Sometimes we all need a reset—a chance to step away from the daily grind and reconnect with the reasons we do this work. I had the pleasure of doing just that last week while attending the largest fundraising conference in the world: AFP ICON.

You deserve to benefit from the energy and insights I brought back, so here are 10 takeaways for you:

1. Call one donor every single day. Developing that simple habit is one of the easiest ways to strengthen authentic relationships and improve your fundraising results.

2. We have a choice when it comes to language. When we all decide to be brave together, especially around diversity, we can shift the tone and weaken the bully.

3. Don’t do more. Decide better. We will always be pulled in multiple directions, but we can intentionally choose how to use our time to further the mission.

4. Major donors tend to be responsive. Other donors make you resilient. Major donors are deeply committed to the mission, while smaller annual fund donors help ensure stability. While lower-level donors may engage differently, they still want meaningful opportunities to connect with staff and programs.

5. AI is changing how we work. From AI solutions embedded in existing software to new stand-alone tools, AI is freeing up fundraiser time to focus on relationships.

6. Donors give through the lens of identity. When we understand how they see themselves, we can better speak their language.

7. Development must have a seat at the Finance table. After all, we share the same goals: creating financial stability, protecting the organization’s reputation, conducting accurate revenue tracking, and fostering strategic growth.

8. Use a gift chart (pyramid) to guide planning. Let data inform your individual giving forecasts during annual planning by estimating the number of donors at each gift level.

9. Our sector is addicted to stress, but it doesn’t have to be. We can choose to live differently and still have a deep impact.

10. Leadership is responsible for both outcomes and people. Strong leaders not only focus on results but also prioritize the experience and well-being of those doing the work.

BONUS TAKEAWAY: We are the luckiest. What a privilege it is to work in the nonprofit sector, solving the world’s challenges with such smart and kind people.