If only we had more generous donors.
If only our board members were more engaged.
If only we had the resources to hire one more gift officer.
If only we had a better CRM.
If only our CEO was more involved with our donors.
If only our internal communications were more consistent.
“If only” statements typically derail our organizations from sustained progress in two ways.
First, “if only” statements focus our attention on topics over which we have limited or even no control. We rarely use “if only” statements that focus on issues over which we have control – like, ourselves, our habits, our program’s planning, our strategies, and our ways of thinking. Instead, we focus on others and their actions.
Second, “if only” statements focus our attention on what we perceive to be missing. “If only” statements don’t lead us toward inventorying our strengths, our assets, our distinctives, and our blessings. Instead, they focus us on what we lack, our relative deficiencies, or our perceived shortages and gaps.
“If only” statements can feel good in the moment, but they aren’t very helpful from a planning perspective.
If building a better tomorrow is sincerely the goal, far better to replace “if only” statements with, “how could we” questions.
