I have been talking about setting boundaries in this series. Sometimes we get so caught up in life and running our businesses, the it doesn’t occur to us to just stop, take stock and assess where we feel stressed, anxious, worn out, etc. Setting boundaries and enforcing them will help you reduce stress and get your life back.
Let’s go over some additional quick tips on how to set boundaries effectively:
- **Identify Your Limits**: Reflect on your personal and professional values, priorities, and comfort levels to determine what boundaries are important to you. Create boundaries that work for you.
- **Communicate Clearly**: Clearly communicate your boundaries to tenants, applicants, and prospects from the beginning of your interactions. Have written protocols that you can include in your lease, in emails or you can communicate in other ways.
- **Be Consistent**: Consistently enforce the boundaries you’ve set. This helps establish clear expectations and fosters respect from others. Making exceptions in some cases can completely undermine what you are trying to do.
- **Use “I” Statements**: People are quick to take offense these days and that isn’t our goal. When communicating your boundaries, use “I” statements to express your needs and preferences without blaming or accusing the other party. For example, “I prefer to communicate via email” instead of “You always call me at inconvenient times.”
- **Set Consequences**: Clearly outline consequences for crossing boundaries, and be prepared to enforce them if necessary. This could include refusing to speak to a tenant on the phone and insist that all communication be in writing.
- **Practice Self-Awareness**: Pay attention to your own feelings and reactions in different situations to identify when your boundaries are being tested or violated. If you are feeling stressed out or anxious, stop and figure out if there is a way to reduce or eliminate that stress.
- **Seek Support**: If you’re unsure about how to set or enforce boundaries in a particular situation, reach out! This group is great and we are always happy to help. We have ALL been there! Sometimes you just need to vent.
- **Practice Self-Care**: This business can be emotionally draining even with boundaries, so prioritize self-care activities that help you recharge and manage stress effectively. Stick to your office hours and go have fun! You can’t be “on” all the time.
- **Regularly Review and Adjust**: Nothing stays the same and it is important to periodically review your boundaries to ensure they are still serving your needs effectively. Be open to adjusting them as needed based on changing circumstances or personal growth.
Remember that setting boundaries is not about being rigid or controlling. The purpose is to create healthy and respectful relationships that benefit both parties involved.
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