Embracing the Seasons of Nonprofit Work
In the nonprofit world, we’re constantly moving — running programs, organizing events, writing grants, meeting with donors, and putting out fires. The pressure to keep going can feel relentless, and for many leaders, “slowing down” feels like failure. But here’s the truth: honoring the natural cycles of work—both the hustle and the lull—is not only healthy, it’s essential for long-term success.
In a recent conversation with nonprofit leader Robin Berlinsky, we explored how embracing these rhythms can actually make us more productive, sustainable, and abundant.
The Myth of Constant Hustle
Our culture glorifies the hustle. We equate busyness with value, productivity with worth. But constant grind leads to one outcome: burnout. In nonprofits, where resources are often stretched thin, the belief that “we can’t afford to slow down” is widespread.
Yet, as Robin points out, nature itself works in cycles. School years have beginnings and ends. Seasons flow from spring to winter. Even our bodies require times of rest to function well. Why should nonprofit work be any different?
The reality is that both hustle and lull are necessary. The hustle gets the programs launched, the events executed, and the donors engaged. But the lull—those quieter moments—are where reflection, creativity, and strategy live. Without that pause, nonprofits end up running on fumes.
What Happens in the Lull
Instead of fearing downtime, Robin encourages her staff to embrace it fully. After seven intense weeks of summer programming, she tells her team the lull is just as important as the hustle. Why? Because it’s when they:
Reflect on successes and failures – What worked? What didn’t?
Organize and declutter – From inboxes to shared drives, systems get reset.
Replenish energy – Rest restores the creativity needed for the next big push.
Reimagine possibilities – Innovation often happens in the quiet spaces.
Think of the lull as filling the well. You can’t keep drawing water from an empty source.
Fighting Against Nature Drains Energy
When we resist the natural rhythm of work, it costs us more energy than leaning into it. Robin shared how she once struggled with mismatched expectations after moving from snowy New York to sunny South Carolina. She expected snow days and cozy sweaters, but the seasons were different. Once she accepted the rhythms of her new environment, life got easier.
The same is true in our organizations. If we constantly fight the ebb and flow—expecting nonstop growth and productivity—we set ourselves up for exhaustion and disappointment.
Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance
One reason nonprofits struggle to embrace the lull is scarcity thinking. The fear that if we stop, we’ll lose momentum, donors, or opportunities. But scarcity is a feeling, not a fact.
The fact is, philanthropy is abundant. The resources are there. The question is whether we can shift our mindset to see them. Robin encourages leaders to actively celebrate other nonprofits’ successes. When another organization gets a million-dollar grant, instead of feeling jealous or defeated, see it as proof that it’s possible. Their win shows that abundance exists and is accessible.
Celebration creates connection and shifts our energy. And when we align with abundance, we become magnets for more opportunities.
Permission to Rest, Permission to Win
One of the most radical shifts nonprofit leaders can make is giving themselves—and their teams—permission to rest. The lull isn’t wasted time; it’s preparation for the next season of impact.
Imagine if you planned for lulls the way you plan for campaigns. Imagine if your board supported recovery periods after major events. Imagine the creativity and innovation that could flow from a rested, inspired team.
As Robin says, hustle and grind are not sustainable. But grace, ease, and flow are.
Final Thoughts
The work we do in nonprofits is too important to burn ourselves out along the way. By honoring the seasons of hustle and lull, by embracing both rest and action, and by shifting from scarcity to abundance, we create organizations that not only survive but thrive.
Your influence doesn’t come from how many hours you push through. It comes from the energy you bring, the relationships you nurture, and the ability to stay inspired over the long haul.
If you’re ready to step off the hamster wheel and build a nonprofit that thrives in abundance, let’s talk. Book a free Influence Strategy Call with me. Together, we’ll align your rhythms with your mission so you can lead with ease, joy, and impact.