A reward often works better than a consequence.
Setting time boundaries is a prime tool for finding time. And as many of you know, it can present challenges on many levels.
There are the interpersonal challenges that pop up as you set your boundaries and then people respond or react to your actions.
And then there are also internal hurdles to overcome. You react, too, and maintaining boundaries with yourself can be as difficult, if not more so, as maintaining them with others.
So, let’s look at some powerful keys to your time success as you work to address those challenges.
Boundaries and Rewards — Carrots vs. Consequences.
When setting and maintaining time boundaries, it’s important to remember that rewards for people, especially children, are far more effective than consequences.
When you’re asking people to respect your time boundaries, the key is to explain the reward when you explain the boundary. That will be far more effective for you than becoming angry at someone for interrupting you after you have asked them not to.
It’s Not Just About Boundary-Setting — Follow-Through Builds Trust
Follow-through gives meaning to your words. Make sure to follow through with the boundary you’ve set and with the reward. You might even choose to reinforce this by noting that you mentioned it previously. This helps to emphasize that you appreciate what the other person has done and highlights the fact that you, too, are following through on your end of the bargain.
Rewards may help you, too, when setting a boundary. Setting a reward may diminish any discomfort or guilt you may feel as you work to be assertive and follow-through with maintaining your time boundaries.
And don’t forget that this absolutely applies to internal boundaries, too. When you set a boundary for yourself and follow-through on it, be sure that you also reward your own helpful time choices. You have total control over this, and it’s a powerful way to build self-trust.
So, how have you used rewards in setting time boundaries, either with others or with yourself?
And how has it worked for you?
Help is Here!
Setting and maintaining boundaries is a skill that makes everything else in your life possible. And it’s a difficult challenge for lots of smart, motivated people. People like you. So this E-Guide Book is key to success in your business, your home life, your community … you name it.
“Your Secret Power: How to Honor Your Time and Claim Your Space with Boundaries” gently steers you to a more profound understanding of where and how your boundary-setting efforts get short-circuited. Not only that, but it helps you establish the boundaries you need to unlock the door to your freedom. Boundary-setting is a skill that’s learnable, doable and definitely within your reach. And the strategies, tips and exercises in “Your Secret Power” help you discover how to:
- Set and maintain boundaries to enhance your productivity and, yes, make more money;
- Recharge your energy so you have the time and freedom to do what you value and what you’d like to do in your life; and
- Learn how to say no, which opens the door to your next big Yes!
Ready to start using boundaries to maximize your time and energy? Click the link below to learn more about this transformative time tool and the bonuses that come with it:
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