3-Step Framework For Defining and Communicating Boundaries
Hello friend! 👋
There is a topic we don’t often consider, or at the very least may feel awkward establishing.
Boundaries.
These boundaries are critical in maintaining a healthy personal space, which inevitably impacts your well-being. They are also critical for healthy relationships at home or work.
Yet, to set boundaries, the work starts from within.
Let’s dive straight in!
Build personal integrity
We tend to think of boundaries as barriers we “expect others” to respect and work with.
However, the hard truth is that our boundaries start deep inside our internal system. You see, what you don’t accept from yourself you naturally won’t accept from anyone else. And vice-versa.
So, the boundaries you set between you and yourself become the maximum possible boundaries you get to expect from others.
What are your non-negotiables?
With personal integrity, like a building with high integrity that can withstand challenges, you become stronger and build confidence.
Know your values
Boundaries are naturally crossed when they aren’t defined.
It seems logical, but surprisingly not a lot of people truly know and communicate their true values. This is where mindfulness and spending time to reflect can be life-changing.
To build insight through personal inquiry on what truly motivates you. What you hold deep and dear to the identity that defines you at your best.
Bring curiosity (one of Da Vinci’s seven principles of living a good life) and explore internally.
The outcome of this inquiry becomes a deep connection with yourself so you can show up and live authentically, and in return communicate your boundaries effectively.
Communicate effectively
Once you’ve done the work within, then (and only then) it is time to communicate.
The reality is when you operate from a space of confidence, you operate from a space of wholeness and abundance. This naturally shows in the way you show up, how you carry yourself, and the verbal as well as non-verbal signals you communicate with.
Inevitably, people around you will know where your boundaries may be and will respect those.
AND
In the event those are crossed, you’ll find that communicating effectively is easy when you are operating from a space of confidence.
So, let’s reframe boundaries from being limits to building blocks for self-care and forming authentic relationships.
Have a Super Sunday! 💪
With much joy,
Hashim