Summary:Are you walking, resting, or sprinting right now? In this episode, Clark Vandeventer shares a powerful metaphor drawn from his time trail running in Tahoe to help you evaluate the pace of your fundraising work. He explores what it means to find a rhythm you can sustain for the long haul—and how to avoid burnout.

Clark also offers two simple, relationship-rich habits you can adopt today to deepen donor engagement without exhausting yourself. And he introduces the Clarkbot, an AI-powered tool that makes his insight and encouragement available anytime you need it.

Topics covered:

• What endurance running teaches us about sustainable fundraising

• The dangers of running all-out too long

• The importance of pacing: when to push and when to rest

• Clark’s “3 donor calls on a walk” routine

• Why handwritten notes still matter

• The mindset of poco a poco—little by little, one travels far

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Clarkbot – Clark’s AI-powered chatbot that answers fundraising questions in Clark’s own voice and tone. Try it for free at www.majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Connect with Clark:

If you'd like personal feedback on your annual work rhythm or just want to say hello, reach out to Clark at Clark@MajorGiftsFundraiser.com.

Help Us Grow:If this episode encouraged or challenged you, please consider rating, reviewing, or following the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach and support more fundraisers like you.