Only donate time that you actually have to give

It is of course fantastic to volunteer for organizations you want to support. Brian P. Walsh, CLU, ChFC, contributes to several, serving as Secretary for the MDRT Foundation and volunteering for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and two separate volunteer firemen relief associations.

But the 24-year MDRT member from Wayne, Pennsylvania, says it is also important to know when to say no.

A few weeks ago, he was asked to join an organization’s board, but when he found out how much commitment would be required, Walsh had to pass.

“Either you’re sacrificing the quality of the work you’re doing with the organizations, the quality of work you’re doing for your clients or the time you’re spending with your family,” he said. “It becomes self-evident that you’re overcommitted.”

In fact, Walsh said that while this was the first time he has turned down an opportunity like this, he recognizes that he probably should have starting say no sooner. Looking back, he realized that he was doing too much and didn’t have time for everything.

“There’s no sense volunteering for something unless you can make an impact,” he said. “If you don’t have the time to do it, you shouldn’t do it.”

For more Whole Person ideas

•        “Well mind and body” (pdf)
•        “Don’t allow negativity” (video)
•        “Whole Person balance quiz” (pdf)

Written by Matt Pais, MDRT Content Specialist