“Allow yourself to be a beginner. No one starts off being excellent.”
I spent 15 years working at nonprofit organizations. I have worked at large organizations (50+ on staff) and small ones (5 on staff). I have volunteered at countless others and I continue to do so today. I have seen nonprofits function in all types of environments with all types of goals.
And I have seen one common trait unite them all: a constant need for volunteers.
In fact, I have never worked at a charitable organization that wasn’t desperately in need of volunteers. There is so much good that needs to be accomplished in our world, but the resources (financial and human) are almost always lacking. At one company, we used to have a saying that went like this, “If you’re available, we have a need. No experience required.”
Sometimes, the only requirement is availability. And sometimes, the most important step is to just show up.
Fifteen years ago, I began writing about minimalism on a blog called Becoming Minimalist. It was free through WordPress and took only minutes to set-up (I have since upgraded to Bluehost).
At the time, I had no experience in minimalism, I had no experience blogging, and only a little experience writing. I only knew I wanted to own less and write about the journey.
What I lacked in experience and reputation and talent, I made up for by simply deciding to show up and get started—which reminds me of my experience at nonprofits: If you are available, we have a need.
I know there is a good you want to accomplish in this world (those who live for only personal gain have long since given up on this blog). There is a positive influence you desire to create, grow, or harness. That being the case, never underestimate the importance of just showing up.
- Are you trying to declutter your home? Remove one large bag of stuff.
- Are you working to build an organization that will accomplish good? Take the next step.
- Are you hoping to have a positive impact in your community? Start by being present in it.
- Do you dream of making a difference through your church, charity, or club? Offer to volunteer.
- Do you desire to align your career with your passion? Start slowly.
- Do you want to change the world? Become the change you desire to see.
Just become available. The experience will come. The talent will grow. And the opportunities will increase.
But first, you need to show up.
Thank you Joshua,
Your posts are always take me back to the true reasons I became a minimalist in the first place and inspire me a great deal.
I’m retired and at 67 years old, I started taking piano lessons for the first time. I’m enjoying so much. There is always a first time to try something new.
I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now. It’s always thought provoking, and yet I never reply. This post really spoke to me on many levels, and so I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for this post and all of the others. They do make a difference to me.
You are simply inspiring. I just found your blog recently and find myself searching for your pearls of wisdom whenever I can. Thank you for showing up and figuring it out.
I get the feeling from some folks who are following a minimalist lifestyle and are trying to take the busy out of their lives as part of that lifestyle, that volunteer work is part of that busy. I certainly hope everyone can make a little time to help others. I truly believe that this should be part of any lifestyle. Thanks for a great article.
Nifty– I enjoyed this encouraging post. I was just encouraging someone to take the first steps in heading back to school, but they seem fearful to even look at the options. I’m glad my hubby and I took that first step and are both on the path to more fulfilling jobs :)
Just show up :) How novel.