Here's how you can juggle multiple projects and maintain a healthy work-life balance as a nonprofit leader.

At The Cookie Project, where we manage diverse initiatives, prioritisation is key. Start by listing all projects and categorising tasks using the Eisenhower Box method: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither. This helps you focus on critical tasks and avoid distractions. For example, in our inclusive hiring practices, we prioritised setting up fair wage structures and employee support systems over other less urgent tasks.

Effective delegation is crucial. At The Cookie Project, we assessed each team member's strengths and delegated tasks accordingly. Trusting your team and giving them autonomy not only empowers them but also frees up your time for strategic planning. Remember, delegation is about assigning tasks to the right people to optimise efficiency and outcomes. For instance, delegating operational tasks to capable team members allowed me to focus on expanding our social impact.

Time management is essential for balancing multiple projects. Use calendars and scheduling tools to allocate time slots for each project. At The Cookie Project, I blocked specific times for project meetings, strategic planning, and personal breaks. Being realistic about your workload and including downtime prevents burnout and increases productivity. This structured approach ensured that all projects received adequate attention without overwhelming myself or the team.

Setting boundaries can be especially hard in the non-profit arena. Our work is mission driven and community focused: it’s hard to say ‘no’ when it feels like you’re letting people and your community down when you set boundaries for yourself and your personal time. In reality, setting boundaries allows non-profit professionals to rest and re-charge. Setting clear boundaries allows you to be your best self at work, at home, and in other important areas of your life. Without boundaries, it becomes difficult to balance anything at all. Boundaries make you better!

Establish clear work-life boundaries. Set specific work hours and communicate these to your team. At The Cookie Project, we respected each other’s time by limiting work-related communications to within set hours. This discipline helps maintain mental health and ensures you have time to recharge. For example, I ensured that evenings and weekends were reserved for family time and personal activities, which improved my overall well-being and productivity.

Leverage technology to streamline processes. Tools like project management software and communication platforms can significantly enhance efficiency. At The Cookie Project, we used project management tools to track progress, set deadlines, and facilitate collaboration. Choose user-friendly tools that meet your nonprofit’s specific needs. This approach helped us manage multiple projects seamlessly, even when team members worked remotely.

Given the intense demands of managing various projects, it's essential to place self-care at the forefront of your priorities. Self-care isn't just about occasional breaks; it's about integrating rejuvenating activities into your regular routine to sustain long-term well-being. Engaging in eco-art activities—such as creating art from recycled materials, nature-inspired art, or community mural projects—can be especially rejuvenating. These activities offer a creative escape while aligning with sustainability goals, providing a sense of accomplishment and connection to environmental causes. They can be an excellent way to combine personal interests with your organization’s values, fostering both creativity and a deeper sense of purpose.

Prioritise self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Engage in activities that rejuvenate you outside of work. At The Cookie Project, I made time for exercise, hobbies, and family activities. As a leader, your well-being sets the tone for your organisation's culture. Regular self-care activities are non-negotiable and help prevent burnout, ensuring you remain effective and motivated in your role.