Abracadabra!

Abracadabra!

I always learn something from my participants and my session on the Power and Joy of Philanthropy with the United Way Loaned Executives was no exception.

You see, I believe “We become what we think about.” (Earl Nightingale) and that our words – the specific words we CHOOSE to say, both reflect AND create the thoughts in our head.

What you think about – what you are investing your mental energy into by rolling certain thoughts over and over in your mind – creates the results you will have in your life – for work and pleasure. This “inner game” determines your “outer game.” Why is this? Because what we are thinking about – either consciously or unconsciously – is where we will focus our attention. And as we focus on a particular thing or thought, we will make choices about what action we want to take around this thought. Thus, what we focus on grows in our lives. This focus will yield our results – ones we want or ones we don’t want – depending upon how we are thinking.

Let me give you an example.

True story.

There was a certain fundraiser – we’ll call him Bill (actually it was me). Bill had worked with a key major donor as the organization’s lead for over five years and had, he felt, an excellent relationship. Each year the donor provided a $1000 gift to the annual fund appeal and also generally a major gift to a key program area. Then Bill noticed it had been awhile since he had seen this donor, so he called and arranged to see him during his next trip to the area – a more remote region of the state. He was to determine the exact visit time when he arrived as it was a busy time. The donor would work him in when he could. As agreed, Bill called, and the administrative person said that the donor was with a client and would call back. Bill waited that entire day, but no call, so he called again. Again he was told that the donor was busy and would call back. This happened two more times, and Bill began to think that something had gone very wrong. Hadn’t he detected a rather strained reaction from the assistant? Clearly, it was getting awkward to deflect Bill’s calls. Certainly, he had said something that offended this donor, and he didn’t want to meet. This was why it had been so long. This donor was being contacted too much. So, Bill made a decision not to call again.

On the return trip home, as Bill crossed a cell phone tower line, suddenly his phone downloaded several messages. Yep, warm and welcoming replies from his donor with apologies for his hectic schedule and suggesting times he could work Bill in. How could Bill have so misjudged the situation? Humbly Bill called back and now, after working hours, got the donor’s voice mail. He mumbled something about being sorry they did not connect and promised to call when he returned to the office. Now Bill focused on the strong relationship they had and immediately the next morning called. The donor himself answered the phone and shared a major development in the business – one that would make a large gift possible. Bill drove back up the very next day to meet and this launched the way to the largest gift this donor had ever given.

What we say – out loud and to ourselves, creates the actions we take which determine the results we achieve.

So…what does this have to do with waving your magic wand and saying, “Abracadabra?”

Margo Nelson, one of the United Way Loaned Executives, shared in our session that Abracadabra literally means, “With my words I create…”

What are you pulling out of your hat? How about…

ABRACADABRA! Today will be a terrific day!
ABRACADABRA! Our donors are eager to hear from us!
ABRACADABRA! I’ll look forward to the productive calls I’ll make this week!
ABRACADABRA! People love to give me money!
ABRACADABRA! Today will be a good day.
ABRACADABRA! I am feeling awake and ready to get to it today.

Remember…..with your words you create.