How to Create Change When Concerns Hold You Back

As nonprofit leaders, we’re in the business of change. We raise money to change lives, we communicate to change minds, and we lead teams to change systems. But if we’re honest, change doesn’t always feel courageous—it often feels scary.

That’s because our brains are wired to focus on what we might lose, not what we might gain. Fear is part of our biology—it’s designed to protect us. But when we let fear drive our decisions, we stay stuck.

In this episode of The Influential Nonprofit, I talk about what it really takes to create change—despite fear, hesitation, or resistance. Because whether it’s launching a new campaign, asking your board to step up, or speaking more boldly about your mission, progress depends on one simple truth:

👉 When the benefits outweigh the concerns, you move forward.

Why Concerns Never Go Away

Here’s the secret: concerns don’t disappear. They are constant—a flat line that never goes down. You might think that if you just plan a little more, gather more data, or get one more approval, your fears will vanish. But they don’t.

If you’re waiting for a moment when everyone’s on board and no one’s afraid, you’ll never act. The key isn’t to eliminate concerns—it’s to make the benefits so powerful that they outweigh the fear.

This is the tipping point of change.

Step 1: Inventory the Concerns

Start by getting real about what’s holding you—or your team—back. Are you afraid of losing donors? Alienating supporters? Making the wrong call? Great. Write it all down.

Don’t dismiss or deny these fears. Acknowledging them takes away their hidden power. When you name the concern, you can decide what to do with it.

Step 2: Stack the Benefits

Once you’ve listed your concerns, it’s time to build your benefits list. Ask yourself:

• What happens if this works?

• Who benefits when we move forward?

• How will this change make our organization stronger?

At first, it’s easy to name what you don’t want. But courage comes from daring to dream about what you do want. Maybe it’s:

• Attracting more values-aligned donors

• Inspiring deeper engagement from volunteers

• Creating a stronger, more authentic message

• Building trust and transparency within your team

The more benefits you name, the easier it is to see how moving forward serves your mission.

Step 3: Attach Benefits to Shared Values

Every organization has a heartbeat—a set of values that guide its work. When you connect your benefits to those shared values, you transform fear into alignment.

For example, I worked with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who were debating whether to speak out boldly on progressive social issues that might conflict with traditional church teachings. Some worried it would alienate donors.

But when they revisited their core value—“to serve the dear neighbor without distinction”—they realized that speaking out was not a risk. It was an act of alignment.

By linking their benefits (attracting new, values-aligned supporters) to their mission, the Sisters created the tipping point they needed to act.

Step 4: Find Your Tipping Point

When you’ve got five concerns and fifteen benefits, it becomes obvious which direction to move. This is your tipping point—the moment the benefits clearly outweigh the fear.

From here, you can move forward confidently, knowing that while the concerns will still exist, they no longer control the decision.

Step 5: Keep Moving Forward—Even When It’s Messy

Change is rarely perfect. You may stumble. You may lose a donor or two. But you’ll also gain something far more valuable—authenticity, alignment, and momentum.

When we act despite uncertainty, we show up as courageous communicators. We model bravery for our teams, our donors, and ourselves.

So the next time you feel stuck, ask yourself:

“What benefit am I overlooking because I’m too focused on concerns?”

When you shift your attention from fear to purpose, you don’t just move forward—you lead forward.

Conclusion: Lead Change with Courage and Clarity

As nonprofit leaders, we’re here to create change. But real transformation happens when we choose to move through fear instead of waiting for it to fade.

Concerns will always be there. That’s okay. They just don’t get to drive. Because once your vision, values, and benefits outweigh the fear, change isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.

If you’re ready to lead your organization with more courage, clarity, and confidence, let’s connect.
👉 Book your free Influence Activator Call here and learn how to inspire change without fear.