Boundaries.  We all need them, especially when it comes to managing our time.

I just finished reading Jen Sincero’s new book, “Badass Habits.”  She devotes an entire chapter to boundaries and it got me thinking about how important boundaries are when it comes to how we manage our time. 

Be honest.  When you first hear the word boundaries, it gives a negative feeling. Right?

You think of it as something to keep people and things away.

But, what I want you to understand is that boundaries are actually some of the most loving things that you can put in place for yourself and everyone around you.

“Personal boundaries define where you end and the outside world begins.” -Jen Sincero

When it comes to our time, the personal boundaries you set are your choice.  You are in the driver's seat here, friends.

You must be intentional and proactive when it comes to setting your personal boundaries!

When you establish boundaries with your time, it allows you to avoid being exhausted, tired and strung out by the end of the day.  It gives you the permission to say “no” when needed.  It allows you to prioritize yourself instead of always doing for others. 

I love the way Jen breaks down this concept of boundaries in her book.

She narrowed it down to three core types. 

1. Too many yeses. 
2. Too many nos.
3. Too controlling.

Let’s talk about the first two.  They really impact our time.

Too many yes’s: When someone asks you to do something, what percentage of the time do you say yes? What percentage of the time do you say no? When you say yes, why are you saying yes? Really think about it.

Is it because you don't want to look bad? You don't want to look like you're not pulling your weight. You don't want to upset somebody? 

Before you say “yes” next time, pause.  Ask yourself why you are about to say yes. Are you sacrificing yourself in a way that's not good for you just to make others happy?

Too many no’s: On the flip side, do you instinctively say no to everything? 

Are you afraid to say yes to something because you don't want to look bad if you aren’t good at it.  Maybe the fear of failure keeps you from trying new things?

There are a million things that we should say no to. But, you need to understand what is the reason for your no. Are you saying no because you're putting a boundary on your time and this is not a good choice?  Or, are you really secretly dying to say yes but you say no because you’re afraid of how you might look. 

Guard your yesses and protect your nos.

Remember, every single time you say yes to something, you're saying no to something else. In every minute of every day, you have choices of how you're spending your time. 

You owe it to yourself and others to establish your boundaries from a place of self-love.

I would love to hear what boundaries you are going to start thinking about putting in place when it comes to your time!

You got this!