Closing the doors.

It's happening daily for small enterprises and nonprofits. This pandemic has wreaked havoc on businesses and organizations, but then, well I don't need to tell you that.

It's painful to watch the dream die, the vision end and the chapter close. Any of us who have started something with big dreams and visions about what could be feel a sense of loss and grieving that is difficult to understand and explain. But it's real. The grief is real.

No one could have predicted the pandemic and the impact it would have. No judgment for those who are having to shutter the dream and move on to something else. I mean it...no judgment. It's a nearly impossible call to make to close up shop and I honor you if you've had to make that hard choice.

The good news? There's a next for you. This is a new beginning and an opportunity to step out and do something different. Grieve the loss, yes, but then begin again. You can do it. Here are some thoughts as to how...

1. Assess where you are. What's true for you today? What do you need to clean up, dismiss, or reorganize before you can move forward. What lessons did you learn to carry with you forward?
2. Look at your options for your 'next'. What inspires you? What gets you excited? What gives you a sense of peace were it to happen?
3. Pick a destination. Layout the pros and cons for each option that rises to the top and pick the best one. I like the exercise of mandates, priorities and preferences to help. (Mandates: what are non-negotiables, absolutes and must-haves in my next professional gig. Priorities: What do I really WANT but isn't necessarily a deal-breaker if it doesn't happen. Preferences: If I could have everything I want it would include these things.)
4. Make a 30, 60 and 90 day path to move you forward. Timelines are critical to success. What am I going to do in these next blocks of time to make this happen.
5. Take a step forward. You can do it. Begin again.

I know it can feel lonely when the dream falls apart but so many of your peers have been through this. Reach out. Get encouragement and mentoring from others who have walked this path. You can do this. Begin again...boldly and see what this year can bring for you.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP