Dear Wonderful Woman,

I hope you're well.

Today I'm focussed in the opportunity we have TODAY to start on the work that we need to do make 2023 be all we dream of in our Career.

I was reflecting on the myth, that is really strong which is about "waiting for the NEW Year" before you start on your goal. It's not a good way to go because, simply CHANGE takes more time than you THINK.

So actually you need to start Now to start making the changes in mindset, habit and actions Now. So that next Year, you'll already have had the opportunity to feel the ick of change, fall off, start again and decide whether you're interested or committed.

I was thinking about what would help with career success that women struggle with and what I have struggled with in the past and a topic that sprang to mind was setting professional boundaries in the workplace.

I wanted to remind you why it's important to put in place professional boundaries and then share 3 tip for place professional boundaries.

Why you need to put in place professional boundaries:

✅ To make sure your put your health and mental health first

✅ To remind yourself that your life is more than just work

✅ To remind you that your worth is not determined by someone else's opinion of you

Here are 3 tips to put in place professional boundaries at work:

1 Prepare for Pushback

Having clear boundaries, and giving clear and concrete reasons as to why you have said, "No" or proposed an alternative solution or put a limitation on your involvement will led to someone having a negative response. Prepare yourself for those reactions in advance. Prepare for the conversation and working on managing your emotions by using a breathing technique or visualising their response so you've already felt it. It will feel hard in the moment, but it will get easier with practice. So keep at it!

2 Identify your Non-negotiables 

Every work decision involves consequences and compromise. Decide and have a clear list of what your non-negotiables are, so that when you're asked to make a decision about them you do it in line with your values and so you know the consequences of saying, "Yes" or "No" are for your health, mental-health, spending time with your family etc.

3 Accept you cannot please everyone & understand your worth

However hard you try, you will never be able to please everyone. Rather than working on trying to please others, work on being clear about what you want and how you choose to respond in line with your non-negotiables.

You're an incredible, awesome human-being with so much talent, a unique perspective and make a valuable contribution at your workplace. Believing in your worth and respecting yourself, means the willingness to put yourself first and to speak up to hold firm with your boundaries and to communicate if they have been violated.

When you value yourself, you are discerning and particular about what you take on and what you don't. You recognize and seek to strike a balance that puts you first.

Did you need this reminder about professional boundaries?

Hit reply and let me which tip resonates with you most and what action will you take this week on enforcing your professional boundaries?

Have a great day ahead.

Warm Regards,

Ekua 💛