Actually, the Sky's NOT the Limit

Limits have gotten a bad rap over the past few years. Anthony Robbins and Jack Canfield both advise us to "THINK BIG!"  "Use The Secret to get what you want!"   "Opportunity is limitless!"   "No boundaries!"

And I agree. In the realm of attitude, self-growth and success, railing against our own self-imposed limiting beliefs is appropriate -- even necessary. However, the concept of "no limits " in the realm of organization and simplicity gets a lot of folks into trouble. The universe is wonderfully balanced, isn't it? It's interesting that while limits in the realm of attitude and success are undesirable and can hold you back, limits in the physical world are absolutely crucial and liberate you to create your greatest success. BOTH kinds of limits are necessary yet so many people get it backwards. They limit themselves mentally, while having few boundaries in the physical world. Talk about a recipe for chaos! Yikes.

We've all experienced the negative result of limitless living. For example, when was the last time you...

exceeded your appetite limit? Eating too much makes you feel sick and regretful. How about going outside your financial limits? Spending too much throws you into debt, which feels bad and directly impacts your quality of life. Surpassing storage limits is a problem too, because owning too much of almost ANYTHING creates disorder, clutter, and stress.

Limiting yourself in a positive way means setting boundaries on your behavior and in your spaces, in order to receive a higher goal, purpose or result. For example, a behavior boundary might mean scheduling only as much work into a day as you know you can complete. The desired result you're shooting for, is that your quality of work is high and you remain accountable to those you interact with by staying on time and present in the moment. Another behavior boundary might be making sure you get adequate sleep and make smart food choices.The purpose or desired result of this behavior boundary is so you feel good, and you can continue to live and work with purpose.

Behavior boundaries are key, but setting limits using physical boundaries are also essential. An example could be allowing yourself only ONE basket for storing magazines, and when the basket is full, it's a visual cue that it's time to get rid of some of them. Another example of setting a physical limit is paring down your clothes so they all fit in your closet and dresser space, preventing overflow onto the floor and bed.

Kids also benefit greatly from learning to set and abide by limits. For example, toys need not live all over the house! Define a few areas where toys are appropriate, and add storage containers in those areas. Then, explain to your kids that they can keep as many toys as will fit inside the boundaries of those storage pieces and everything else gets donated. This is a wonderful way to teach them the concept of boundaries in general, and having to decide which toys stay and which go helps them learn to weigh options and make life choices.

I hope you will begin noticing opportunities to set physical and behavior limits in your own life, so you can create the organization and simplicity you desire.  

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Comments

[Ellen Delap]

Love this post! Setting limits for ourselves and our kids is very hard but also very important. You can combine the effort in a family meeting where you together form the boundaries. Having a team effort on these makes a big difference and helps everyone be accountable. Thanks Monica for sharing this!

[carol]

yes, I agree too. limits are important in keeping everything organized hence we all walk forward without too much complications. I also believe that success relies heavily on how you can discipline yourself in taking the only route to success. for me, limits and discipline are almost the same. great post!