Modern life can be difficult. Free time is at a minimum for so many people these days.
Our electronic society pounds away relentlessly at our eyes and ears. Large parts of the world’s workforce has gone remote, and remote work has unique demands.
Many of us are struggling with challenges such as climate change, health issues and the ever increasing cost of living.
Software invasively tracks our every move online and matches the advertisements we see with our online actions.
There are many good reasons to create boundaries in your life. Boundaries protect your mental and emotional well-being, strengthen your relationships, and relieve stress and anxiety.
Maintain healthy boundaries, and you’ll gain better control over your life. Goal achievement will come easier, and your self-esteem and self-confidence will grow.
If today’s demanding world keeps you from living your best life, use the following tips to establish boundaries and improve your life experience.
Resist Feeling Guilty about Saying No
The word “No” is vital when you enforce it. Don’t feel guilty about saying no when it’s the correct response. Say no to friends and loved ones that monopolize your time for their benefit.
Whether they are intentionally or unconsciously using you, without concern for your needs, that’s what is happening. The next time they ask you for help, say no and stop talking. You don’t need to explain why or how you prioritize your needs.
Resist Societal Pressure to Please Others
We are more connected than ever before. The prevalence of smartphones and other Internet-connected devices has us plugged into the Internet 24/7. Social media, messaging software, and the World Wide Web make forming and communicating a snap.
We allow so many others into our virtual lives, people we barely know. Feeling pressured to maintain these relationships is expected, which often means we try to please others instead of ourselves.
Look at your relationships, online and offline. Are they balanced, or are you doing most of the heavy lifting?
Monitor the give-and-take in your relationships. Prioritize your needs before others. You can only properly take care of the needs of others once you take care of yourself.
Fear of Missing Opportunities
FOMO is an acronym for fear of missing out. You chase every opportunity because you fear that you might miss the next great experience if you don’t. This mindset is called Shiny Object Syndrome.
You’re distracted by a continual belief that you can’t afford to miss some new opportunity, experience, or relationship. You can’t be everywhere at once. Stop running yourself ragged, chasing everything that gets your attention.
List your values and use them to set goals. Write out your goals and the steps to achieve them. Keep this information with you at all times. Use it to remind yourself what’s important the next time you hear the siren call of a new opportunity.
