew?! Your top priorities need to be reflected on your schedule or you won’t accomplish them. It’s that simple.

But I know you and I know what you’re thinking: “Kris, I have no time – I’m fully booked.” Here’s the thing. You do have time.

Do this exercise: Print out (or pull out) your calendar between now and the end of the year. Then take a highlighter and mark all the time you currently have scheduled to work on your top priorities. It’s stunning, right? Because you probably have little or zero time allocated. No wonder you never got it done! Next, cross out activities that aren’t necessary. Eliminate everything you are doing out of obligation or guilt, but which don’t contribute to your goals (or your happiness). While you’re at it, reduce time spent on mandatory activities. Can that in-person meeting be accomplished by phone instead? Can the calls you blocked for an hour be completed in 30 minutes? Look at all that time you just saved!

Now, start blocking out time to work on your priorities. Even if you can only squeeze in 20-30 minutes per day to start, it’s amazing what you can accomplish. Let’s say your end-of-year goal is to recruit new board members. In 20 minutes, you could brainstorm your top qualities for board members, make a list of potential board members, or ask colleagues for recommendations.

3. Do. Hold yourself accountable to working on your top priorities every day or every week. Within a few weeks you will be well on your way to accomplishing them! 

Want more tips for getting time back in your day? My forthcoming book, Delusional Altruism, is chock-full of them! In fact, I devoted an entire chapter to increasing your speed in philanthropy. Delusional Altruism will be available on Amazon in March 2020. Stay tuned for information about how to pre-order your copies!

In the meantime, if you are interested in working with a trusted advisor, let me know! I have over 20 years of experience working with high-net-worth individuals and families, foundation leaders, celebrity activists and wealth advisors. 

Schedule a call with me to discuss this in more detail and we'll get you changing the world in no time.

© 2019 Kris Putnam-Walkerly. All rights reserved. Permission granted to excerpt or reprint with attribution.

About Kris Putnam-Walkerly

I’m a global philanthropy expert, advisor and award-winning author. I help ultra-high net worth donors, celebrities, foundations and Fortune 500 companies dramatically increase the clarity, speed, impact and joy of their giving. I’m the author of Confident Giving: Sage Advice for Funders, was named one of “America’s Top 25 Philanthropy Speakers”(along with U2’s Bono!), I write about philanthropy for Forbes.com, Alliance Magazine, De Dikke Blauwe and am frequently quoted in leading publications such as Bloomberg, NPRand WSJ. 

Whether you are just getting started in philanthropy, want to refresh your giving strategy, or need to catapult yourself to your desired future, I can help. Let’s talk! Call me at +1-800-598-2102 x1, email me at kris@putnam-consulting.com or schedule a call.

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"Kris Putnam-Walkerly’s advice is important for philanthropy. Her wisdom and insight are a valuable asset for all foundation boards and staff."

Cole Wilbur Trustee Emeritus and Former President, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

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Want to learn more? Visit my website to learn how I help funders, access free resources, and read client testimonials.