I joined a board today for a non-for-profit website that deals with helping people with emotional and mental issues. I had been looking to get involved and flattered that they thought it would be a great fit.
Now, as I read that back I just realized it might come across as me trying to brag about doing something philanthropic. Nah. I’m one of the least philanthropic people you’ll meet. I’m self-motivated and rarely do much to assist others. In short – I’m a typical American.
So, please don’t think this is a bragging session. That’s not what I’m doing here. I’ll tell you when I need to brag. I actually do one big philanthropic thing that I can’t wait to brag about one of these days when my self-esteem is super low. You’ll be really impressed and want to have my baby.
Just to be clear, I was also kidding there.
I went on a Google Hangout which was me and the heads of the various boards so we could meet. They were all very nice , and, like many boards, needed more volunteers. After all of the introductions I talked about myself and what I thought I could add to the organization.
I also did something that surprised even me. I chose not to over-commit. I actually did the responsible thing and chose the easiest and most direct introductory position in the group. “Easiest” not because it’s actually easy work; it’s actually busy work and will require a few hours a week.
Here’s a corollary example. Every month or two I volunteer a few hours to wash dishes at a shelter two blocks from me. The organization that runs this group has thousands of groups across Chicago. I chose this one, not because I have a lot of passion for the homeless, but because it’s two blocks from me. I can walk over, put on the apron and hair net, scrub pans, and leave. I have virtually no interaction with the people there. It’s not one of those volunteer jobs where you walk away going, “I just made a HUGE difference.” You just washed and rinsed. Not sexy, but necessary.
As a creative type I wanted to jump in with each department head and say, “Here’s how you take you online organization to the next level! I have all the solutions!” I easily came up with several strategies to assist their growth. But, this is a pattern for me that is in line with my spazziness, but not responsible. Here’s how it goes.
- I think I know everything
- I offers “solutions” to everyone’s problems
- I have no time to implement
- I miss the deadlines
This is one of my big challenges. I have a horrible perspective on time. I’m never sure how much I have, how long things are going to take, and how to schedule it in advance. My toughest job at work is not ability, but scheduling. My goal for 2013 is to have my workday planned in advanced.
So, in this instance I just said, “Well, let me start small. I have a job, the website, podcast, etc. and I don’t want to let you guys down. Trust me I want to do more, but I’d rather just pick up the mop for now.”
This is how low my self-esteem is at this point in the post. I actually contemplated changing the entire thing to, “I took a small paying gig…” so that you wouldn’t think this was a veiled attempt at bragging.
I’m feeling insecure tonight for some reason. So, I’m going to go drown it in some gyro meat because that appeals to me. That’ll fix my fear!
Gyro meat really does cure a lot of life’s ills. Just ask around.
