Neglecting to establish boundaries in the workplace can pose significant risks to us. I've identified two dimensions in which this issue can impact us:

The first dimension, where I emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, concerns how we approach and conduct ourselves in the workplace. It's within this sphere that we experience a phenomenon known as "enmeshment," a concept I've previously discussed. Anne Wilson, a psychology professor at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, defines enmeshment as follows:

"When individuals invest an excessive amount of their time and energy in their careers, it can lead to a psychological state referred to as 'enmeshment.' In this state, the lines between work and personal life become blurred."

Wilson points out that this tendency is often observed in individuals with relatively independent jobs where a fixed schedule isn't the norm. She also notes that executive roles that come with significant responsibilities, such as those held by doctors, lawyers, teachers, and entrepreneurs, who often have the flexibility to set their own schedules,

"Can end up allowing their jobs to occupy a significant portion, or even the majority, of their lives."

Lately, when asked, "Who am I/are you?" I consciously refrain from beginning my self-description with my profession. Although I hold great affection for my profession, I recognize that I am more than that. I am someone who cares about those around me and enjoys playing video games. Our lives should encompass more than just our professions.

Wilson issues a cautionary statement:

"If you tether (your well-being) to your career, the successes and failures you encounter will directly impact your self-esteem."

Over the weekend, I watched the movie "Encanto" with my nephews for the thirteenth time. It tells the story of Maribel Madrigal, a Colombian teenager who grapples with the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.

Among her family members is Luisa Madrigal, Maribel's elder sister, whose power is superhuman strength. Luisa handles all tasks requiring brute force. In a song she performs, there's a particularly thought-provoking line:

"I'm fairly certain I am worthless if I can't be of service."

I interpret this phrase as the irrational belief that our happiness is contingent upon our productivity. Luisa lives with a perpetual fear that once her powers fade, her value as an individual will vanish as well.

The reality is that as soon as we acknowledge that there are other activities and qualities that contribute value to our lives, we can more promptly identify what truly matters to us and where we should allocate our efforts.

Let's refrain from waiting for an experience that serves as a stark reminder of our mortality before reevaluating our priorities.

The second dimension I've identified as an opportunity to establish boundaries pertains to our daily interactions within the workplace. Joe Sanok, the host of the popular podcast "The Practice of the Practice," makes the following observation:

"In essence, boundaries are rooted in the individuals to whom we grant authority. They compel us to examine why we might withhold permission from ourselves to work and live in a manner that we believe is most conducive to our well-being. If we do not take charge of our lives, schedules, and workloads, then who will? Boundaries empower us to decide when, how, and whether we relinquish this authority."

This sentiment closely aligns with the advice I offer when encouraging individuals to consistently determine how, where, why, and when to devote their full effort.

In my personal experience and based on feedback from my friends, there appears to be a recurring pattern of experiencing anxiety or fear when contemplating how those individuals impacted by our boundaries might react. However, for our own benefit, and for the sake of our physical and mental health, it is essential that we practice assertiveness and honesty by providing context to facilitate understanding with our superiors.

I know from firsthand experience that committing to more responsibilities than one can manage due to an inability to set boundaries carries a hefty cost, often accompanied by emotional strain. This can manifest as sleep deprivation, overwhelming stress, and physical illness. Frequent illness can pose significant challenges for the body's ability to recover.

The next time you find your workload becoming burdensome, remember to ask yourself, "At what expense am I making this investment?"**

Disclaimer: The views expressed are personal opinions of the authors and do not reflect the views of affiliated organizations. The information is for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

Por qué nos definimos por nuestros trabajos (y cómo puede ser peligroso). (n.d.). BBC News Mundo. Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/mundo/vert-cap-56754305

Una guía para establecer mejores límites. (2022, April 14). Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2022/04/a-guide-to-setting-better-boundaries?language=es