I just got back from an awesome two-week vacay with my family and friends.
Typically, I pack super light and manage to get everything into a carry-on bag. But this time I thought why not treat myself to more room (and more shoes!)
So I took our giant 28” suitcase.
Big mistake.
I packed six pairs of shoes, extra layers, just-in-case clothes and had room for shopping.
However, since I was between five different homes and hotels, I had to lug this ginormous bag with me everywhere I went. Not exactly convenient.
Plus, it weighed a ton and I had to drag it up and down countless stairs. Not exactly great on my back.
And when I checked in for my flight on my way home, my bag was six pounds overweight. So I did one of those frantic bag rummages to shift clothes from my suitcase to my carry on to reduce the weight.
Yup, right there in the middle of the United terminal. Giant suitcase wide open, underwear and deodorant flying out and weighing sweaters and jeans.
Humiliating.
And as I was going through it I realized I didn’t wear or need half my clothes.
If you’re thinking, please woman – tell me there is a point to this rambling story…here it is.
More space doesn’t always make your life easier, more comfortable or pleasant.
After organizing homes for years, I have more gratitude for my limited storage in my home.
Without a basement or large garage, my hubby and I haven’t accumulated a ton. Not because we don’t consume, but we simply don’t have the storage.
Which means less decisions to make, less clutter and less overwhelm.
Similar to physical space, we do the same in our schedules.
When there’s too much room in our schedule we cram it up, overstuff it and live in perpetual overwhelm.
Not to mention it causes you to:
- Overcommit
- Procrastinate
- Make decisions harder than they need to be
The solution?
Boundaries.
Creating boundaries on your time is powerful in living your life to the fullest, feeling fulfilled and releasing overwhelm.
Here are few practical ways to put boundaries on your time:
- Get clear on your working hours. I used to stay up until midnight to work on my biz. My kids complained about me always being on my laptop, I wasn’t present for my family and I was missing out on much needed sleep. Commit to a time to clock off everyday and stick to it.
- Incorporate consistent “Me” time: The days I don’t exercise, eat well or get out of my office, I without a doubt feel crankier, less motivated and not as peppy. (And I’m generally a pretty happy person). “Me” time doesn’t only come on Sundays. Implementing it in some way, shape or form each and every day will consistently reboot your energy, motivation and clarity.
- Be selective about your commitments: Don’t say yes to everything. In fact, make “no” your go-to response until you can weigh all your options, intentionally look at your schedule and reassess your priorities. Cramming in too much leaves you stressed, exhausted and unable to make good decisions. Commit wisely and don’t feel bad about doing what’s best for you and your family.
- Invest in some help. Never have I heard anyone get help in their personal or professional lives and say: “Gee, I wish I’d put that off for another two years!” Whether it’s help with laundry, a personal trainer, an admin, a research assistant or someone to mow your lawn — get the support you need to get things done. You will never look back. Give yourself permission to get help without the guilt, knowing you are freeing up space for more meaningful things in your life.
So my dear friend, where are you cramming in too much in your schedule? And where can you create intentional boundaries?
- Do you cram in too much time for work, leaving you with little or no time for self-care, family, health or relaxation?
- Or on the contrary, do you cram in too much time for social activities? Do you find yourself running around like a crazy person, making it to all your commitments? (This includes places you have to be for you and your kids!)
I would LOVE to hear from you. Join the conversation below and let me know what action you’re going to take to create some boundaries on your time. Sharing your intention is the first step to making it happen.
Here’s to getting the right things done!
Xo,
Mridu
P.S. If your company, networking group, or professional association is looking for a dynamic speaker that delivers content-rich, interactive, and entertaining presentations, please contact me at 917.699.5495 or via mridu@lifeisorganized.com to discuss my speaking programs. I would love the opportunity to serve you and your company.
I’m learning to put boundaries around my time. I never used to. Since I pretty much have something to do each day of the week, I decided that Tuesday’s is my free day because I don’t have anything booked on that day (unless there’s a doctor’s appointment). And, I keep it that way. Now that it’s summer, I also have Sunday’s free since my piano lessons will resume in September. I’m also not scheduling anything for Sunday’s either. The only exception to this rule is if me and hubby want to go out, or for some kind of entertainment. But, that’s it!!!!! Learning to be assertive!
I’ve loved the challenges that you have created. They have helped me be more focused.
Learned a long time ago to just say, “no.” I have to get enough rest and eat right or my body shuts me down and I have to go to bed. It’s impossible to stay up. So I’d say to be there for your family and friends, you have to treat yourself right and set boundaries that help you treat yourself right.
Other boundaries, once all clothing, linens, bath towels are cleaned they must fit in closets and drawers. New rule 1 in 3 out. They fit but not with extra room for purchases. Books, now they all fit on my book cases, no extra boxes on top of bookcases. New books, hum.m.m.; have to get rid of an equal amount, unfortunately all the fiction is now gone, and it’s not as easy to let go of the diy and cookbooks. Still working on that one. I usually gift the cookbooks, next round will go to cooking school and/or women’s shelters.
Library does’t want them over 5 years old.
Kitchen supplies, created storage in my craft building for catering supplies: still use them; however hubby needed an easy way to put up everyday kitchen pots, pans, plates, cups. Reduced, gifted, etc kitchen supplies about 5 times before that got accomplished.
My blog, work on it at least once or twice a week. Check for messages every other day or so. Email gets checked twice a day. Got to send my ebook for proofing. I keep adding to it. Time to stop.