Protecting your energy at all costs.
Let’s talk about boundaries.
Being a creative person, sometimes means that you work late at night, or early in the morning. Or have random bursts of energy and inspiration at ridiculous times. Creativity doesn't conform to your standard 9-5. But just because you're awake, or feeling energised, doesn't mean you should be 'working'. And by that, I mean, answering emails, replying to texts, or feeling the need to reply to every single DM.
It can be exhausting. I get it, because I've been there, done that. The hard part is now trying to reset those boundaries with clients (and sometimes family and friends). And you have ZERO idea how to do it.
If you're ready for:
More control
More freedom
Less reactive communication
Clear timelines and milestones
Time off social media
Lower expectations
and more...
...then it's about time that you START SETTING BOUNDARIES girlfriend!
Setting boundaries in and for your business is a total game changer. Even in my personal life, I’ve just known when I need to step back, or stop doing something or even just move on. That intuitive knowing has been extended through to my business when it comes to outsourcing, studio hours and more.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there have been times when I’ve 100% failed at setting boundaries with clients and it’s left me feeling exhausted! From phone calls and answering text messages after hours, to being reactive with sudden changes, even after approval. It’s tiring. And the worst part is, the client might not even know that’s what they’re doing.
Boundaries in my business look like this
Only answering emails between 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday
Stating early on my availability throughout the week
Being clear and transparent with timelines and milestones
Putting my out of office on when I need to (not just for holidays!)
Setting clear expectations on what each project involves and the expectation on both me and the client
Not reading or accepting every single DM that comes my way
Knowing when to graciously decline a client’s interest in a project
Not replying to all comments on Instagram
Clearing my inbox of ‘junk mail’ that is no longer educational or serves me
Knowing when to clock off for the day and step away from my desk
Recognising when I need a break (hopefully before I burn out!)
Not have unrealistic expectations on myself
Knowing and understanding the capacity I have for client work and not overbooking myself just because a client said their project was ‘urgent’
Taking social media detoxes or time away if I’m not feeling inspired or knowing I’m falling into the comparison trap
And so much more!
So, how do you set boundaries?
The first few steps are easy.
Don’t answer emails between 9am and 5pm (or whatever you want your working hours to be) or on weekends
Don’t accept unscheduled client calls
Set clear project expectations at early as possible
Ignoring those DM’s from people asking ‘what font is that?’ (unless is someone you know!)
Do things that make you feel good – not just in your biz, but in life too!
Don’t forget to have fun!
Sometimes it’s as easy (or as hard) as just saying no.
To set boundaries that protect you even more, start by noticing what drains you. What is causing you grief and pain? What do you not find enjoyable anymore? What do you not want to be spending time doing?
Then, figure out how you can change it. Maybe you need to outsource, or try changing the process. Talk to another business owner, friend or family you trust and ask their opinion from a new perspective.
It’s okay to ask for help, to ask questions and to put your hand up and say ‘hey, I can’t do all this on my own’. That’s what your support network and your community is for.