Entrepreneur Boundaries
Here we go into a new seasonnnnnn!
As an entrepreneur who has worked from home for over 12 years and a single parent of two, I know how hard this season can be as we to dive into Summer Break.
I mean, really it’s hard for anyone.
The kids are home, routine is kind of out the window and yet, there are still expectations and to-do's for those of us working from home.
Can I share a few things that have worked for me over the years?
AND by no means am I a parenting expert but I am a productivity and consistency expert so I’ve got a few tools in my toolbox.
1 - BOUNDARIES.
This is so hard for us because there’s this insane mom guilt that pops in telling you how big of a piece of shit you are for not spending 24/7 with your kids.
It's the voice that tells us we're not doing enough.
It’s a voice that says “okay” instead of “no” when it’s probably in our best interest to say no.
So this isn’t necessarily boundaries for your kids but mores boundaries for YOU.
As an entrepreneur, showing up for my business is a non-negotiable and I communicate that to my kids and remind them why I work so intentionally for the hours I do.
If we're saying yes to one thing, we're saying no to something else and I want you to get clear on what your boundaries are so the yes is a deep vibrational yes.
I set my work hours and those are my work hours. I treat those hours as if I'm clocking in and out, scheduling to-do's, appointments, and fun outside of those hours so I can continue to work towards my business goals.
Before work and after work, I play hard.
I recharge hard.
I dive into joy, hard.
2 - CREATE A ROUTINE FOR THEM
Yes, half of you are probably thinking: I’m not even on a routine, how can I get my kids on a routine?! Well - you lead by example.
Maybe this is the accountability you’re needing.
Create a flow for the entire family that works.
Take a week to be a fly on the wall of your home and with what you notice, create a daily flow that works for all of you.
This can take time, but calm down, you’ve got all summer.
If the kids are up early, maybe you need to create a flow for them that allows you to check your personal boxes.
If they take an afternoon nap, how do you need to fill that gap so you can show up as the highest version of yourself.
It's about maximizing the gaps you have while being present when you need to be.
3 - COMMUNICATION
Our kids aren’t mind readers just like your spouse isn’t. If you need something, share it.
If you need quiet, say it.
If you need a space that has a door you can shut, do it.
If you need help - ask for it.
We keep our mouths shut, then build up resentment because we’re not getting what we need.
Say it.
4 - BE ANNOYING IN YOUR FOLLOW THROUGH
My kids are teenagers and I still have to open my door and say: heyyyyyy - can you stop singing at the top of your lungs in then hallway outside of my office door? Thanks.
The truth is, it won’t be perfect.
With that imperfection, you can still be consistent in reminding them of what you need and what their role is.
This consistency will pay off if you’re being intentional & honest with those in your bubble.
5 - RELEASE EXPECTATIONS
No for real. It’s not going to be perfect.
Give yourself grace, give your kids grace, and don’t allow yourself to get into the headspace of: well now my day is fucked.
I don’t have expectations on my day - I can have expectations on how I react/respond.
Several years ago I made the choice to look at interruptions in my day as little nudges from the universe to pause & be in the moment. If my kids interrupted me, I’d listen, redirect them, and then get back to what I was doing.
This time we have is fleeting.
In fact, I only have two summers left with my kids in the home.
How many do you have?
It’s kind of a rude awakening to put a number on how much time we have in the season we’re in.
Don’t rush it away.
Don’t stress yourself out through it.
Don’t hold resentment in it.
Find your flow.
I'm here if you need help.
