Set Strong Time Boundaries — How to Start Your Week with a Win

Set strong time boundaries to thrive.

Why set strong time boundaries?

Well, I know of no better way to jump-start your productivity, replenish your energy, and help yourself live each and every moment fully.

But boundaries have to be put into action if they are going to be effective.

When you set strong time boundaries you give yourself “breathing room.”

Your boundaries function as powerful stress-reducers, creativity-enhancers, and productivity-protectors.  The more constructively you set and maintain boundaries, the happier and more effective you will be.  And this doesn’t just apply to boundaries having to do with other people (external boundaries).  Internal boundaries are also vital for maintaining focus and energy and finding time.

When you set strong time boundaries…

There’s one common misconception about boundaries that often holds people back. In reality, when you set a boundary, you are NOT imposing something on another person.

In fact, what you are doing is describing a need and defining YOUR limit. This is your assertive right.

So, when you set a strong time boundary, think of it as defining, clarifying, or changing what you do with your time. And that is always the best way to present your time boundary to others – using “I” messages.

Check out the steps below, choose one, and take action.

No matter what, you’ll learn from the process.

Address Chronic Time Challenges: 

Is saying “Yes” to everyone a problem for you?  Is there another time challenge that you’d like to address using a boundary?  Well, here’s a good first step:  Begin by owning your role in the problem.  This is clarifying for you and for the people you will be communicating with. Provide the context for your new time boundary by describing your current problem. Readily acknowledge any part you yourself have played in creating it. By focusing on your choices, you make it clear that you are not attempting to blame anyone else. This, in turn, makes it possible for people to be that much more receptive to the boundary you propose.

Create Time for a Project:

It always helps to let people know about changes ahead of time.  So, if you have a big project on the horizon and you know that you will need chunks of uninterrupted time to focus, give people a head’s up.  Explain the change that you are going to make in your behavior to work on your project. Maybe you’ll say something like, “Next week, I’m going to focus on my report, and won’t answer calls until after 3 PM.” By describing this boundary as a change that you are making, you maintain your control.  Alternatively, if ask the other person not to call until after 3:00, you are putting the burden on them, and forfeiting your power.

Consider Others’ Needs AND Set Strong Time Boundaries:

When setting your boundary it is appropriate and respectful to request others’ understanding and cooperation.  It is also important to be clear that you’ll be changing your end, no matter what. Discussing ways that people can get what they need while you are unavailable can be a way to reinforce your seriousness about your boundary.  When this kind of negotiation is necessary; however, it is important that you follow through and maintain the boundary you set.  This will stand you in good stead for similar situations in the future.

And this is key…

In all boundary-setting situations, use “I” messages that focus on what you feel and what you will do.  This underscores the fact that you’re not setting this boundary to punish the other person or to engage in a power play.

More and more, as you follow this approach, you’ll see your time challenges in terms of personal choices that you have the power to change.  Claiming your power in this way, you at once reduce feelings of overwhelm, victimization and resentment, and increase your creativity, confidence, and productivity.

How will you get started today? What’s your first step to set strong time boundaries in your life?

Here’s more help…

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. “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:

https://thetimefinder.com/secretpower.html

Comments

  1. Deae Paula, thank you for this. A person I often have trouble keeping my time boundaries with is…myself! “Just one more thing…” And then 5 minutes become 30 minutes. I am trying to observe this and ask myself why I do this. I notice that when I respect my own time boundary, I do feel calm and structured–and feel a sense of self-respect.
    All the best to you and the Time Finder community!

  2. Thank you, David. It’s certainly true that we are often our own greatest challenges when it comes to keeping internal time boundaries. And asking yourself ‘Why,’ with curiosity and compassion, helps turn that around. I am so glad to hear that you’re doing that for yourself and really appreciate your taking the time to write.

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