Boundaries and why it’s helpful to set them – a topic that comes up a lot in my coaching.
Leading & managing others, interacting with people & your work can be demanding.
Without boundaries around your time, energy & attention it will start to disrupt your work-life balance.
Without boundaries, you might commit to helping others, feel like you can’t say no and this leads to burnout.
You might also start to resent your work, lose the fulfilment it used to give you and you may feel anger or frustration more.
People need you – we need you – so the first step in setting up the conditions for you to perform with energy can be to create boundaries around you!
So here’s 6 things you can do to create boundaries:
1. Define your boundaries: The first step is to identify what boundaries you need to set. E.g. you may need to set limits on your hours, when you can be interrupted or the volume of work you’re going to take on.
2. Communicate your boundaries: It’s important to communicate your boundaries. Let others know what you can & cannot do & explain why these boundaries are important.
3. Stick to your boundaries: Once you have set your boundaries, it’s essential to stick to them. Be firm but respectful when communicating with those around you who are trying to push your boundaries.
4. Be flexible when necessary: While it’s important to stick to your boundaries, there may be times when you need to be flexible. For example, if someone has an emergency, you may need to flex your boundary to accommodate.
5. Take care of yourself: Setting boundaries is not selfish; it’s important for your well-being. Make sure to take care of yourself by getting enough rest, exercise and relaxation time.
6. Review and adjust as necessary: Review your boundaries regularly and adjust them as necessary. This is a process, not an event, so allow this to unfold and adjust as needed.
As your career or business grows or your personal circumstances change, you may need to modify your boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What do you think? What kind of boundaries have you set / had to set for yourself and your work?
