4 Simple Steps to Set Boundaries

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If you want to get good at setting boundaries you’ve come to the right place. In my previous blog I highlighted 4 benefits you can expect by setting boundaries. Here I’m going to give you 4 simple steps to do it. Let’s check out the first one.

#1: Listen to your gut

This is slightly different than “go with your gut”. It’s a bit slower and keeps you from acting impulsively. Your gut alerts you that something does sit right with you.  Listen to what your gut is saying. Your gut activates your boundary system. Check it out. Answer the question: What am I feeling? It feels like…

• an intrusion of my personal space
• an imposition of my time
• an expectation is being placed on me that only accepts “yes” for an answer
• I’m being told what to do
• I’m expected to just go along
• my voice is not being heard, considered
• guilt. If I say “no” I will disappoint others.
• fear. I don’t want people to be mad at me or stop liking me.

So if your gut is alerting you something is not right about the situation then you want to think it through before you act. Here’s your next step.

#2: Move to your center

Your center is that internal quite place where you can listen to yourself. The purpose here is to silence the chatter in your head.  Moving to the center gives you time to slow down your thoughts and emotions. Furthermore, it allows you to process your gut reaction more thoroughly. You can decide for yourself:

• Is the expectation from other doable? Yes/no
• Does the expectation interfere with my plans?
• Does it cross a personal, moral, sexual, etc… boundary?
• Does it feel intrusive, or insensitive to my needs?

By moving to center and processing thoughts and feelings you are more likely to make a decision that honors your boundaries. Operating from center, feelings of guilt, fear or insecurity are more easily managed. Decisions are more likely to be thoughtful and responsive, than emotional and impulsive.

#3: Use your active voice

A passive voice is weak and submissive. An active voice is strong and respectful. It combines the ability to respectfully validate others intentions while holding your position on a matter. Here are a few examples of how an active voice sounds.

• “I can see you are in a jam here and I wish I could help but I have a prior commitment.”

• “I am attracted to you too, and perhaps we could be a good match, but I’m not ready for a romantic relationship at this time.”
• “I get that you’re angry and I want to work this out with you, but in order to do this it would help if you to lower your voice.”

#4: Contain the story about your decision

When you first begin setting boundaries you may hear some chatter in your head. “Maybe I did the wrong thing. What if the person stays mad at me? Am I being selfish?” It’s important that you contain the story in your head. Stop catastrophizing the outcome. It’s not the end of the world. Don’t allow false guilt to rule your mind. Neither should you ruminate in worry about potentially damaging a relationship. Which leads me to a second area of containment. The story in your head about what’s being reported out there. Most people will respect your decision and adjust accordingly. A few might take offense. Base the rightness of your decision on what you think, not others. Never forget this. You own the story of your life. Don’t allow others to control the narrative. For that matter, never give your pen away!

Now it’s your turn

Do you own your story? Or, do you find yourself following the script others write for you? If you always give in to the expectations of others and rarely stand firm on for what you need, then it’s time for you to set boundaries. Get your pen back!