By Mike Chamberlain, CEO, Grant Professionals Association

Ten years ago this month, I made the decision to start on a journey. A journey to better health and well-being. The first thing I did was schedule a physical exam with my Family Doctor, something I had not done on my own in my adult life. I met with my Family Doctor and after the poking, prodding, measurements and battery of questions, she said, “You know you really should lose some weight.” I replied, “Yes, but I really do not know where to start.” That is when the real journey started. She provided me with a diet plan and a guide to better eating, and told me it was important to watch portion size. I started slowly, first by changing lunch, then breakfast, and really watching portions at dinner. I added in a dose of daily exercise to build muscle and improve my health.

Over the next 12 months, I began losing weight and getting healthier every day. I had co-workers, friends and family ask me about my secret for making the change. My simple answer was “Diet and exercise”, which was often met with disappointment. However, one thing I learned during this journey was the importance of taking small simple steps and building on each success. For me, it was watching the scale go down one pound at a time and tightening my belt one notch at a time, that encouraged me to continue. Ten years later, I am happy to report that I lost the weight and have kept it off.

This journey taught me the importance of starting with small steps, being persistent and knowing that in the long run, it is through these efforts that you can reach your goals.

The Grant Professionals Foundation works to fund professionalism in the grants field through its many efforts. One of those efforts is Giving Well which is the opportunity to make a difference one small gift at a time. By giving as little as $10 per month, you can start to make an impact. I know this as a current contributor through Giving Well. I have seen the impact it has in providing scholarships for grant professionals to attend conferences, participate in local chapters, and contribute to the grants profession. I know mine is a small contribution that added with other small contributions over time can make a significant impact in the grants profession. I invite you to join me on this journey by taking a first small step and start Giving Well today.