In an era of constant availability, entrepreneurs must establish healthy boundaries and cultivate sustainable work habits. As entrepreneurs, it's vital to remember that continuous availability is not a prerequisite for success. Setting firm boundaries around our working hours enables us to concentrate on what truly matters while preserving our well-being. As the incomparable Audre Lorde writes,
"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." *
If we agree that setting boundaries is essential, how do we put it into practice?
Establish a precise schedule to manage your energy effectively and prevent burnout. After all, you are your business's most valuable asset! Communicate your boundaries openly with colleagues, clients, and business partners, and foster an environment of mutual respect. Set up a designated workspace at home to maintain a distinct separation between work and personal life, creating a clear demarcation between the two. Grant yourself regular breaks throughout the day to recharge, as even brief moments of relaxation can significantly enhance productivity and overall well-being. Finally, utilize productivity tools such as apps, reminders, and other resources to streamline your workflow and ensure you're maximizing your designated working hours.
Setting boundaries is an act of self-care and empowerment. By establishing a clear schedule, openly communicating your boundaries, designating a workspace, taking regular breaks, and utilizing productivity tools, you can create an environment where you can thrive. Need help? Start by researching all the helpful tools on the market, like Google working hours, focus settings on your phone, do not disturb on Slack, etc. While it may seem counterintuitive, you will elevate your business by setting boundaries and nurturing your own well-being, leading to a more fulfilling (and, yes, ahem, productive) entrepreneurial journey.
Wherever you find yourself on this path, remember the power you possess to shape your thoughts, time, and life.
How to set up working hours in Google
If you're ready to dip your toes in, here's a great place to start. Google's working hours feature is a remarkable tool that empowers us to do just that.
How does Google's working hours feature create a stronger boundary than an out-of-office? This feature enables you to define and share your work schedule with others, thus promoting a balanced work-life dynamic. It informs others when you're unavailable and discourages scheduling meetings beyond your designated work hours. Secondly, unlike the out-of-office message, which notifies others of your unavailability only after they've already deposited their request into your inbox, the working hours feature aids in proactively setting and managing your schedule, fostering a respectful culture around your time boundaries.
Step 1: Open your Google Calendar
You can access your Google Calendar through your Google account or by visiting calendar.google.com.
Step 2: Access your calendar settings
Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner of the screen and select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Find the "Working Hours" section
Scroll down the "General" tab to find the "Working Hours" section.
Step 4: Set your working hours
Check the "Enable working hours" box and select your preferred workdays and hours for each day. You can customize your schedule by adding different hours for each day if you have a variable work schedule.
Step 5: Save your settings
Scroll down and click the "Save" button to save your settings. Your working hours will now be visible to others when they try to schedule meetings with you.
*This quote is part of an important essay that advocates for the well being of Black women in a system that actively discourages self-care for people of colour. My use here is not intended to reduce it's complexity, rather to acknowledge the very real effects on oneself and one's community when we don't do what is within our power to create healthy boundaries. For a beautiful, nuanced discussion on this topic, see "Reclaiming Audre Lorde's Radical Self-Care" by Kathleen Newman-Bremang