Key Takeaways:
- Self-Awareness = Empowerment: Knowing your worth and setting boundaries helps you spot red flags.
- Boundaries Matter: Boundaries protect your mental health and help you avoid burnout.
- Trust Your Instincts: Trusting your gut helps you make better decisions and avoid toxic situations.
Self-Worth: The Key to Healthy Relationships
Self-awareness is the foundation of healthy relationships. Elicia Ybarra, founder of Pretty Hands Hard Punches, says, “Self-defense starts with knowing your boundaries.” Without boundaries, it’s hard to recognize red flags in any relationship.
Elicia shares that she used to say “yes” to everything. This overwhelmed her. However, once she learned to set boundaries—especially with her time—things changed. “I began to recognize how long things take. I set better time boundaries,” she says. This shift helped her protect her energy and make better choices.
In romantic relationships, self-worth plays a big role. When you value yourself, it’s easier to spot red flags like controlling behavior or gaslighting. Elicia suggests asking, “How does this person treat me? How do they react when I disagree?”
Boundaries at Work: Protect Your Peace
Boundaries at work are just as important as personal boundaries. Elicia talks about common red flags in toxic workplaces, such as micromanagement, poor communication, and gossip. “Leaders should not allow gossip or drama,” she says. Good leadership creates a healthy work environment for everyone.
At work, boundaries protect both your time and mental health. Elicia advises, “Learn your company’s policies and document everything.” She also says, “Set clear boundaries. Know your limits.” This approach helps you avoid burnout and keep your peace of mind.
It’s also crucial to trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Elicia reminds us, “If you feel something’s wrong, most likely it is.” Trust your gut when deciding whether to stay or move on.
Entrepreneurship & Client Boundaries: Set Clear Expectations
Entrepreneurs must set strong boundaries, especially when dealing with clients. Elicia shares her experience with clients who have unrealistic expectations or don’t respect boundaries. Her advice? “Underpromise and overdeliver.” This prevents scope creep, where clients ask for more than what was originally agreed upon.
To avoid confusion, Elicia recommends setting clear expectations from the start. Stick to your agreements. If things go wrong, have an “escape plan.” “Set clear expectations and have everything in writing,” she advises. If a client becomes difficult, don’t be afraid to walk away. You can refer them to someone else or return their retainer.
Reflecting on Boundaries and Trusting Your Intuition
Setting boundaries is not just about saying “no.” It’s about knowing when to say “yes” to yourself. Elicia and Bree emphasize that self-awareness is key to protecting your mental and emotional health. When you understand your worth, set boundaries, and trust your instincts, you can create healthier, more balanced relationships.
Your intuition is a powerful tool. It helps guide you to make decisions that protect your well-being and success.
Ready to embrace fearlessness in your relationships, career, and business? Tune in to the full episode for more insights from Elicia Ybarra. Learn how to set boundaries and start living an empowered life.
be the first to comment