If you want to accomplish anything in life — achieve audacious goals, have healthy and loving relationships, cultivate meaningful connections, or even create some peace and freakin' quiet for yourself — you need to become a master of setting boundaries. But when we say "boundaries," what do we mean?

Well, we're not talking about ultimatums. We're not talking about avoidance of others. We're not talking about limitations either. Boundaries are a set of personal guidelines or rules you set as a beyond your default-living human to safeguard your well-being and your values.

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But why are boundaries so important? What do unhealthy boundaries look like? And how can you tell if you have issues with boundaries in your own life? On this week's episode of Beyond Your Default, George and I pull back the curtain on our own evolving relationships with boundaries over the years to answer these essential life questions and more.

Questions We Discuss

• When we say "boundaries" what are we really talking about? How are boundaries different from ultimatums, avoidance, and limitations?
• What's the difference between internal boundaries and external boundaries?
• Why are boundaries absolutely essential to this journey?
• What are some of the common reasons folks can end up having boundary issues?
• How have George and I struggled with boundaries throughout our lives? Were there any catalyst moments that pushed us to change our approach?
• How can folks tell if boundaries are in issue in their life?
• What does setting healthy boundaries look like?
• Look, sometimes setting boundaries will not always please people — what should those moments tell us?
• What is one question you want to challenge our listeners to think about over the coming week, when it comes to their own boundaries?

Signs You May Have Boundary Issues

• Overcommitting: Regularly taking on more than you can handle or feeling pressured to agree to every request or opportunity.
• Difficulty Making Decisions: Relying excessively on others for decision-making can be a sign of unclear personal boundaries.
• Tolerating Disrespect or Poor Treatment: Continually allowing others to treat you disrespectfully without addressing it.
• Feeling Overwhelmed or Drained: Consistently feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, especially after interactions with others, can indicate poor boundaries.
• Neglecting Self-Care: Consistently putting others' needs before your own to the point where your own well-being suffers.

Morning Routine Resources

• Establishing Effective Personal Boundaries (Vanderbilt Medical)
• Trust, Safety, and Respect (The Importance of Boundaries)
• 8 Signs Someone Has a Problem with Boundaries (Psychology Today)
• Toxic Behaviors: 12 Examples of Unhealthy Boundaries (Psych Central)
• 15 Signs of Unhealthy Boundaries in Relationships (Marriage.com)