I’m on a journey to turn #JOMO (joy of missing out) into the sought-after #FOMO (fear of missing out). Because those little joys of life go a lot further than fear. Within my business, it’s easy to set boundaries because it’s embedded in my day-to-day systems and processes. Example: if I get a DM from a potential client wanting to pick my brain, I will send them a link to my calendar to book a time to chat. Easy peasy, no double-thinking about it.
My personal life is a different story. If my friends call me wanting to go out on a Wednesday night I will say yes, even if I know good and well that I need to stay at home, air-fry a juicy medium rare rib-eye, and express my ever-changing thoughts in written form through journaling or blogging.
For some of us, it’s the other way around. We say YES all the time at work, leaving our own work and happiness at the bottom of the to-do list. You might tell a client you will have something to them in a day knowing you have other pressing work on your plate. Or say yes to a project you have absolutely zero interest in because you have no systems in place making it tough to stick to your boundaries.
I think as entrepreneurs we love to make others’ dreams come true, please them, and ultimately know we are making a difference in their lives. “No” seems like it would halt your efforts to make an impact, but often, saying “yes” on the regular brings about stress, anxiety and sloppy work. When we constantly, mindlessly say YES to others’ requests, we are saying NO to our own goals, plans, peace and happiness. Let’s put fear of missing out TO BED and learn the joy associated with saying no.
Time to get real with yourself starting today. Answer these questions before saying yes or shuffling your schedule around for others:
Does this thing I’m about to say yes to align with my personal or business goals?
Do you even want to do the thing? (Don’t be saying yes out of fear of letting someone down. Stop that.)
Does this fit into my schedule?
If yes to 1 and 2 and no to 3, when is a realistic timeframe to get this done or participate? Remember, the person is asking you for something. They need YOU. So you are in the driver’s seat. If the ask is aligned with your business, and you are interested in the opportunity, then schedule it for a day/time that doesn’t stretch your capacity.
What joy will you gain by setting and keeping boundaries? Sleep, self-reflection, completing tasks that have been on your to-do list forever, vegging out on the sofa? The possibilities are wonderfully endless!
For me, it is going to give me more time for long, sunny walks and business development projects.
Let me leave you with this TRUTH: Setting boundaries personally or professionally will NOT show weakness but WILL gain you respect by demonstrating to others that you have your stuff together and are here for the long haul.
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