Working late into the night, taking our computer with us on vacation, answering emails on the weekends: these are all options as freelance copywriters, but they’re not mandatory. However, sometimes we feel like these are mandatory tasks. We think we have to get something done and so we sacrifice our free time or, worse, vacation because we didn’t set boundaries—with ourselves, with our clients, and, often, both.
But that’s not why we got into copywriting, right? We got into copywriting to set our own schedules. To have a career we love and make great money doing it. To be valued for our work.
If setting (and enforcing) boundaries is perpetually on your to-do list, then this month’s book pick is a must. Bonus: it’s more workbook than book with actionable exercises designed to help you implement boundaries in your personal and professional life.
As The Set Boundaries Workbook: Practical Exercises for Understanding Your Needs and Setting Healthy Limits by Nedra Glover Tawwab says, “boundaries are ways to communicate our needs to others via words and action. They are also perimeters that we establish with ourselves and others. Therefore, boundaries aren’t just about telling other people what to do but are also about holding yourself accountable for creating your life.”
We added that emphasis since often we’ll look to our clients and blame them for not respecting our boundaries. But too often, we don’t hold ourselves accountable and we think saying “no” is the only way to set boundaries (spoiler: it’s not).
The workbook begins with an exercise where you can explore what boundaries mean to you, along with a checklist to determine what areas you’re neglecting due to unhealthy boundaries.
We can’t do it all, and we shouldn’t try. We can’t be everything to everyone, and we shouldn’t try. We can’t please everyone, and we shouldn’t try.
The Set Boundaries Workbook: Practical Exercises for Understanding Your Needs and Setting Healthy Limits
With this foundation in place, the workbook will help you:
- Set limits and expectations—with yourself and with others.
- Practice moving through the discomfort (and, frankly, guilt!) that comes with enforcing boundaries.
- Communicate your boundaries.
- Continue advocating for your boundaries in your personal and professional relationships.
Once you’ve tackled the writing prompts, checklists, and more, it’s time to practice setting and maintaining boundaries in the real world. We’ll be cheering you on (and, CCA students, we’re always available to work through any boundary-setting conundrums on coaching calls!).
Your Turn! What are your best tips for setting (and maintaining) boundaries? Share your experience in the comments below!
Note: This post contains affiliate links.
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