28 Feb Spring Forward and Unlock your Potential by AGS Staff

I don’t know about you, but I have never been so relieved to have spring arrive! The sun is shining more, the temperature is warming, and hope is in the air! Now that we’re no longer locked in by the winder, it’s time to UNLOCK our potential as grant professionals.

As the days get longer and we all feel a little more optimistic, I would encourage you to use the energy that comes with spring to rejuvenate yourself personally so you can develop your best professional self! It’s important to find a balance between work and life because if you’re not feeding your soul outside of work, you’re not giving your all as a grant professional.

Americans are notorious for being overworked. In fact, one survey of American workers showed that, while 87% were passionate about their work, 77% said they have experienced burnout at their current job, with more than half saying it’s occurred more than once. And many of us are working at home now more than ever, which means it can be difficult to turn off work mode. While we as grant professionals are passionate about what we do and play a crucial role in supporting the important work of many organizations, we need to acknowledge that we can’t be our best if we are stressed.

Many of us have a difficult time relaxing and truly turning off when we need to. If that’s the case, let me give you a few scientifically proven suggestions to regain calm and focus:

• Go outside! This is my favorite activity and now that it’s spring, we can finally do it again without piling on ten layers of clothing. Hiking is my activity of choice, but I also like to take walks, jogs, or go for bike rides. Not only will you be getting fresh air and Vitamin D, but the exercise will also help get your mind back on track.
• Naps! Getting enough sleep can never be underestimated. Studies show that even a ten-minute nap can do wonders for the brain. Let go of the guilt and give into the Zs!
• Mindfulness and meditation. Okay, this I’m less qualified to discuss. But the benefits are endless. I think we can all be a little intimidated by the idea of sitting in silence for long lengths of time with the supposed goal of shutting off our minds. However, you really don’t have to do it for long – it’s simply about paying attention to your breath and being in the moment. I know you’re busy, but if you take just a couple of minutes every day to dedicate to this practice, you’ll be glad you did.

You may have other ways you like to destress – maybe gardening, doing an art project, playing with your kids or pets – and whatever it is, I support it! Just make sure you are giving yourself permission to consistently take breaks and do what you love.

Once you’re fully refreshed in your personal life, you’ll be able to see clearly which areas of your professional life need development. Here are some possible first steps:

• Self-assess: Take time to assess where you’ve been struggling, what has been causing you the most stress, and what steps you can take to address those issues and be more effective.
• Build social supports: Take advantage of the grant professional networks that are there to support you. If you are struggling in an area, chances are other grant professionals are having the same experience. Reach out and see how others have come up with solutions.
• Participate in continuing education: Once you’ve identified gaps and discussed possible solutions, go out and find the professional development opportunities that will help you develop these areas of challenge.

Other AGS blogs can help give you ideas related to professional networks and professional development opportunities. I hope you’ll take advantage! What better time than spring to unlock your potential and develop yourself both personally and professionally?

Competency #7: Knowledge of practices and services that raise the level of professionalism of grant Professionals. Skill #1: Identify advantages of participating in continuing education and various grant review processes and #2: Identify advantages of participating in professional organizations that offer grant Professionals growth opportunities and advance the profession.