Even on the Coldest Days, Learn to Enjoy the Process

Tom Iselin
Jun 8, 2015
3 min read

Updated: Dec 13, 2025

Even when it's freezing and difficult, it's important to enjoy the process--no matter what you're doing.

Even on the Coldest Days, Learn to Enjoy the Process

Good morning from Stanley, Idaho.

It’s mid-June.It’s 29 degrees.I’m freezing.

I didn’t sleep very well, I’ve got a big day ahead, and all I can think about right now is how badly I want a hot cup of coffee.

And it got me thinking about nonprofit work—and leadership in general.

Some Days Are Just Cold

Sometimes you’re going to be cold.

Sometimes you might literally have a cold. Sometimes you’re tired. Sometimes you’re run down. Sometimes you’re staring at a full calendar and wondering how you’re going to get through the day.

That’s real life.That’s real work.

Nonprofit leadership isn’t always inspiring moments and big wins.

The Work Doesn’t Stop Because Conditions Aren’t Perfect

Here’s the truth:

Even when:

You’re tired
You’re uncomfortable
You didn’t sleep well
The timing feels off

You still have to show up.

The mission doesn’t pause.The people you serve still need you.The work still matters.

The Real Challenge: Can You Enjoy the Process Anyway?

The deeper question isn’t whether work will be hard.

It will.

The real question is this:

Can you learn to enjoy the process—even when conditions aren’t ideal?

Can you:

Stay present
Keep perspective
Find meaning in the effort
Appreciate the journey, not just the outcome

That’s the difference between burnout and resilience.

Difficult Days Are Part of Meaningful Work

If the work you’re doing matters, it will challenge you.

There will be:

Early mornings
Long days
Hard conversations
Moments of doubt

That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

It usually means you’re doing something worthwhile.

Small Joys Matter More Than You Think

On days like this, enjoyment doesn’t have to be grand.

Sometimes it’s:

A warm cup of coffee
A deep breath
A reminder of why you started
A quiet moment before the day begins

Those small things refuel you.

Enjoying the Process Is a Choice

Enjoying the process doesn’t mean pretending things are easy.

It means choosing to:

Stay engaged
Stay grateful
Stay connected to purpose

Even when it’s cold.Even when you’re tired.Even when the day ahead feels heavy.

Key Takeaways

Hard days are inevitable
Discomfort doesn’t mean failure
The mission still matters on tough days
Enjoying the process builds resilience
Small joys sustain long-term work

Summary

Some days in nonprofit work feel like a cold morning in Stanley, Idaho—uncomfortable, exhausting, and demanding.

But those are the days that matter most.

So show up.Enjoy the process as best you can.Grab the coffee when you can.

And keep fueling your passion and giving back—because the world truly needs more people like you making it a better place.

Now… let’s go get that coffee. ☕

Tom Iselin

Rated One of America’s Best Board Retreat

and Strategic Planning Facilitators

About the Author

Tom Iselin is recognized as one of America’s leading authorities on high-performance nonprofits. He has built nine sector-leading nonprofits and two software companies, written six books, sits on multiple boards, and has been rated one of America’s Best Board Retreat and Strategic Planning Facilitators. His work on nonprofit strategy, board leadership, and culture has been featured on CNN, Nightline, and in Newsweek.

Tom is the president of First Things First, a firm specializing in board retreats, strategic planning services, fundraising strategy, and executive coaching for nonprofit CEOs.

Board Retreats & Strategic Planning

If you’re looking for a board retreat facilitator or strategic planning facilitator who has been in the trenches and understands real-world nonprofit challenges, Tom can help your board gain clarity, build alignment, and create an actionable plan that improves performance and impact. His sessions propel organizations to the next level of performance and impact . . . and they're fun!

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