Managing Chaos: Finding Peace, Purpose, and Rhythm in the Busy Season
It’s the holiday season, and everyone is feeling the rush. Whether you’re running out to buy presents, stocking your pantry, squeezing in as much work as possible before the break, or taking on extra hours to meet year-end deadlines, this stretch of the calendar can feel downright chaotic.
I’ve been feeling that pace myself. Over the past few weeks, my workload has increased in the best possible way. I’m stepping into new roles, partnering with new clients, and seeing grant work pick up significantly. Much of my energy right now is focused on building and expanding what I love to do. But even with the excitement and the gratitude, this season, and this career, can be overwhelming.
In conversations this week, I’ve heard a recurring theme from clients and colleagues alike: the feeling of being frozen by indecision, deadlines, or possibilities, unsure how to move forward. Grant writers and nonprofit leaders often juggle more than most people ever see, and when everything feels urgent, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters.
After several years in grant writing and nonprofit development, here are some practices that have helped me lighten the load, or at least manage it with more grace.
1. Know Your Purpose and Know Your Limits
Start by reminding yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing. Yes, I can put in 10–12 hour days when necessary, but I truly enjoy the clients and companies I serve. I’ve also had jobs where even six hours drained me to the point of complete exhaustion. Knowing the difference is important.
If a task, project, or interaction is depleting you, don’t push past your limits. Your performance will suffer, and so will your wellbeing. Rest, reset, and return to it with clarity. On the flip side, if you’re invigorated by your work, still set boundaries. Use a timer. Stop at a reasonable hour. Your body needs space to recharge, even when you love what you do. A consistent rhythm of rest and work is not only healthy, it’s sustainable.
2. Reduce Overwhelm Where You Can
If something, or someone, is overwhelming, it’s okay to create space. Minimize contact, delegate when possible, or postpone tasks that are not urgent. Staying focused on your priorities is a discipline, and anything that distracts you in an unhealthy way can be put on hold until you have the bandwidth to manage it.
3. Prioritize Like Your Peace Depends On It
Urgent deadlines always come first. Everything else can be ordered accordingly. People may request quick turnarounds, but not everything is truly immediate. It is perfectly professional to respond: “You’re on my list, and I will work on this as soon as I complete today’s priorities.” Give people clear expectations with a definitive time to circle back. You honor their importance while protecting your energy and structure.
4. Take Frequent Breaks
I make it a point to take at least a five-minute break each hour. Those moments help my brain reset and often reveal solutions I couldn’t see when I was “in it.” Sometimes I tidy up between tasks, and while my hands are busy, my mind works through the problem quietly in the background. Rest is not the enemy of productivity, it’s often the catalyst for clarity.
5. Nourish Your Body to Nourish Your Work
Hydration and balanced meals are essential, especially during heavy workloads. Quick snacks and takeout may seem efficient, but they often cause energy crashes. Taking time to prepare or cook meals is not wasted time, it’s an investment in how well your body and mind function throughout the day. When you rest, your body uses that fuel to repair, restore, and strengthen you for the work ahead.
6. Give It to God
I’ve said this before, but it remains the grounding truth of my work and my life: put everything in God’s hands. I do what I do to care for my responsibilities and support my family. I often joke with my cats, “It’s time to pay for your catnip,” but the truth is that every client, every opportunity, and every door that opens is because the Lord allows it.
My work is rooted in compassion, service, and advocacy. I can write an extraordinary grant, but whether funding comes through is ultimately up to Him. I am simply the tool; He is the source. Remembering this lifts the weight I tend to place on my own shoulders. Gratitude and surrender create space for peace.
In This Season of Hustle and Heart
As the holidays approach, remember why you are doing what you’re doing, and for whom. When it’s time to rest, allow yourself to rest. Even the Creator of the universe rested on the seventh day, and we are not stronger than He is.
May your work be meaningful, your boundaries firm, your rest restorative, and your spirit steady, even in the chaos.
I am working to expand Fuel and Inspire for 2026, but am always open to new conversations! Grab your FREE 15 minute consultation while you can by emailing emily@fuelandinspire.com, subject “FREE Consult”.
Want to keep the conversation going? Check out this blog: How to Be Successful as a Grant Writer
