Small business owners and boundaries – Why

Yep, boundaries. That is something  I have been thinking about and just recently read a blog post by a colleague that got me thinking.

As a small business owner it is so easy to get caught up in the day to day details and forget to come up for air.  Then there is technology. Technology that allows just about anyone to find you anywhere, anytime…. personally I love technology, but to a point.

There comes a time when you have to put your foot down and tell yourself, hey it is okay to take some time off! I’m finding the more I give myself permission to do that, the more I get done and the the chance to get re-energized for the next project.

Why boundaries:

1) Give your brain a break: That is one of the things I think is hardest for entrepreneurs – turning off the brain and let it start to quiet down. Allowing the flurry of ideas slow down so you are not constantly thinking and analyzing at 1000 miles per hour (no wonder so many of us get insomnia!)

2) Get a fresh perspective: When you start putting boundaries in place you start to see your business, and your role in it,  from a different point of view. You start seeing the big picture again and get reconnected with your goals and vision for your business.

3) Enjoy your family: Putting boundaries on your time at work (whether that is a home office our you leave the house to get to the office) allows you to relax, get some down time with the family and have some fun. When you are fully present with your family (and friends too!) and not constantly consumed with business, your connections with them grow and deepen.

There is nothing so frustrating like waiting for someone to FINALLY get off the computer so you can go run those errands you have been putting off, go to that family outing you have been planning, go play at the beach, play a game with the kids….. sound familiar!

If you notice the boundaries I am talking about here are self-imposed, boundaries that you need to place on yourself. This can be oh so hard to do, but sharing from personal experience is oh so rewarding!

What areas do you need to start putting boundaries in your business life?