5 tips to manage year-end stress for advancement leaders

As we head into the final stretch of the year, I know a lot of us are feeling the pressure to make our year-end campaigns a success. It’s one of the busiest times for advancement teams, and the holidays can add even more stress to our already full plates. It often feels like we’re sprinting a marathon; it’s so easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.

With that in mind, I wanted to share a few things that have helped me manage year-end stress—both for myself and my team.

RELATED: Your Guide To A Successful Year-End Campaign

1. Focus on What You Can Control

When we’re racing toward December 31, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Take a moment to figure out what’s truly within your control and prioritize accordingly. You can’t control every donor response or every unexpected twist, but you can control your team’s messaging, your outreach schedule, and your mindset. Focusing on what you can control helps bring calm to the chaos. Identifying what you have power over and focusing your energy there can bring a sense of calm in the chaos.

2. Empower Your Team to Take Ownership

Year-end is also an opportunity for your team to grow. Let different team members take charge of parts of the year-end campaign. For example, have one person lead stewardship efforts by organizing thank-you calls and notes, while another oversees social media outreach or coordinates email follow-ups. Delegating responsibilities not only lightens your load but also gives your team a chance to thrive. Trusting your team reduces your stress and creates an environment where everyone feels valued.

3. Create Space to Unplug

The demands of year-end giving often mean long hours and endless to-do lists. It’s crucial to carve out moments for you and your team to step back and recharge. Lead by example—if your team sees you taking a real lunch break or stepping out for a quick walk, they’ll feel more comfortable doing the same. Setting specific times to unplug allows everyone to rest and prevents burnout, helping you all stay energized and focused.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Year-end campaigns often come with ambitious goals, but it’s important to celebrate every achievement along the way. Each re-engaged donor, every successful campaign launch, and each revenue milestone deserves a round of applause. Whether it’s sending a quick celebratory email, giving a shout-out during a team meeting, or treating the team to a small reward, taking the time to acknowledge these wins keeps spirits high and energy flowing.

5. Remember Why This Matters

It’s easy to get bogged down by numbers and deadlines, but the work we do has real impact—on students, our communities, and on the future of our institutions. Taking a step back to remind yourself (and your team) why this work matters can be a powerful motivator and stress reliever.

This time of year can be intense, but it’s also a time when the difference you’re making becomes crystal clear. By focusing on what you can control, empowering your team, finding moments to rest, and celebrating the journey, you can make it through to the other side stronger. And remember—you’re not in this alone. We’re all in this together, working toward a brighter future for our institutions and the communities we serve.