Like new-fallen snow, the New Year offers a clean slate of opportunity. However, this season of renewed hope can be short-lived when life’s muddy boots and tire tracks inevitably come our way.

Here are fundraising strategies for maximizing a clean slate while embracing the realities of the seasons ahead.

Reflect: Take time to pause and listen

Resist the urge to rush out and set goals. Instead, build in a time of reflection. In fundraising, we understand the power of listening.” Before making any strategic fundraising moves, pause and ask yourself some important questions. What were last year’s highs and lows? What actions or fundraising strategies brought success? In hindsight, what might you have done differently?

Then, actively listen, as you would to a donor you respect. And as you would with a donor, allow yourself to sit in silence and process your thoughts. This strategy of reflection will help you make better-informed plans and decisions.

Appreciate: Cultivate gratitude for growth

Gratitude is a powerful tool in fundraising as it is in all facets of life. Whether the year brought triumphs or challenges, each experience has valuable lessons. Show appreciation for both the highs and the lows—they have all contributed to your growth.

Make a list of individuals—donors, team members, or others—who have made a difference in your life. Reflect on their impact not just in terms of financial contributions, but also in terms of the time, talent and support they’ve shared. This year, deepen your donor relationships by taking the time to express gratitude through personalized notes or thoughtful actions.

Plan: Strategize for the year ahead

Take a year-at-a-glance approach. There will be slow times and busy seasons. Leverage your insights from last year, and plan accordingly. Use your gratitude list to demonstrate appreciation for the important people in your life—family and friends, as well as supporters of your mission. Then, turn those thoughts into a year-long action plan.