Tag Archives: productivity

The Power of Setting Boundaries with Yourself

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We talked before during self care about keeping your word to yourself. I want to expand on that a little bit. Do you set boundaries with yourself? Do you know what boundaries with yourself are?

Boundaries with oneself are the personal rules and guidelines we set to maintain a healthy relationship with ourselves. These boundaries help us manage our time, energy, and emotions, ensuring we stay aligned with our values and goals. They are essential for self-care, self-discipline, and personal growth.

It’s easier to let yourself down more than anybody else. If we keep pushing back our goal then we really haven’t let ourselves down right? We will eventually get to it. Right? Wrong!

Keeping your word to yourself helps build trust and confidence. I made a writing schedule that I stuck with for a few months now. I didn’t make any excuses I just did it. It felt good too. I am proud of me. I did that by:

Taking things one day at a time 

As always, I’m praying to keep this same energy and not start slacking, but I just need to take this one day at a time. If I miss one day, you miss too, but even if I do a little every day, it’s better than nothing.

Being willing to switch things up

I used to get up at 530 to write but I can’t necessarily do that now and it’s ok. As long as I get it done that is what counts. I was trying to force myself to do something that no longer fit my schedule or lifestyle and was making it feel like work. Anything that feels like unpaid work I’m not going to want to do it. 

This is like point 2b

  • I have to work on not be too rigid and going with the flow. I can have a schedule and an outline but if I get too much structure I start overthinking and it stifles my creativity. 

Setting realistic expectations for yourself

  • It’s crucial to set goals that are achievable within the constraints of your life. By setting realistic expectations, you set yourself up for success rather than disappointment. Adjusting your goals to fit your current circumstances shows self-awareness and adaptability.

Practicing self-compassion

  • Remember to be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. It’s okay to stumble along the way; what matters is how you pick yourself back up. Treat yourself with the same empathy and understanding you would offer a friend facing a similar situation.

Celebrating small victories

  • Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you make, no matter how small. Each step forward, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is a testament to your commitment and dedication to personal growth. By celebrating your achievements, you reinforce positive behavior and motivation to continue moving forward.

Reflecting on your journey

Take time to reflect on your journey, recognizing the challenges you’ve overcome and the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Self-reflection allows you to gain insight into your habits, strengths, and areas for improvement, empowering you to make informed decisions moving forward.

By implementing these strategies, you can establish healthy boundaries with yourself, cultivate self-discipline, and ultimately achieve your goals with confidence and resilience. Remember, the journey towards self-improvement is ongoing, and each day presents an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Until next time,

Dominique

Productivity is the thief of joy*

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I make this statement tongue in cheek but follow my logic here.

I say this because on one hand productivity is great. We were made to get stuff done, not lay around all the time surfing Netflix and Instagram. On the other hand the constant need to be producing and getting stuff done can be a hinderance. Its a hinderance to rest, to enjoying the Sabbath, to enjoying your family and friends.

Last week was the first week in 6 months that I didn’t post at least one blog post. The work week I had was insane! Insane. I had a massive project that I needed to finish and I only had a week to get it done. So every night I was working late making sure everything was going to be complete by the deadline. It was! I finished with a little bit of time to spare. Unfortunately that spare time didn’t go to the blog. I need to celebrate the small win. Win: I set a goal back in June to post everyday and I was able to exceed that goal. That’s a good thing. I’m going to silence my inner critic. I’m going to give myself some grace for not meeting my goal this week and move on.

I talked about rest a few weeks ago. Toxic productivity knows nothing about rest. How often do you push yourself to get something done? How often do you feel that this thing just can’t wait? Do you enjoy your days off or are you rushing to complete to-do list items? A day off should be a day off. Even the Lord rested one day of the week and He certainly didn’t have to do.

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.  By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.  Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. Genesis 2:1-3

Being a creative and this concept of always producing, always putting out content, it makes the work more difficult. I want to make sure what I give to you is the best of me every time. Not perfect, but my best. That sometimes gets lost in translation, in trying to hit goals, deadlines, get more followers, sell more product or this urge to get stuff done.

@thenapministry Instagram

As we get close to the end of the year think about this: Did you spend more time producing or enjoying? Is there a way to do both? Do you believe you get enough rest? If not, this is the time to make those adjustments so you can go in the new year with a new habit in place.