A Must-Read Guide to Setting Better Boundaries

Any business owner needs a lesson in setting better boundaries without jeopardizing relationships with partners and customers.

Imagine you’re at a restaurant having a family gathering, and once again, your work phone buzzes incessantly.

You take a look to see who’s calling, but decide not to take it.

Or worse still you exit the restaurant to have the conversation only to come back to the table when everyone is having dessert.

Despite the happy atmosphere, your mind is tethered to the office.

Mulling over the different scenarios as you begin to build castles in your mind.

You’re there in body but not fully present. And your family knows it.

This scenario is all too familiar for many as it was for me a number of years ago.

But it highlights a crucial aspect of well-being and self-care — setting boundaries.

Without clear limits, both personal satisfaction and professional effectiveness can take a nosedive.

It’s essential to navigate these turbulent skies carefully to maintain balance.

Let’s explore how solid boundaries can not only improve your personal well-being but also ensure your business life continues to succeed.

5 Key Components to Setting Better Boundaries:

1. Recognize Your Limits

Just as a pilot must understand the capabilities of their aircraft, knowing your emotional and mental limits is crucial. Determine what you want to tolerate and accept. Then communicate these limits clearly.

2. Prioritize Your Needs

Inflight safety procedures advise securing your own oxygen mask before assisting others. Similarly, prioritise your needs to ensure you’re at your best — this isn’t selfish, it’s necessary for sustained performance.

3. Implement Gradual Changes

Adjusting boundaries doesn’t require a steep takeoff. Small, incremental adjustments can effectively establish new limits without causing major disruptions in personal or business relationships.

4. Foster Open Communication

Regularly review and where necessary communicate your boundaries with those concerned — family, office, clients. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on board.

5. Don’t Be A Martyr

As one of my mentors told me years ago, “Paul, get off the cross, they need the wood”. Don’t think you have to sacrifice your happiness for fear it will impact on your business. In fact, your happiness improves your business.

Action Steps for Lift-Off

To get your momentum going, here are some steps you can take:

• Reflect on your current boundaries. Are they clear? Are they respected? Adjust them as necessary.
• Inform those affected by your boundaries. Let others know when you’re in “office mode” and when you’re in “personal mode”.
• Boundaries might shift as circumstances change. Set periodic reminders to reassess and adjust your boundaries.
• Practice saying no. It can be challenging, but it’s often necessary. Practicing in non-critical situations can build your confidence. You don’t have to say yes to everything.

Are you curious about how establishing better boundaries can transform your life and business? Discover how we can help you build a better life, a better business, and a better world through our one-on-one business mentoring sessions

Remember, setting and maintaining boundaries is like plotting a flight path: it requires awareness, maintenance, and, occasionally, course corrections. Keep your boundaries well-defined and respected, and watch your personal and professional life soar to new heights.

P.S. Setting boundaries is not about limitations; it’s about enabling a more balanced, fulfilling flight through life.