Setting Boundaries: The Key to Protecting Your Time and Energy

Have you ever felt like you couldn't set boundaries because of the demands of your job? Maybe you have a friend or colleague who constantly infringes on your time, leaving you feeling drained and resentful. It's a common problem for female entrepreneurs, but it's not impossible to overcome. Far from it, actually. 

In fact, one of our clients recently had an "aha" moment about this issue during one of our Mastermind sessions. She shared with us how a friend would call her every morning at 6 am with a business question, even though she knew it was her dedicated yoga time. Our client felt torn between answering the call and prioritizing her own self-care. She realized that by constantly putting others' needs before her own, she was draining her energy and neglecting her own values.

After some reflection, our client decided to have a compassionate conversation with her friend and set a boundary. She explained that her health was a core value and that she needed to prioritize her self-care time. To her surprise, her friend was understanding and supportive. They still maintain their friendship, but the early morning calls are a thing of the past. ;)

If you're struggling to set boundaries in your own life, here are some tips to help you get started:

• Remember that setting boundaries is not about pushing people away, but about keeping them in your life in a healthy way. When you care about someone, it's important to have open and honest communication about your needs and boundaries.
• Remember that setting and maintaining boundaries is a learning process. Like a toddler learning to walk, you may stumble and fall along the way. But with persistence and practice, you can strengthen your boundary-setting muscles and create a healthier, more fulfilling life.
• Recognize that there are seasons of life. There may be times when you have to prioritize work or other responsibilities over social or personal activities. That's okay! The important thing is to make sure you're intentional about your time and set aside time to celebrate and connect with loved ones when you can.

One important aspect of setting boundaries is understanding that it's not about pushing people away, but about valuing your own time and energy. By setting boundaries, you are creating space for yourself to prioritize your own needs and wellbeing. This can be especially challenging in professional settings, where the expectation of being available and responsive at all hours can be overwhelming. However, it's important to remember that setting boundaries in the workplace can actually increase productivity and prevent burnout.

Setting Clear Communication Channels

One way to set boundaries in your business is to establish clear communication channels and expectations with colleagues and clients. This can include setting specific office hours or response times, and being clear about when you are not available. It's also important to communicate your boundaries assertively but respectfully, and to stick to them consistently.

Another area where setting boundaries can be challenging is in personal relationships, especially with family and friends. It can be difficult to say no to requests or invitations, but it's important to prioritize your own needs and interests. This can involve setting limits on social activities or commitments, and being clear about your availability and boundaries. Get an invite for a wine night with girlfriends, but find that you're completely exhausted from your day? It's okay to take a raincheck so you can take care of yourself. 

Can my boundaries change?

They sure can! One important thing to keep in mind when setting boundaries is that they can change over time, depending on your circumstances and priorities. It's important to regularly reassess your boundaries and adjust them as needed. This can involve saying no to certain activities or commitments, or re-evaluating the amount of time and energy you are dedicating to different areas of your life.

In addition to setting boundaries, it's important to also practice self-care and prioritize activities that bring you joy and fulfillment! This can include hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones. By prioritizing your own needs and interests, you are setting yourself up for long-term success and wellbeing.

Overall, setting and maintaining boundaries can be challenging, but it's an important part of prioritizing your own needs and wellbeing. By communicating assertively and respectfully, and regularly reassessing your boundaries, you can create space for yourself to thrive and achieve your goals. Remember, setting boundaries is not about pushing people away, but about valuing your own time and energy. With the right mindset and approach, you can set boundaries that support your goals and enhance your quality of life.

Still need some help figuring out what your core values are, or setting boundaries? Join us this Friday, May 5 at 1 PM CST for our Vixen Virtual Vibe: Bridging the Gap on Setting, Keeping, & Holding Boundaries. This is a complementary event for clients and non-clients alike. Seats are limited, so make sure you grab yours here!