Boundaries
November 12, 2012
I’m great at compartmentalizing. Setting boundaries makes focus happen, and sharp focus allows for progress and accomplishment.
Examples:
- Limiting email checks to twice a day.
- Giving out my cell number only to clients.
- Guarding my personal time jealously.
- Defining ahead of meetings the purpose and the duration.
- Outlining what my presentation will cover and not cover for a conference organizer.
- Setting deadlines for steps in a project.
- Keeping my tongue in check on social media.
- Deferring all networking meetings for the remainder of 2012, to resume in January.
- No chat window open on my computer or phone.
- Payment before starting client work.
All of these boundaries might imply rigidity, but instead, it allows for maximum flexibility. If everyone else has control of my schedule, how can I make room when a client emergency comes up? Or a personal one?
Boundaries help me manage my time, my attention, my ethics and my work.
Photo: joiseyshowaa (CC)
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What boundaries have you set in your life?
Share them in the comments.
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My father made me read a book called “Boundaries” years ago,and I am glad I did. The personal boundary that means the most to me (and it also the hardest to maintain) is neither accepting nor giving unsolicited advice. The people who respect this boundary are the ones I usually turn to when I actually want advice.
Oh no — I give unsolicited advice all the time. Oops.
i am in the process of resetting my boundaries. i had let my fences fall with devastating results. right now my main effort is about saying “no” and letting it stand.