It’s that time again. The end of one year. The beginning of another. A fresh start on the calendar, an opportunity to reflect and, for many, a time to make resolutions.

As we look ahead to 2019, our team has some ideas and goals for the year ahead, which we’re happy to share with you.

Walk the walk. All of us in fundraising and nonprofits know the value of a reliable, recurring gift. With that in mind, pick a charity (or add a charity) and become a monthly donor.

Make time for reading. There’s so much information out there on so many platforms — print, online, trades, general interest — that it can be hard to keep up with it all. But we know how valuable it is to stay on top of trends and stay ahead of the curve, with information that helps drive the conversation.

Be a better listener. Knowing how to drive the conversation is an important skill, but whether with clients or coworkers, it’s vital to really listen. It can take time for a story to unfold, and every conversation is an opportunity to not just listen — but really hear and understand.

Attend a new event. Find a new industry conference or meeting and go — just do it, as Nike says! It’s a networking opportunity, a chance to meet new people, and a way to put faces with all those emails and online names. And, you’ll learn something.

Share your knowledge. Whether it’s something you picked up at a conference, whether it’s a mentor, protégé, boss, colleague or competitor, at the end of the day we’re all engaged in the business of raising money for good causes. Knowledge and tools strengthen us all.

Be an ambassador. Champion the work of fundraising, communications, strategy and implementation — all vital to the end goal of supporting nonprofits. Share the powerful work we do and why it matters.

Laugh a little…every day. Our world and our jobs and often the plight of those we work to help can all be tough enough. A little good humor goes a long way.

Be grateful…every day. Gratitude is the root of generosity. William Arthur Ward’s quote is worth remembering: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

Make time to rest. From rest and reflection, to making better sleep a priority and taking vacations — and unplugging — taking care of ourselves makes us better people and professionals.

Wishing a happy, healthy, grateful and giving 2019 for you and your loved ones.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!