3 Common Challenges all Change-Makers Face
Are you a changemaker?
Before we move into the main article, I thought I would address what a changemaker actually is first. The organisation Ashoka were said to have coined this term and has been used to describe someone who is 'seeking to change the world'. This term is commonly used to describe someone who runs or works within a Social Enterprise, as we are all seeking to change the world one step at a time.
Now we have defined what a Changemaker is, I want to discuss three common challenges we all as changemakers will face at some point in our journey.
1. Time
Time management always seems to be a topic which is constantly brought to my attention either by my clients or people in general. I am usually faced with the question ‘how do you manage your time? With so much to do, and so little time it is no wonder that this can cause problems.
You have to prioritise your goals. Delegating tasks that can be completed by someone else to free up your time for tasks only you can accomplish, is a good way to manage your time.
2. Funding
The next challenge, I believe, that all changemakers face is the issue of funding. I have previously addressed ‘Funding for your Social Enterprise’ in a blog post, which discusses how you can raise it, where it comes from and when you need it. In this instance, I wanted to reiterate how this is a common issue that all changemakers face at some point in their journey.
I have found, in the past that many changemakers set up their Social Enterprise not knowing where the funding for their Enterprise will be coming from. This can create tension within the Enterprise, as it will never be able to grow without funding it will simply remain at an impasse. You also can’t rely on a donor or a grant to start your Enterprise. You need to seek funding for yourself whether that be through products or services, or other methods mentioned in a blog post.
3. Investing in yourself
With an entire industry based around coaches that aim to support and encourage you, it is no surprise that investing in yourself is an important factor when it comes to being a changemaker. As changemakers we can sometimes forget to invest time and effort in ourselves sometimes because you feel as though it would be taking something away from your Social Enterprise. Investing in yourself could benefit your Enterprise in the long term though.
‘A problem shared, is a problem halved’ – a common phrase that I completely agree with. Do these three challenges resonate with you? Have you faced any of these challenges?
I would love to hear your opinions! Let’s continue this discussion on Facebook, with me or everyone in the community! If you are just starting out, or this article has inspired you to start your own Social Enterprise, I have plenty of material on the blog for you to read.
Wishing you growth and happiness,
Nyasha
