Creating Boundaries for a Balanced Life

If you know me at all, you know I love two things: lists, and how to make something even better.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how common it is, especially for women, to feel like we’re working almost all the time. This is especially true as a small business owner and someone who owns their own company.

So, I wanted to share three ways I am currently creating boundaries in my own life to help me in this season. Then I’ll dive into Time Blocking looks like for me and how useful it can be!

Prioritizing Self-Care…(surprise, surprise!)

First things first, I’m not telling you something you don’t already know.

Women, YOU HAVE to fill your own cup first.

I have been working on carving out time for myself, 1 to 2 hours when I am planning my week. Every Sunday is my CEO day where I plan out my work week for my companies as well as plan out CEO tasks for my home. This looks like confirming childcare, glancing at meal planning, and keeping an eye on any upcoming events or commitments. This lets me view my week as a whole and get everything in order so I’m not making big decisions or worrying about key pieces of my week later on.

For example, I’m not worrying about whether or not I have a sitter to cover that meeting at 2:30 on a Tuesday afternoon. I already know and have written down, usually to remind myself, that I do, in fact, have childcare, and it’s something I don’t have to think about any longer.

Along the same lines, I’m working really hard to carve out an hour a week just for me. I feel like it should be more, but let’s normalize taking baby steps. Whether that hour is spent on therapy or possibly doing something for me. Some other ideas I am excited to try, and my one hour for me:

• try a new yoga class
• a salt cave visit
• book a massage
• time to go wander at my favorite thrift store
• Make time to shop for just 1 new summer outfit

Establishing Boundaries with Clients for a Better Experience

Next I’m working hard to establish boundaries and clear expectations with all of my clients and customers. This looks as simple as responding to texts and messages, telling them who and when they should expect an answer from.

So often, I’m used to just responding in the moment and helping them out, feeling like I never want to tell them no. But in the end, I’m only hurting myself since I’m not pushing them through the proper channels and systems that I have taken so long to create and critique.

For example, if someone texts me at 6 o’clock at night, I could answer and give a response then.

Or I could encourage them to reach out through the proper channels, i.e., email, so my team can see it and it doesn’t get lost. In the end, that is going to make us way more efficient and truly be able to handle the request professionally.

Family Boundaries– Modeling it for the Kiddos

Lastly, with my family and home life, putting boundaries into place looks a little different here and would probably look different for everyone.

As a mom of two young boys, they always seem to have endless energy, so it feels important to me to not only tell them but show them what it looks like to be mindful and take a few minutes to chill.

Lately, this has looked like playing outside, and while they do ask to play with me, I tell them I want 30 minutes to do my own thing like reading a book. And then, I make time to play with them in whatever capacity they need. This is a quote that one of our Elevate Members shared with me, and sticks with me when thinking about my kids and how it relates to mothering

“My mother gave me all that I needed, but not all that she had.”

Read it again Mama.

I love this reminder that we need to fill up our own cup first before we switch to taking care of our kids and families.

That sounds great Mags, but how do I make all this happen?

I have spent the last 6+ months really working to Time Block more efficiently.

I have watched plenty of YouTube videos and read some blogs on the topic. But in the end, I found out that I try something out for 1 to 3 months, see if it works for me, and then either continue it or let it go and try something different. Do not expect to have a beautifully color cordinated planner by next week Ma’am.

In the last six months or so, I have organized my days and tasks into certain times, grouping tasks that take the same amount of effort or creativity together.

For example, on Tuesday afternoons, I usually make time to write content. That looks like maybe writing a blog or drafting an email newsletter. Then, while I’m still in that same mindset, I can split up a few social media posts on the same topic and either schedule them then or save them in my spreadsheet so I can grab them quickly later. This helps me not feel like I’m starting from scratch when I get to planning social media, especially if I’m revisiting a topic I’ve already spent a long time on.

Real Talk on Finding Your Groove

So, wrapping it up, I’ll be real—I haven’t got all the answers, but maybe some of this can help you out too. I’ve come to realize that nailing down boundaries can start small; it’s about getting a grip on our time, energy, and overall vibe. By setting clear boundaries with clients, giving myself some love, keeping family life in check, and working smart with time-blocking, I’ve kinda-sorta found my groove.

It’s been a journey, with its fair share of bumps (freak out moments of “I can’t do it all!!”) and wins too but hey, we’re onto something good here—a bit more success, joy, and that elusive balance in both work and life.

I’m cheering you on Friend!