Article Title: Structure + Boundaries = Freedom Author Name: Joanne Victoria Contact E-mail Address: joanne@joannevictoria.com Word Count: 630, including signature box Category: Personal Development Copyright Date: 2002-2004 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Publishing Guidelines: Thank you for publishing this article in its entirety including
resource box. When possible, please notify me of publication by sending either a website link or a copy of your ezine upon publication via email to joanne@joannevictoria.com . ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~STRUCTURE + BOUNDARIES = FREEDOM
Workplace boundaries will prevent you from reacting to others' interference and getting angry at their disturbances.
No matter what size your business is, you need to set boundaries and provide structure to your workday. You determine your schedule, not your clients or vendors. If you decide your day starts at 9:30 AM, then don't answer phone or turn on computer until then.
Start day with a good breakfast. Breakfast is most important meal of day. Break-the-fast like a king or queen. Don't forget protein. Take frequent breaks during day to give your brain cells a rest. Schedule in exercise for body as well as relaxation for brain.
Leave your office for lunch at least 3 workdays per week. It's much too easy to work through lunch, eat at your desk and ignore your personal needs.
Don't forget those evening meetings, whether networking or classes. Allow time to leave work, home office or a job, revitalize yourself, and be ready for these events.
If you work with others, learn to close your door or put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your cubicle. It's difficult to concentrate when constantly interrupted. If you allow full access to co-workers, clients or vendors, you may wind up being angry or over-reactive to minor infractions.
The telephone works three ways: you can pick it up, hang it up or not touch it at all. Have voice mail or an answering service. Listening to incoming calls on an answering machine will only prove a distraction. Should I or shouldn't I answer that? OK, I'll pick it up. It's never as important as you think.
If you are working on a project, give it one hour of effort at a time. Check messages and decide importance and urgency of these calls. Then decide if you need more protein. Athletes are not only people who require constant nourishment. Using your brain is exhausting, but has never been given enough credibility.
