Do it now.

Sometimes...perhaps more often than not, we tend to overcomplicate things. In our work with nonprofits and local communities the challenge can be overwhelming. It can be hard to know where to start because the need is so tremendous. Let's keep it simple.

(1) See the need. Acknowledge the challenge, the gap in services, the unmet need. Let's define it and call it out.

(2) Set the vision. Lay out the solution and the steps needed to start tackling the problem. The plan doesn't have to be elaborate or pretty on paper. It needs to define steps and actions to begin tackling the issue. If it isn't in writing, it doesn't exist. Set the vision to paper.

(3) Act. Plans without implementation make good fire starters. Set the course and start making it happen. Mistakes will happen. Unexpected challenges will pop up. Revise the vision and move forward.

Move beyond talking and move toward doing. Each one of us seeing, visioning and acting will collectively make a huge impact on our communities. Let's get started. Just do it.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP