Are you squandering time and energy because of absent or weak boundaries? Take this simple self-assessment and see how you measure up.

Answer true or false for each of these items:

1. I am generally present, wherever I am. When I'm at work, I'm 100% at work. When I'm home, I'm 100% at home. When I'm in a meeting, I'm in that meeting. When I'm with my kids, I'm with my kids. And so forth.

2. I do not spend time with people I don't really want to spend time with.

3. I am honest with myself about what I will do and what I will not do.

4. I am clear in my communications with other people about what I will do and what I will not do.

5. I am not pressured into saying "Yes" when I want to say "No." At work, in my community, at home, in my relationships.

6. People know that I am reliable. If I say I will do something, they know I will deliver.

7. I do not rescue other people.

8. I own my schedule. My schedule does not own me.

SCORING: True = 1 point, False = 0.

Totals:

7-8: You have strong, clear boundaries. Keep up the good work, and trust yourself to know when and where to build new boundaries or strengthen the old ones.

5-6: You have some strong boundaries and could benefit from strengthening others. Some focused work on your part could deliver huge results for you.

Under 5: You are dissipating precious focus and energy through weak or non-existent boundaries. You can make some quantum leaps in your quality of life if you choose to strengthen these boundaries.

Next Steps: For a boundaries "tune-up" or to check-in about one of the above items contact me at sharon@stcoach.com for an initial consultation at no charge.

Copyright 2002-3, by Sharon Teitelbaum, all rights reserved.

About the author:

Sharon Teitelbaum, a Work-Life and Career Coach , works with high achieving women with young children, people at mid-career, and professionals seeking greater career satisfaction and work-life balance. She coaches by phone and in person in Boston. Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued: Restoring Work-Life Balance, Sharon's first book, was published in 2005.