by Theresa O'Riordan

Created on: April 15, 2008

Volunteering can be a great way to help others. But when so many of us are busy with our own personal responsibilities, how do we ensure that we make the most of our time and efforts to help others without overburdening ourselves? Here are some tips on making the most of your experiences, and making all your donated hours and efforts count.

1.) Examine your motives. There is a big difference between volunteering for personal recognition or community status, and volunteering out of a genuine sense of compassion and commitment to a cause. If your primary motivation is status and awards or simply adding to your resume, you may not be as satisfied with giving up your time as if you are motivated by a more natural inclination to make the world a better place. This isn't to say you can't "fake it till you make it" and lend a helping hand anyway. But there is a danger you will come to consider your volunteer experience a second job, and that it may not last long, or may dissuade you from volunteering in the future. For a quick example of what I mean, think about famous people. Those who seek only to be famous in order to be known by the masses and recognized as a household name, or for a feeling of general acceptance and validation, are far less likely to hold on to their success than those people who naturally pursue a living from their talents out of a simple, genuine love for performing. Performing is reward enough, but the money is for them a happily accepted bonus.

2.) Be realistic. This may sound counterintuitive to the idealist who is bent on seeing world change, but it is very important to remember that you need your own free time once in a while in order to relax and take time for yourself. If you are constantly stressed and complaining about being too rushed, you may well slack off and not live up to your original intentions. No one can help anyone else if they are severely dissatisfied with their own lot in life. Work on yourself, minimize stress in your life, make and stick to your list of priorities, and then incorporate volunteering when you are ready.

3.) Don't try to be a superhero. If one cause interests you far more than any others, don't be afraid to concentrate all your efforts in that particular direction. There is a temptation among those of us who wish to help others to spread ourselves too thin. Tackling one problem, such as homelessness for example, may suddenly turn into a desire to volunteer not only at shelters or job training workshops but also at drug rehab clinics, AA meetings and veteran's hospitals. Focus on one of these aspects, and learn more about the others when and if you get some free time. Spending five meaningful hours a week at one volunteer position may be more valuable than spending one hour a week at five separate places doing five separate jobs. Use your judgment on this one.

There are many demands on our time in this fast-paced society in which we live. Don't forget to treat yourself well in every aspect of life, or you could easily be burnt out. Don't try to take all the problems of the world onto your own shoulders. You may find that as you do, your life will start to unravel. You can't help others if you are in any sort of desperate need yourself. Pace yourself and slowly try new things that match your view of how people should treat each other, and only ally yourself with organizations you strongly support. Making the most of your time will ensure you are the greatest help you can be, and will ensure that you feel fulfilled by your experience and thereby encouraged to keep at it.

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