Four Boundaries Worth Setting Right Now

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed??Click here to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. ?It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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When it comes to list-making, time management, and organization, I like rules. Rules save me time, because I’m not sitting there wondering whether to take the call, go to the Zoom networking event, or have another glass of wine.??

I have a rule in place — so it’s either happening, or it isn’t.

When I went on book tours for Listful Thinking and Listful Living , I was always asked about what I call my “rules” for time management. And this still comes up all the time when I’m on podcasts and doing speaking engagements.

This topic resonates with a lot of people, especially now that so many people are working remotely or hybrid — two situations that make it so much easier for work responsibilities to slip into your personal time (and vice-versa). I’ve found that having rules in place allows me to set meaningful boundaries in both my personal and professional life.

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But that’s easier said than done. This is something a lot of people have trouble with.

Why? Well, one reason is that setting boundaries goes against our instincts to be agreeable in all situations. You have to learn to strike that balance between being friendly, but not a pushover and running yourself ragged by saying “yes” all the time.

Here are some boundaries I set in my life:

1) Say no.

?Do you have a hard time saying no when someone asks you for a favor or sends you an invitation to get together? You’re not alone. I do too. I totally understand — sometimes you just suck it up and give your precious time away.

But you should only say yes if you really feel excited. Tim Ferris says in his book that he only takes on opportunities that are a “hell yeah.”

It may seem a bit intense, but when you only agree to things that you’re passionate about you find you tend to put more energy into the tasks. Saying no gives more time for important tasks, obligations, and most importantly – yourself!?

And saying no is totally okay as we ease out of the pandemic — for more tips on etiquette, you can check out my interview with expert Jacqueline Whitmore. ?

2) Take a moment.

When you have an important task to do, it’s tempting to jump right in before you’ve even thought about it. But this go-getter attitude can be what’s hindering your productivity. By taking five minutes to quickly jot down a plan or brainstorm different ways of tackling the task, you can save yourself a lot of time in the long run.

So instead of just doing what someone asked of you right then and there, pause.? Write it down on your to-do list and inform the person that you’ll get to that task when you’re finished with whatever you had going on first.??

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3) Don’t answer your phone.

Only answer if it’s absolutely necessary.? I started doing this years ago and it’s changed my workflow.??

Here’s the rule:? If the person calling or texting you can give you information about the task you’re working on (or you have an appointment for that call) — you pick it up or answer the message.??

Otherwise, it’s not a high priority and it can wait.

Use discipline when returning the call.? When you insist on an appointment before you answer a call, you’re letting people know that your time is valuable.

I even have a rule for the times I do phone calls. 11am and 3pm. That’s it. And guess what?? People make it work.

4) Make yourself a priority.

It’s easy to say you’re too busy to look after yourself, and it’s one of the first things out the window when you’re in a rush. But even the smallest amount of time can really help you. Ten minutes makes a tremendous difference.??

Treat your “me time” appointment in the same way you would a doctor’s appointment, or lunch with a friend. Because you are just as important as anybody else!

Setting boundaries is especially important in this WFH and hybrid work world. You can create a healthy balance between work and your personal life, and taking steps to do that will boost your productivity.?

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed??Click here to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. ?It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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