Finding Harmony with Strong Work-Life Boundaries
In a previous life, I lived and worked in Los Angeles. I was working various jobs in the film / tv industry and truly lived for the hectic hustle culture - at first. It was a world where long hours and sacrifices were the norm. You need me to stay until 9pm to prove I’ve got what it takes? Sure, no problem. I have to miss my little sister’s graduation from high school, because the movie takes priority? Oof, okay. Processing payroll with a skull splitting migraine? Yep, where else could I be.
I was so convinced that life was going to get better “when”...
When I proved myself
When I saved up enough money that I could take a break between projects
When I got a project that took me on location
When I found a studio closer to my home & didn’t have to commute as far
When I got back into Film, after a stint in TV
However, the pursuit of that elusive "when" left me exhausted and yearning for more.
I share my story because while the details may chance, this is not a unique experience. I transitioned from one hustle culture to another when I started my own business. The pressure to constantly do and be more left me feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the life I wanted to live.
Take a moment to assess your work boundaries. Are you finding yourself constantly checking and responding to emails, even during your designated off hours? Are you allowing yourself to be tempted by the idea of finishing “just one more task” after dinner? Are you taking on projects, clients, or tasks that exceed your capacity and leave you feeling stressed?
These are narratives I hear from my clients all 👏 the 👏 time 👏
The truth is, most of us didn't start our businesses to be perpetually stressed and feeling like we are always playing catch up. We sought freedom and fulfillment, a life beyond work. Whether it's being present for family milestones, embracing parenthood, or exploring the world, our businesses should provide the time, energy, and freedom to both work and live.
So, what can we do about it?
Let's start by dreaming. Grab a pen and paper and envision your ideal work-life balance. What does your day look like? When do you start and end work? What tasks bring you joy? When do you take breaks and nourish yourself? By getting specific about our desires, we can begin to shape our boundaries.
Great, now that we have some of those general ideas in mind, it’s time to get specific. In order to achieve that version of yourself, what do your boundaries need to look like?
These could look like:
My working hours are 8am-4pm. I do not respond to non-urgent communications outside of that window
I have a 24-48 response window for non-urgent communication responses
When there is an urgent need that cannot wait until the next working day, I can be contacted at _______ and I define urgent needs as X, Y, Z (this usually has to do with something that impacts the businesses ability to make money - ie the check out cart for the course launch suddenly not working)
I will step away from my computer for a half hour and eat lunch outside
I will bring someone new onto the team so that I can focus on the tasks that bring me joy
I will not say yes to meetings prior to 10am or after 3pm
By setting and honoring these boundaries, we build self-trust and begin to shift our perspective about work. As most of us know, constantly being "on" and sacrificing personal time for work can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and strained relationships. It's essential to acknowledge the impact of blurred boundaries and the toll it can take on your overall well-being.
I can already hear the “but’s” and “yes, and’s” coming.
Believe me, I've been there. During the pandemic, my boundaries blurred, and I felt obligated to be available at all times. But once I realized my free time was no longer sacred or something I could count on, I recognized I needed to look at my priorities. What came of that was protecting my time and energy, which is not selfish; it's essential. As service providers, we must prioritize our well-being to deliver our best work.
Striking a balance between work and personal life requires conscious effort and self-discipline. Allow yourself guilt-free breaks and carve out intentional time to engage in activities that nurture your well-being outside of work. Whether it's going for a walk in nature, enjoying a cup of coffee at your favorite café, or indulging in a relaxing bubble bath, prioritize activities that help regulate your nervous system and bring contentment to your day.
You deserve the opportunity to recharge and find balance.
Ready to take control of your work-life balance and bridge the gaps in your business? I'm here to support you every step of the way. Discover the transformative power of my Signature Strategy Session, where we'll identify the specific areas that need attention and create a roadmap for success.
Don't wait any longer to prioritize your well-being and unlock the full potential of your business. Schedule your session today and let's embark on this journey together.
