Boundaries

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I had a interesting conversation with Becky Robinson from, Weaving influence the other day about boundaries in our lives. The conversation mainly revolved around the need to establish boundaries that allowed you time for work and for your family. Let's look at the dynamics involved here.

I have struggled with this balancing act between my ambition, drive and work ethic at work, then also making time for my family. Most of the people I have spoken to about this agree that there isn't enough time in the day most of the time. So, how do we set boundaries that enable us to truly accomplish our goals at work and with our family?

"The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities"~ Stephen Covey

• Plan: Writing out what we have to accomplish in any given day can greatly enhance our ability to manage our time properly. Write out what needs to be accomplished each weekend for the following week. Use a planner, or whatever program you like and "schedule" the different tasks that your aware of. Also, set aside blocks of time for things that will come up that your not aware of right then. That way you have some flexibility in the plan.

• Priorities: After you write out what needs to be done, prioritize this list into the things that have to be accomplished by you and the things that can be delegated. Don't be a control freak, allow others to assist you in the accomplishment of your tasks. If there's something that someone else can do, let them do it.

• Time: We make time for the people and things that are important to us. In your plan, ensure that you make that time. Our families know this and when you take the time to spend with them, this show's credible evidence that they are important to you. So, ensure you put some family time into your plan.. 

• Self-discipline: Commit yourself to one task at a time, don't move from it until it's complete. Don't let your cell phone, email, or other social media outlet distract you from the current task. When you bounce around from task to task, you will find frustration and half completed tasks. No progress or completion.

•  Say, "NO": This is probably the hardest one to do for most of us, Remember, It's OK to sometimes say, "No" to people or tasks. There are a lot of people and tasks that will dominate your time and resources. Don't let them, politely say, "No"

I hope this causes you some reflection and helps you in identifying where you could define your boundaries at work and in life.

What ways do you establish boundaries in life and at work? I'm interested and listening, please share.