Setting boundaries. Dun dun duuun.
Boundaries are so essential in not just your business, but your life. Staying focused on your priorities and making progress on your goals necessitates boundaries.
So many things and so many people are struggling to get your time, energy and attention every single day!
It feels so good to help others and when we get the dopamine rush that comes when we try a new “shiny ✨ thing”.
We’re wired to be curious and help each other out, but when you don’t put yourself and your priorities first, what happens? The value you have to offer and how you best serve others is put on the back burner. 🔥
Some ideas if you’re sitting there thinking boundaries sound like a good idea but have no idea where to start:
👉 Specify work hours when you are not to be interrupted or disturbed
👉 Set defined times people can contact you and expect a response
👉 Get a sitter for the kids so you have “deep work” time
👉 Hire an expert to do the things you’re not proficient in (ie: bookkeeping and FB ads)
👉 Do yoga classes twice a week
Here are some ways you can get started setting your boundaries:
✅ Simply put the intention out into the Universe. Declare “I want to spend my time doing X, Y and Z.” or “This is how I want X, Y and Z to look: ______.” This one small action can have a huge impact.
✅ Talk about and bring up your boundaries with others. This makes it a more casual discussion ahead of time instead of a reaction and potential disagreement later on in the moment that you need the boundary set.
✅ Tell others how you believe the boundary will benefit you and them. And even how it benefits a third party (like your clients or your business itself).
✅ Express gratitude to others for respecting your boundaries and when others share their boundaries with you.
✅ Keep it short and simple and to the point. This is really about avoiding over explaining. Don’t make excuses or apologize for taking care of yourself and your time.
If setting boundaries is new to you, just take small steps.
Start with easy things like say “no thanks” without further explanation to a telemarketer or if someone offers you a piece of gum.
Speak up about your opinion on small things like what to watch on TV one night or which coffee shop you want to go to.
Start checking your email every 2 hours, instead of every 5 minutes.
Or decide on just one boundary you want to set around your time and do just that for now.
Share below: where will you start with your boundary setting this week? 👇
Oh boundaries… Right now, I’m really working on not letting work time bleed into me/family time. I’d really like to make that my focus this week and turn work “off” at a reasonable time each evening.
That’s a great focus to have Emily! I use a “transition activity” at the end of my work day so I can intentionally turn work off and shift into personal time for the evening – I do my yoga workout because I love it so much and would never miss it!
i need to set more boundries
You’re not alone Jimmy! Would love to know which of the above strategies you’ll try first!
Great tips Jodi! Reading this makes me realise how many boundaries I need to set!
Thanks Lisa! Yes it’s so easy to get caught up in our usual routines and let those boundaries slide. Good luck setting yours 😉