Saying No & Setting Boundaries: How I'm Taking Control in a Year of Change

In looking back over the first quarter, I'm hyper-aware of how I want to spend the next three.

I'm mindful that this is a year of transition for me, with one of my daughters going off to college, so I want to be gentle with myself as our parental relationship evolves. I also want to stay focused and committed to my goals even as we shift our household dynamic, plan summer trips, and juggle the day-to-day tasks.

One of my big goals this year is to advocate for myself in a way where I become less of a people pleaser.

I know that will take practice, and it doesn't happen by hoping for it. I have to DO it!

In other words, I have to notice the feelings in my body that arise when I say no, ask for clarity, or set a boundary.

When I notice those feelings, sometimes I want to run, but I often try the Mel Robbins "5 Second" technique, where I count to 5 and go for it. It's kind of like jumping into a cold pool!

What's something you're working on this year that you don't want to lose focus on as life gets busy? How can you use the "The 5 Second Rule" to push yourself forward when you resist growth?

Melanie Shmois, MSSA, LISW-S

Melanie Shmois, LISW-S, is a licensed therapist and certified life coach for high-achieving individuals who crave inner joy as much as outer success. As the founder of Mind Your Strength Coaching and creator of The Joy Revolution, Melanie helps driven professionals balance their masculine and feminine energies so they can experience fulfillment, emotional freedom, and lasting happiness.

Previous
Previous

From Worst-Case to WOW! Reprogram Your Thinking for Success

Next
Next

Unlocking Emotional Freedom is the Answer!