How to Set (and Stick to) Your Boundaries
Creating boundaries has become a topic I am very passionate about. In my previous career, boundaries didn’t exist. I was unsure of how to create them, let alone stick to them. This led to burnout – an experience that had a tremendous impact on me. So much so, that I decided to start a business that is built on and highly values boundaries.
You may be asking “Why should I set boundaries?” or thinking “I have boundaries in place, but I always fall short of following through.” Keep reading to learn how to set and stick to your boundaries, why setting boundaries is essential when operating a business, and the benefits this practice has on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Why Should I Set Boundaries?
To stay in control of your energy. It's important to understand your limits and be aware of how certain people, situations, or tasks may drain or deplete your energy. Setting boundaries allows you to choose who and what gets your energy – and when.
To remain compensated appropriately. It’s crucial to set boundaries to ensure that you are adequately compensated for your time, skills, and expertise. For example, if you start what seems like a small habit of checking or replying to emails outside of your work hours, that’s mental energy and unpaid time. The next thing you know, it starts happening regularly.
To commit to “me time”. If you don’t have boundaries in place, it becomes easy to put your own needs on the back burner. You may think to yourself “I’ll get to that workout later” or “I don’t have time to take a break in the sunshine right now”. Before you know it, your schedule is dedicated to everyone and everything, except you.
To reinvigorate yourself. If your brain is constantly running through your to-do list, you’re not giving yourself the space you need to reset and refresh. Boundaries will help you to focus when it’s time to work and be present when it’s time to relax. This will allow you to show up as your best self in every area of your life.
How to Set (and Stick to) Your Boundaries
Brainstorm and write down your boundaries. During this beginning phase, it’s important to consider which boundaries are important to you. Once you know, write them down. Having a visual reminder will help you reinforce them for yourself, colleagues, employees, and clients.
Make sure your boundaries are realistic. Are the boundaries you’ve chosen a good fit for you? Are you being realistic about your needs? Make sure the boundaries you’ve outlined are actually going to benefit you. Be honest with yourself.
Communicate your boundaries. Whether they are written in a contract, sent via email at the start of a project, easily accessible on your website, or part of your employee handbook – make sure your boundaries are clearly communicated and easily found.
Set expectations early on. It’s important to go into a situation not only knowing your boundaries but communicating them from the start. If you don’t, you run the risk of boundaries being crossed due to a lack of knowledge. Set the stage from the beginning so you can protect your needs right away.
Differentiate between work and personal time. Determine your work hours, communicate when you’re available, and stick to that schedule. Do not allow work tasks to invade your personal time.
Build trust by being consistent. When you are consistent with enforcing the boundaries you have set, it creates a sense of trust and comfort for the person you’re working with. They know what to expect and will appreciate that.
Use tools that help enforce your boundaries. If something comes up and you have to adjust your schedule, it’s important to use tools that assist in implementing the boundaries you’ve set. For example, using the schedule email function in Gmail. Schedule any emails you’re working on during off hours to send during your next block of work hours to protect your boundaries.
Do things that make you feel accomplished outside of work. Sticking to your boundaries creates time and space for you to fill your own cup. In return, you feel rested and reenergized – which encourages you to follow through with your boundaries again in the future. It’s a win-win that keeps on giving!
Revise, revise, revise. Every project, situation, and person is different. For this reason, it is important to reevaluate your boundaries regularly and revise when necessary. And that includes adjusting them to best support your needs, too!
In Summary: Setting and sticking to our boundaries fosters self-respect, creates healthy relationships, and supports our overall well-being. Boundaries empower us to prioritize ourselves without guilt – they are an act of self-care and self-preservation. It can feel difficult at times for many of us to implement boundaries, but don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from trying. You will become more successful each time you practice. Cherish your boundaries as a valuable tool that helps you live a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Looking to reduce the pressure of your workload?
Read more about how to build and preserve better boundaries.