Getting the work-life, fundraising life balance
Keeping the fun in fundraising
Fundraising should be fun! If you notice that the training has become hard, organising your own fundraising event isn’t going as well as you hoped or you’re not getting the donations to your fundraising that you want then it’s important to reflect and get the fun back into your fundraising. Here's our top tips to put the fun back in.
Focus on the positives
If you’re preparing for a physical challenge that you haven’t done before, then at some point you are likely to hit a bump in the road. You might feel underprepared, not as fit as you want to be, or demotivated, but it’s important to recognise the positives.
There is every chance that you are fitter than when you started your training. You probably still have time to get into a position where you do feel prepared for the big day, and even if you don’t, that’s okay too! It’s normal and okay to go through periods where you aren’t feeling as motivated as you’d like to be.
If you do find yourself in this position, then remember why you wanted to take on the challenge and fundraise in the first place. Check in with your support network, ask a friend who has done a similar challenge for advice, read through the messages of support that you have received, take a couple of days off from training. Do whatever you need to do to feel refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your fundraising journey.
You are making a big difference
Anyone who fundraises is doing it for a reason. Every single person that fundraises for Macmillan has a unique story but also a common goal. Without your incredible efforts and those of the many people who raise funds through a huge variety of ways each year, Macmillan simply wouldn’t be able to provide the amount of support that we do for people living with cancer.
You are not doing this alone
Even if you are doing a solo challenge, it doesn’t mean you’re doing this on your own. Reach out to your friends, family and support network to help you through those tough times. There is a reason why every person who donated to you did so. They want to see you succeed and they are there to help you.
Lean into them to help share your story and to widen your fundraising network. Ask someone else to take care of arranging the logistics of supporters that might be coming to watch you on the day.
Find ways of involving friends and family in the build up to your day as well. Physical training can really take time out of your week but is there a way to include others in it as well? If you’re planning an event can you share some of the workload? Two heads are always better than one and you might find getting other people to help you not only lightens the load but makes everything even more enjoyable and rewarding.
We are here to help
If you’re taking part in an organised event then reach out to Team Macmillan on social media. We have lots of groups and communities on social media and many events have their own individual groups. Check through your emails from us to find the most relevant groups to join and find the support and motivation that you need.
And if at any point you’re struggling in your fundraising journey we are always here to help. Just email our Supporter Care team or call them Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm and and Saturday 9am-1pm on 0300 1000 200.