Time you set some boundaries

Do you ever feel like you’ve got so much on, and there are still people asking you for more things, whether it be bits of work or meetings or problems to solve, or….?

How does it make you feel?

It feels overwhelming, doesn’t it? It can lead to those Sunday night blues, or that feeling of dread as you go into work, or think about logging on each morning. Eventually you might notice that it’s spoiling your evenings and weekends because you can’t get work out of your mind 

If you resonate with any of that, then read on.

Choosing something different

This is not a situation you have to put up with, and nor should you. However, if you wait for your employer or someone else to change things you might wait a very long time. That is a choice though and it puts you right in control if you recognise that staying in that unhappy place is a choice. 

HOWEVER, its not your only choice and you can choose to do something about it. These tips will help you get started. 

How to set your boundaries

When I talk about setting your boundaries, I’m talking about both your time and the things that you do. It’s very easy to get into a situation where you feel like you just haven’t got time to do everything. 

 So, take a few minutes to step back and take a new look. Go for a walk or to a coffee shop if it helps (sometimes different surroundings help you get perspective and create new solutions more easily)

• What are you doing that you don’t have to do?
• What are you doing that someone else could (or perhaps should) be doing?
• Are you taking work home at night, or answering emails at all hours?
• Are you working way more hours that you’re contracted for?
• Do you have so much work that you can’t possibly do it in the hours available?

 If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, isn’t it time to STOP doing that to yourself? 

Taking action

Take a few moments to choose some actions to change this situation. Here are some suggestions:

• Work out what the things are that you actually need to do (and hopefully enjoy doing). For everything else either stop doing it (if it’s not actually important) or find someone else who can do it.
• Set some boundaries about work. When are you prepared to work until? When are you prepared to answer work emails? When are you going to take a lunch or other break and for how long? If you need to, talk to your boss or colleagues and be clear about what extra stuff you’re prepared to do and what you are not. Perhaps it will open a conversation about the need for further resources.
• Schedule some thinking and planning time each week so that you know what is achievable. Then you can have conversations with managers, customers, or whoever you need to, to manage priorities and expectations.

What other ideas can you come up with that will help you, in your situation?

If you want help or are ready to make a bigger change and want to explore options for what’s next for you in your career, book a free career strategy/discovery session at https://calendly.com/dave-careers/20.