Set clear boundaries.
Set clear boundaries.
Setting clear boundaries recognises limits and acknowledges that working beyond certain thresholds is counter-productive and sometimes destructive. Boundaries are one of the keys to high-performance.
The classic startup playbook talks a lot about ambition. It’s one of the words favoured by accelerators and VCs the world over. No question that successful founders need ambition in spades, but unfettered ambition will more likely lead to burnout and bust ups than outsized success.
Is this a call for moderation or balance? Hell, no! But boundaries are different. Setting clear boundaries recognises limits and acknowledges that working beyond certain thresholds is counter-productive and sometimes destructive. Boundaries are one of the keys to high-performance.
So, what can you do to set effective boundaries? Here are three no-brainer strategies to start with. They’re easier said than done so be careful not to fall into the intention trap i.e. setting good intentions around boundaries is not the same thing as setting boundaries and sticking to them.
Here goes:
Set working hours: Decide on specific hours that you will dedicate to work and stick to them. This will give you a clear divide between work and personal time, allowing you to switch off and recharge when you're not on the clock.
Prioritise self-care: Make sure to prioritise activities that recharge your batteries and bring joy to your life. Whether it's exercise, reading, or spending time with the people who matter to you most, taking care of yourself should be a non-negotiable.
Turn off notifications: Notifications are the tiny Dementors of digital life sucking precious attention, time and energy away from your priorities. Shut them down and avoid the temptation to check work email or take calls outside of working hours. Give yourself the space and time you need to relax and recharge.
Setting clear boundaries around your work and the other critical aspects of your life is central to the success of your startup and your success as a human. And those two things are more closely aligned than blind ambition might have you believe.
Q: Where could you be drawing clearer boundaries in your life?
We’re all a work in progress.
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