Setting and Maintaining Boundaries

I have had conversations with many solopreneurs and they all have a set of boundaries?in place.?The thing is, only two to three?out of every ten that I spoke with actually enforce those boundaries. Surprised? I'm not, because, to keep our clients happy, we sometimes think it's ok to step over the line every now and then.

Maintaining boundaries is crucial for personal and professional well-being and healthy relationships. I will be the first to admit that boundaries are not easy to adhere to. It can be very hard, because there is always that one little thing just over the line that we tell ourselves that we can do, it’s not a big deal. It’s only this little thing, it’ll be ok.?So while we think it’s ok, one little thing leads to more things and bigger things.? ?

But, it is?NOT?ok. I'm learning how to stick to my personal boundaries and I’m getting better. I do so much better with my professional boundaries than I do my personal boundaries. It was not easy when I first started sometime back in 2023 because before that I was very bad at it. To help you with enforcing client boundaries here are a few tips:?

• First, practice to adhere to your own personal boundaries. ???? This?can help you?to maintain your professional boundaries. For example - for me, it can sometimes be hard to go to bed at a certain time. I make this plan, this schedule to go to bed every night no later than 10pm, sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. When I don’t it’s because I literally tell myself I can sleep in or I can make up the hours by sleeping in late, but that never happens (you can’t get that time back). I always get up the same time no matter what time I go to bed. I am getting better though. ??
• Create a Client/Contractor Agreement.?A one or two?pages document that outlines your boundaries and expectations (for both parties) will be helpful for your clients.?It helps to clear up any misunderstanding about how you operate your business.?It doesn’t have to be anything complicated or long one or two pages is all you need. It’s not a contract it’s?an agreement.?????

This agreement can be a PDF document sent via email or through a client portal. A client portal helps to make everything progress easier for the client. They can go into the portal anytime they want. All their documents are right there so they just go in and 'agree' to the agreement and revisit it anytime they want. If you send it to them in an email they just need to sign it and send it back to you keeping a copy for their records.

• Clearly communicate your boundaries.?Make sure to add days and times that?you can be reached by your client.?Whether it's a zoom meeting, a phone call, etc. It will be times when you are available for them.?It does not mean that they won’t call,?email,?or text you out of those times, you just do not have to respond at the time. That is what the document helps to enforce. It's letting the client know that out of those times (unless it's an emergency) you are off the clock for them.???

• Regularly Reassess Boundaries.?Life circumstances change, and so may your boundaries. Regularly reassess your needs and adjust your boundaries accordingly.?????

Remember, setting and maintaining boundaries is a skill that takes practice. It's an ongoing process of self-reflection, communication, and adjustment.?As you become more skilled at maintaining boundaries, you'll likely experience improved well-being and more fulfilling relationships both personally and professionally.???

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