A Model To Set Boundaries: Energy + Choice = Power

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Woodrie Burich
Founder/CEO
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Setting Work Boundaries in Fast-Paced Environments: Energy, Choice, and Power

In a world where the pace of work is constantly accelerating, it's more critical than ever to set healthy work boundaries. Woodrie Burich, a veteran from the tech industry with over 20 years of experience, shares his insights on how to effectively establish work-life balance even under high stress and demand. Let's explore the model of energy plus choice equals power, a fundamental approach to setting work boundaries.

Who is Woodrie Burich?

Before diving into the model, let's learn a bit more about our expert. Burich has weathered the storm of tech's demanding environments and found it challenging to integrate self-care and work boundary practices within the workplace. However, he stresses the importance of self-care practices and the establishment of boundaries at work, rather than seeking solutions solely outside of the professional environment.

The Essence of Self-Care and Setting Boundaries

A key component in Burich’s methodology is the integration of self-care within the context of our professional lives. He begins every session with a short breathing exercise, underscoring the benefits of such practices for mindfulness and stress relief. Engaging in these brief moments of pause is particularly important in fast-paced work settings.

Understanding the Modern Work Dilemma

Research across the globe consistently highlights the problems of burnout and stress in the workplace. The phenomenon of overwhelm and overwork is a universal challenge, regardless of geographic location. Burich points to the International Labor Organization's definition of excessively long work hours, noting that it's not uncommon for professionals in certain industries to work well beyond the 48-hour threshold, thus contributing to diminished personal and organizational health outcomes.

The Concept of Tunneling

One significant issue Burich identifies is "tunneling," where busyness causes individuals to focus solely on the task in front of them, losing sight of the bigger picture. This harmful cycle can prevent seeing alternative solutions and exacerbate feelings of being overwhelmed. Coupled with the myth of multitasking, which actually leads to task-switching and can cause fatigue, these factors highlight the need for establishing boundaries and reclaiming a sense of agency.

Lack of Role Models and Sustained Practices

Another barrier is the absence of role models adept at setting professional boundaries. Without examples of leaders who exemplify a healthy work-life balance, it can be challenging to envision alternative ways of working. Burich also critiqued common strategies for addressing burnout, which often fail to address the core issue: simply doing too much work.

Energy Plus Choice Equals Power

The model Burich advocates for is Energy + Choice = Power, or in another framing, Self-Care + Awareness = Boundaries. This model breaks down into three main components:

  • Self-Care: Refers to the gentle tending to our needs, providing us with the energy required to tackle the hard work of setting boundaries.
  • Choice/Awareness: This involves seeing our reality for what it is, creating space for strategic thinking, and building support systems to help manage our professional demands.
  • Boundaries: These are informed by an authentic understanding of our 'yes' and 'no,' giving us a framework to navigate work situations that require nuanced decisions.

Shifting Mindsets

Burich shares a personal story highlighting the importance of shifting mindsets from looking forward to a mythical time when work will be less demanding to coping with the present. Instead of succumbing to the illusion of a future reprieve, he encourages a focus on what can be done in the current moment to support oneself deeply.

Feedback from the Community

In the session, participants shared their challenges in maintaining boundaries and seizing opportunities to empower themselves in the workplace. Common sentiments included the guilt of taking breaks and recognizing that work is unending like a river, reinforcing the need for well-being management.

Final Thoughts and Connection

As Woodrie Burich concludes his insightful session, he encourages an ongoing conversation about work boundaries and mindful strategies to contend with our demanding professional lives. For more personalized advice or to continue the conversation, Burich welcomes connections on LinkedIn.

Understanding and applying the model of energy, choice, and power can be transformative for individuals struggling to set work boundaries. Remember, the key to thriving in a fast-paced environment is not just hard work but strategic self-care and self-awareness. With practice, we can move away from being pawns in the rat race to empowered professionals who navigate work-life challenges with grace and self-respect.


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