Mandy’s Musings

Every person has a limit. All too often, we tend to overlook that limit. When this happens, it’s easy to become frustrated, run-down, and even experience serious burn-out, even depression. Your life and your business should (and can) be enjoyable and fun, though these positive feelings are hard to come by when you’ve stretched yourself too thin. The way to avoid overworking your body, soul, and mind is to set clear boundaries.

In life and in business, boundaries are essential to overall well-being, balance, maintaining your sanity frankly, and most importantly success and a sense of Woo Hoo… Taking the time to ‘D’efine with clarity what your personal/unique limits are on both the personal and professional fronts is critical. Accordingly, no time like the present to get that clarity right? Truly this will make all the difference in being able to set and keep your boundaries, even prior to going into any situation where you might be remotely tempted to say “yes” when you really mean “no,” or where you know you’ll be tempted to “people-please” thereby losing yourself in the process.

So, it’s “egg-timer time.” Even prior to getting on the next phone call, going to that next event,  friend dinner, exploring a new project/partnership, or agreeing to working on a Sunday just this one last time…get your pen, paper and egg timer (or iPhone *win*) out and set the timer for 8 minutes. 1-2-3 go—  Start writing down all the tasks, events, plans, projects, calls etc…that you have on your plate now, or that you may have taken on in the past, but that internally make you want to scream. You know, those things that you end up asking yourself, ‘what was I ever thinking when I agreed to that one?’” DING – ok stop – 8 minutes is up. Now – look at your paper (without judgment…or try to at least) and use this list as the start of your boundary GPS (so to speak). This visual/hardcopy GPS will help you create your unique “Boundary Blueprint” going forward. It should assist you so you stop, ponder and only then decide on next steps and IF this is a true “yes” moment?

To get you started on the boundary-train-these are a few that you might want to consider:

• Simply – learn to just say “No!!” (You can even practice in the mirror daily…and nope I’m not kidding–I do J). This is one of the hardest things to do (especially if you’re a people pleaser!). Sometimes, a project may come along that’s completely out of your scope. Or, a good client might hand you a project that takes a lot of time but doesn’t pay much. Or, someone wants to partner on a project/event that sounds great but in the pit of your stomach it just doesn’t feel right. When these things happen, it’s okay to simply say “no.” Or, to phrase it in a more positive way, let the other person or group know that while honored it just doesn’t resonate with you at the moment in terms of timing and your current landscape in life and in business.

• Consider (again ‘d’efine with clarity) what you feel are both strengths and weaknesses (we all have them so this is not about judging yourself at all). Everyone is good at something, but nobody is good at everything. Even though you may want to take every project that comes your way, if you aren’t comfortable with something don’t go out on that limb. You can always learn add to your skill set in a particular area during your free time, and then offer those skills to clients, partners at a later time. But, working on a project that you’re not comfortable with will usually end badly.

• Remember to incorporate some all important “you” time into your day/week/month & year! Remember those lazy weekend days when you had no work to do? If you find yourself rising with the roosters every Saturday and Sunday (granted, some weekend work is necessary if you own your own business), it might be a good idea to go “off-grid” for a weekend every now and then. Head to a yoga class, spend some time cooking a great meal, or simply unwind and dine with a friend. Taking time away from your business will allow your body and mind to rest and rejuvenate.

• Ready, Set, Reload! Working at your desk all day long takes a lot of brain power. Sometimes, it’s best to step away from your desk for an hour or so. If you find yourself eating lunch while working and spending too many hours attached to your desk chair, set hourly limits for yourself. For example, you can work for one hour, take a small break, and then go back to work for another hour.

It’s also important to set personal boundaries. Truth is: Your business shows up in your life and your life shows up in your business. Making time for both your business and personal life is crucial to your overall success and well-being. By letting your friends and family members know what your working hours are, you can spend time concentrating on your work without being disturbed. You can also set specific times when you will visit with your loved ones without answering any phone calls, emails and/or texts (and stick to it!!).

During your personal time, step away from the iPad, tablet and Smartphone! One pioneering tip: Carefully think about who you give your cell phone number to. Nine times out of ten, it’s not a good idea to hand out your cell number to just anyone as this will almost certainly lead to your personal boundaries being crossed!

Finally, start out with baby-steps, be kind to yourself, don’t judge yourself and keep in mind that like any muscle that needs to be toned – it takes some time to find, flex and tone the boundary muscle. So, keep your sparkly new “Boundary Blueprint” that we just created at the ready to support you as you start to set boundaries, live on your own terms – and best of all have a blast while being both fulfilled and profitable.

Here’s to Being You | Being Bold | Being Brilliantly Successful

Live Out Loud!

P.S. I’d love to connect directly and I welcome you to claim your Complimentary 25 minute Discover Session Today!

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