Smart habits that will improve your volunteering experience

While volunteering we certainly encounter some problems and hard moments in our free and working time. Personally, I often asked myself if there is something I could do at my volunteering project and which habits and personal attitude should I have to make the experience better for me, other volunteers and my coworkers. I collected some good examples and advice on how to have as much good time while volunteering as it is possible. Because probably the motivation was the one who made your volunteering journey started but these habits will keep you going!

1. Try to seek for clarity

Especially at the beginning of your volunteering project be prepared and learn how to listen to instructions somebody gives to you about work, housing, contacts and similar. Observe the situation and don’t “fly away” with your thoughts even if you have nothing to do at a certain moment. Always try to ask questions. Don’t be ashamed, if you don’t know something! Seek to understand all sides of the story and to view every work situation from others’ points of view. With this clarity habits, you will soon strengthen your environmental and working culture, which will bring positive relationships and structure in your life.

2. Have an infectious energy

If you want to have a high performance and learn as much as possible, try to develop the ability to keep your own energy high and lift the interest and stamina of others around you too. It was your decision to volunteer and learn something new so try to keep your head up and smile even if it’s a morning or you have a bad day. Have your coffee and bar of dark chocolate if needed! Your friends, coworkers, and people around you will appreciate it. With this habit, you will definitely cause sustained growth in relationships and work productivity.

3. Seek out problems

That doesn’t mean you have to look for problems and fights where there is no need but rather habitually observe challenges that arise and consider the ways to ease or correct them instead of mindlessly or habitually accepting the status quo as “all there is” or “good enough.” Communication is the main part of that habit. Try to speak and point out the problems and suggest new, better ideas. Tell if you don’t like your tasks or you think you have too much to do. Is somebody eating your food? Would you like to improve the workshop in your afternoon club? Sometimes your colleagues and friends don’t see the problem or idea you’re dealing with and they can help you just in case you tell them about it. In most scenarios, you will find a solution. With this habit, you will solve a lot of your daily problems and increase innovation at your volunteering project.

4. Share what you've learned

Individuals who tend to have the highest performance aren’t content to operate alone in a vacuum but communicate their lessons proactively, even if they are bad. Your goal here should be to uplift others, influence and inspire them, that they could to better, avoid mistakes you did and become better people. You can join some small local groups or seminars where you can share your knowledge and opinion. There are so many platforms outside today, that you have an enormous possibility to influence. Your goal is achieved if there is just one person who will you inspire or is reading your blog. This habit also reduces political and protective behavior, both within and outside the organization.

5. Have courage and put yourself in an uncomfortable situation

This is the habit some refer to as the willingness to “put yourself out there,” even when it’s difficult or risky to do. Speak up on your seminar, even if you are a little bit nervous. Have that presentation for your organization or for your coworkers and ask others to participate. Make a video about yourself even if you have never done it before and show it to your community. Doing so on a regular basis produces collective momentum as others are inspired and compelled to join in. it will also boost your self-esteem and knowledge of public performance which will be useful not just for your project but your entire life!

Source

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/338180