“Taking the time,” implies that we are squeezing into our schedules an unplanned activity, engagement, or task. When we “take the time,” we deduct from our current schedule. It implies something we should do. Perhaps, even, a burden.
“Making the time,” on the other hand, suggests that we are proactively planning to use our time in a certain way. We are prioritizing what is important to us and allocating time for that purpose.
While this may sound like a distinction without a difference, I’m not so sure.
For instance, are we “taking the time” to visit our donors? Or, are we “making the time” to visit our donors? Just saying those phrases sequentially conjures up a different sense of priority.
Too often, advancement leaders report they are “taking the time” more than “making the time.” And, when a core attribute of fundraising success – such as visiting and building relationships with donors – is relegated to being squeezed into an otherwise hectic schedule, the result can mean that donor visits simply don’t happen as often as they should.
Recently, a long-time, close friend who lives a plane ride away said, “we have decades,” in describing the time we have remaining to create new memories. Let’s hope so! But, of course, no one can know for certain.
That phrase struck me. I was reminded that our priorities – what matters most – deserve to be planned and scheduled.
Better to make the time, than to count on it being there to take.
