Energy Is Everything: Mastering Boundaries for a Sustainable Career

In this engaging episode, we start with the definitions and importance of establishing boundaries, particularly within the food industry where the pace never slows.  We discuss the societal pressures and personal characteristics, like people-pleasing tendencies, that often lead to poor boundary-setting. Lucy opens up about her journey of not considering boundaries until just a few years ago, highlighting the impact this had on her mental health and family life and Amy brings in her experience of burnout and how being a boundary-less people-pleaser significantly contributed to it.  They talk about how critical it is to realise you're not only allowed but need to set boundaries to maintain energy and productivity. Throughout the episode, we share personal anecdotes, reflecting on the transformations we have experienced since we started recognising and establishing our boundaries. We also touch upon practical tools like time blocking and the impacts of saying 'no' to social events or additional work that doesn't serve your goals.  Simple changes like learning to communicate your needs clearly without guilt, and prioritising tasks effectively have brought significant improvements to their work-life balance. This episode is not just about setting boundaries in professional life but also extends to personal boundaries with family and friends, ensuring a holistic approach to maintaining well-being. Timestamps:  00:00:00 - Introduction and setting the stage for the topic of boundaries  00:01:00 - The importance of boundaries in the food industry  00:02:18 - Defining boundaries and their role in well-being  00:04:06 - Lucy’s journey and the late realisation of the need for boundaries  00:06:15 - Balancing productivity and boundaries  00:07:01 - Impact of lack of boundaries on personal and professional life  00:08:14 - Looking for joy in life through boundaries 00:11:32 - Work-life integration and personal fulfilment  00:15:15 - Structuring work and communicating needs effectively  00:18:11 - Implementing boundaries and handling pushback  00:25:39 - Practical tools: Time blocking and its benefits  00:28:59 - Structuring time around personal commitments  00:31:23 - Dealing with pressure and pushback at work  00:33:45 - Recognising boundary violations and addressing them  00:34:41 - Recap and takeaways for maintaining boundaries  00:35:29 - Closing remarks and encouragement for listeners Links and Resources: Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/ FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/ You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/ For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn. Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy. Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories: https://micro-search.co.uk/  See you next time!