Creating Our Future with Organizations by Design

  “I will prioritize my physical and mental health  as I work to build a better world.” This statement is more than a mantra—it’s a vital reminder for every change maker who feels the weight of the world on their shoulders. We step into this work driven by a deep desire to create justice, equity, and opportunity for all. But often, in the rush to transform the world around us, we neglect the world within us. The truth is simple but often overlooked:  you cannot pour from an empty cup.  When your mind is clouded by exhaustion, your body drained of energy, and your spirit dimmed by neglect, your ability to create change is diminished. The best work comes from the best version of yourself, and that requires nurturing the very vessel through which your impact flows—you. Why Prioritizing Yourself Isn’t Selfish In the nonprofit and activist worlds, there’s a pervasive culture of martyrdom. Sacrificing sleep, skipping meals, and burning the midnight oil are often seen as ba...

 Have you taken a vacation yet this year? Do it! You need not go to a swanky resort, or even leave home, but taking a break from work is so very important.  Vacation is essential for strong bonds, a productive workforce and a fulfilled life. But each year, more than half of Americans leave vacation time on the table, accumulating to 768 million days in 2018.   The Oars website tells us (somewhat self-servingly, but who cares) that: Vacationing may seem like a luxury, but research reveals that it is a necessity. The consequences of passing up vacation days include increased mental fatigue, job dissatisfaction, anxiety and depression. Additionally, working straight through the year could put your health in peril. A study published by the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), found that men who were at risk for heart disease and skipped their vacation days were 30% more likely to have a heart attack than those who took extended time off annually. Another repo...