Practice Setting Boundaries.

I’ve had a habit of over scheduling for as long as I can remember. I’m a high achiever, pretty social (okay, that’s an understatement) and have always loved to maximize every moment. However, as life seems to gain speed each day and my responsibilities increase, I’m finding I no longer enjoy being booked day and night. So, I’m learning to dissolve this habit by setting boundaries for myself and saying “no” more often. And it’s paying off.
Knowing that summer is a time I can easily try to pack too much in, I wrote goal on June 1st around creating space this summer and easily flowing through each day, feeling energized, happy and satisfied. So far, so good. I’ve been experimenting with different ideas and wanted to share two that are working quite well.
1. ON, OFF, PREP days. I schedule my days and protect my time. ON days are when I’m out leading Live Dynamite sessions or meeting with clients. OFF days are 100% work-free days, no emails, no voicemials…nada. And PREP days are just that–days where I prepare to be either ON or OFF.
2. JUST SAY “NO!” Before I automatically accept every invitation, I move into Pause & Reflect mode. I ask myself three questions and feel my way through it 1) Is this a valuable way to spend my time? 2) Does saying “yes” align with what matters most to me? and 3) How will I feel if I say yes/no? This discernment process has made it much easier to say “no.” The saying “no” part is still a bit challenging, but I do it. And it feels great knowing that I’m making the right decision for me.
I’m not saying it’s always easy put these ideas into action. In fact, most days it requires I draw upon all of my discipline and focus to do so. What keeps me going are the results. I’m accomplishing more and staying focused on my goals. I have more time to relax with my family and friends. And I’m breathing easier.
Setting boundaries is a life skill I’m committed to mastering and so I practice at it every day. I encourage you to look at where you would benefit from setting a few boundaries and give it a try. Experience how good it feels to do what matters most.
Get good at living!
Maryanne
“Either you run the day or the day runs you.”
–Jim Rohn