This week’s question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions for Life” comes from Tina F.
Hi David,
I’m becoming aware that I have a boundary issue… meaning I don’t have boundaries around my business life and my personal life. My business is bleeding into every area of my life. Even my friendships and relationships are steeped in my business to the point where I feel like I can’t have a genuine conversation without someone in my life asking for coaching or business tips. How to I start to set boundaries for myself?
Thanks!
Hi Tina, and thanks for this question.
The fact that you see your business life and personal life as one is a key indicator that you have not set proper boundaries for your life and in your relationships.
Your business life should be your business life, and your personal life should be your personal life.
Here are some suggestions on how to set proper boundaries:
1) Have a set start and end time to your day. Do not let your work invade your personal time. Work will always fill the time you allot it, so you may find that you are much more efficient when you have a limited time to work on your business. Use your calendar and stick to it!
2) Get involved in something outside your business. If you like to travel, join a travel club. If you like to read, join a book club. If you like to hike, join a hiking club. This will expose you to people who know nothing about your business, but still share the same interests that you do. They won’t want anything from you except your thoughts on your favorite destination, book, or hiking trail.
3) Schedule time with your current friends and gently let them know that you’re not open to a conversation about your business, and you don’t feel you can be their coach and their friend at the same time. You’d much rather be their friend. If you’re worried about what you’ll talk about, think about purchasing a small box of conversation starters. They are great to spark new and interesting conversations.
4) Do some journaling about who you are outside of your business. You need to begin to realize that your business is not your identity.
PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Life is a weekly no-cost program that is open to everyone! Each week, I’ll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.
