7 steps for more joyful work+life balance: Create Strong Boundaries

One of the biggest problems we women have, consistently, is repeatedly putting ourselves in a corner by saying yes to too much. We want to be there for everyone – be it our parents, spouses, children, our children’s school, or for our friends. We put ourselves and our own priorities last, thinking that we can be flexible with our own needs but that others’ needs have a timetable that can’t be ignored.

We all have to make choices about how to use our time and what can and can’t be ignored, but one thing we can be sure of, if we always say yes to others’ priorities and don’t say yes to our own, at the end of the day, we’re going to end up resentful (even if it’s our own doing) and wondering where the years went and why we didn’t make those dreams happen.
We have to say no to some things to make room for others. Usually, we know exactly what those things we need to say no to are, and we just need to get better at actually saying it.

Boundaries are also about when we make ourselves available. Be intentional with when you allow yourself to available to help others as well.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: SHARE YOUR WHY

The power to say no comes from sharing your priorities with others. You aren’t simply saying no because you don’t want to be helpful. You are saying no to make room for something else – and if you share what you’re saying yes to, by saying no, it’s a lot easier. Share what you are doing for yourself and why you are making it a priority, and not only will they be more understanding, they become one more person who can support you with your goals.

Have you heard a woman in your life do this recently? Aren’t you just amazed with their conviction to their boundaries?

STOP AND PLAN

Consider what priorities you have that you aren’t giving enough time to, and exactly what tradeoffs with your time you could make to make room for that priority. That way, when someone asks for help with something, you’ve already got your script ready for discussing what else you are up to and why you may not be able to help. Or, perhaps there are things you need to look ahead and determine how you can be less involved in in the future. Create your script and plan now to make room for what really matters!