BOUNDARY-SETTING FOR CHANGE: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
BOUNDARY-SETTING FOR CHANGE: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Change requires action… which means you need to do, say, and show up differently. Period. When we do this, we start to find that what was once normalized now needs a major upgrade. Enter BOUNDARIES.
At first, drawing boundaries is likely to make you feel guilty or bad. So here’s a quick process for you to reference to get started today:
Step 1: Let’s Start Soft: Feeling the nudge to set healthy boundaries is your first win! But remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Be kind to yourself – it’s a journey without judgment. Self-compassion is ALWAYS the first step.
Step 2: Get to Know Yourself: Dive into YOU! Journaling and cozying up with self-help books will reveal your core beliefs and what makes your spirit light up vs. what dulls it.
Step 3: Mindfulness Mode: Embrace your feelings with mindfulness. Take a moment to tune in and feel each emotion – it’s like a mirror reflecting your true feelings. This isn’t a time to numb or distract, you MUST feel in order to recognize what is or isn’t working for you.
Step 4: Coaching Compass: A heads up - avoid relying on others for your boundary setting framework. Why? Because if you’re reading this, chances are that quite a few of your relationships are codependent, expecting you to be their happiness maestro. 🙅🏻♀️ Instead of relying on others, consider seeking guidance from an outside perspective like a coach. A life coach, like myself, can be your boundary-setting wingperson, helping you navigate your values and unique perspective using specific coaching methods.
Step 5: Stabilize your thinking: Utilize different techniques, building your boundary-setting muscles. Once you start to practice how to untangle your thoughts from others’, distinguishing genuine beliefs from default unhealthy habits, and making empowered decisions… you’ll soon see how much easier it is to make significant changes in your life.
If you’d like some language for boundary setting, or need support, let’s chat.