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| Image by i work nonprofit |
What does it mean to reset? For me, reset is not about starting over or giving up—it’s about pausing, stepping back, and reflecting on your next move.
When I began my nonprofit career, my passion was for health-related social services. That was the work that fueled me, and I thought that was where I’d stay. But one day, I felt called to stretch myself in a new direction and decided to expand into education and the workforce. That shift allowed me to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined, working across the nonprofit spectrum—from small organizations to midsize and national ones, even system-based and government settings. Each role gave me a different lens and shaped the way I see service and leadership.
Most recently, I found myself needing to reset again. This time, I slowed down and took space to really learn more about myself—my strengths, where I could grow, and what motivates me to get out of bed in the morning. It wasn’t about flaws; it was about rediscovery. And in that process, I realized reset isn’t a weakness. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have.
Too often, leaders in the nonprofit sector see reset as failure, as if stepping back means we couldn’t handle it. But it’s actually the opposite. Reset gives us room for reinvention. Sometimes it looks like choosing a less demanding role, or simply taking time to reflect on what will truly make you happy. Either way, you have permission to define that happiness for yourself.
If you’re in a season of resetting your leadership or career, know that you’re not alone—you have a friend in me. The most inspiring individuals I’ve met are the ones who allowed themselves to reset and, in doing so, lived more fully into who they were meant to be. Reset isn’t about going backward. It’s about realignment, purpose, and joy. And often, it’s the beginning of the most exciting chapter yet.
Best of luck, always!