Find Time to Stay True to Your Time Boundaries

The Time Finder with Paula Eder

The way you use your time is the way you live your life.

Find Time to Stay True to Your Time Boundaries

Posted on February 4, 2010, under Ask Paula, Time Boundaries.

Finding time by setting time boundaries is a key component in your time management toolbox. But it’s not just a matter of setting those boundaries. You have to maintain them – and that’s not always easy!

Here’s a question that I received some time ago from Sara D in Maine:

“I have trouble maintaining the boundaries that I set around how I use my time. I set them and then I get talked out of them.”

This is not an uncommon problem by any means. Here are some quick tips that will help!

Be sure to decide, before going into a discussion with others about your boundaries, whether or not the boundaries you have set are negotiable or non-negotiable.
If they are negotiable, strive for a compromise that meets the needs of everyone involved.
If they are non-negotiable, courteously explain in the beginning that these boundaries probably won’t be modified in the short term, and explain why.

It’s always important to enlist the support of others as much as possible. When you ask the people in your life to support your boundaries, it’s a good idea to also assure them that you will be open to discussing and perhaps modifying your Boundaries if (or when) your current time requirements change.

This builds in room for flexibility down the road, and may be helpful to everyone (yourself included, perhaps) in respecting the boundary right NOW!

What do you think? Are you using time boundaries and staying true to them? Please feel invited to drop me a line – I’d love to hear … and respond!

What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up for The Finding Time Success Kit. It’s FREE, and it provides you with key tools for your time success! Grab it and see how you can recharge your energy, reduce overwhelm and frustration, and come to learn that 24 hours really ARE enough!

Let’s explore time together …

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There are 2 Responses to “Find Time to Stay True to Your Time Boundaries”

#1 Barak Rosenbloom (TimeNative) - 21 September, 11:03 PM

Very nice — over the years I’ve become more clear about how I want to spend my time and what I’m willing to do or not do. And as importantly, I’ve become more confident in saying ‘no!’

#2 Paula - 22 September, 6:57 AM

I love your comment, Barak. Getting clear about priorities and building confidence around saying ‘no’ are so key to time management success … thank you for highlighting both.

I always like to remind myself that my ‘no’ to one thing is actually a ‘yes’ to something else.

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