It’s easy to lose motivation for those tasks that have found their way to the back of an agenda. This year has presented us with many challenges to our regular day. It may even feel like it’s been a year of ‘no’ if you’ve experienced some setbacks during the pandemic.
While it’s easy to let challenges, distractions and procrastination take over in tough times, it’s still important to remember that even the most successful grant applicants or writers find both success and failure along their journey. So how do we stay motivated when dollars aren’t flowing or success is not imminent? Well, we’ve devised a list of tips to keep you on track. Whether that’s to use now or in the new year, these suggestions will make your grant applications easier to digest and quicker to conquer.
1. Return to the reason you started
If you’re lost in a cobweb of criteria or have missed out on a funding opportunity, never forget the reason why you started. We know your project would be something that addresses a significant need in a community and would be something you’re extremely passionate about. So when you find yourself losing momentum, return to the concept and revise why your project matters, why it’s needed and why it’s important. When you rediscover the idea, you’ll be inspired to drive it forward and that’s when you’ll be able to continue your grant journey.
2. Seek help from the experienced
When the words in an application don’t seem to make sense anymore, and you feel as though your proposal needs a fresh perspective, it might be time to engage in the services of an experienced Grant Writer. At The Grants Hub, we have a number of Grant Writers listed who are skilled in various areas of the industry. By connecting with these professionals, you’ll find the support you need to deliver a successful proposal.
3. Focus on progress instead of perfection
For every grant, there are a lot of grant applications. So if you are rejected for funding, it’s important to not take it personally or consider it a waste of your time. Instead, flip the situation and look at it as an opportunity for growth. While some funding providers don’t offer feedback, you should use the time after a rejection as a review on the application. That is, answer what could you have done better and how you could improve your responses for the next application? No one is perfect from the start, so finessing your grant writing skills will take time. Just remember to get back up and keep going.
4. Break the application down
Grant applications can seem daunting, especially when writing them isn’t your forte. The idea of starting with nothing and having to end up with something significant can be pretty intimidating. A great tactic to use when you’re faced with this fear is a writing technique called ‘outlining’. Basically, you section out each part of the application onto a blank page, with a bunch of subsections regarding the materials required as part of the submission. From there, start filling out the information with dot points, then ideas, and then turn those notes into sentences. Return the next day and start reworking the information. When you break the application down into smaller and more manageable pieces, it becomes easier to complete. You’ll see exactly what you still need to do and what you’ve already achieved.
5. Put your energy into quality submissions
It’s no use resubmitting poor applications that may have been rejected previously by a panel. It won’t boost your confidence or motivation if your idea is constantly rejected. Therefore, choose quality over quantity. Seek feedback internally or externally if you need help with your submission. Always have a look at what you can improve. Grant applications require care, and sloppiness won’t get you anywhere.
6. Don't burn yourself out
Some applicants leave the submission to the last minute or rush to meet a deadline. This results in poor application quality, especially if they’ve lost the motivation to see the application through. Rushing means we miss important details, and it’s a priority that your application is easy to read and understand. Allow yourself plenty of time to meet the due date. That way, if you find you need to take a moment to collect your thoughts, you’ll be able to. Your funding provider will thank you as all criteria will have been considered.
7. Surround yourself with a team
Sometimes motivation lies in the people we surround ourselves with. Therefore, find the right team who will help you complete your application. Whether it’s assisting you in writing or even being an editor once complete, people thrive when they’re working in a positive and motivating environment. Find your grants tribe! Even delegating tasks to the best person in your team will help improve the quality of your application.
8. Bribe yourself to take responsibility
Balancing our responsibilities with work is a skill. As humans, we sometimes resist the more difficult tasks in lieu of ones that are easier to complete. Therefore, indulging yourself when you’ve completed a milestone can serve as a huge motivator. Think of it as a little bribe to get the work done. When you’re working towards an instant reward or mood booster, you remain productive. Whether it’s an extra coffee, pizza for dinner, or even a 5-minute phone break, setting these rewards will help you keep your eye on the prize… literally. Receive that well-earned hit of dopamine!
At the end of the day, the main source of motivation lies within yourself. These tricks will help you stay more present and submit quality grant applications ahead of time. You’ll be surprised what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it and believe that you can.
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