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How to Build Strong Boundaries at Work

Do you want a healthy, balanced and fulfilling work life? If you do, strong boundaries are essential. It takes time and practice, but it might not be as hard as you think. The most important boundaries you need to start with at work are having boundaries with how you think and how you feel. This is where strong boundaries come from. When we build strong boundaries around our thought life, we’re empowered to prosper at work. Here are two common problems in our thinking and how to build a boundary around them.

Problem: “I’m not good enough!”

What are your thoughts about yourself at work? Do you ever have thoughts like, “I’m not good enough”, “I’m a failure” or “Why would anyone want to listen to my ideas?” The truth is, our value is not dependent on our performance at work but on our identity as beloved sons and daughters of God. When we get this, we can stop working for love, and rather work from love. When thoughts like “I’m not good enough” come up, we set a boundary by taking that thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) and receiving God’s unconditional acceptance instead. 

Problem: “It’s all their fault!”

What are your thoughts about your colleagues? Do you ever think “It’s all their fault” or “If only they would change things would be better.” The truth is, you can’t control others but you can bring health and change to your workplace by changing yourself. When thoughts like this come up, we reject the victim mentality by letting go of what we can’t control and choosing to be powerful instead. In every situation, you get to choose your attitude and your responses to your environment, colleagues and boss. 

When we take our thoughts captive and are mindful about how we talk about our colleagues, we’re affirming their inherent value – and this is what honor is all about. Strong boundaries are a key to developing healthy relationships at work. Today, choose to be intentional with your thoughts and watch how it helps you thrive at work!

 

10 responses to “How to Build Strong Boundaries at Work

  1. Bob,
    This is very essential for me I’ve been discovering how to do that the past year. Others can have a powerful negative impact if we’re not aware of what’s going on. As a leader,I want everyone that works for me to grow and have healthy relationships with Jesus and each other. One deeply wounded person can disrupt that desire. I went what seemed like the extra extra mile with him but crossed over some boundaries and has taken months to recover. Thank you for sharing, Jim C

    1. Yes it is so important that we build strong boundaries around our thinking – not just for ourselves, but for those around us. It sounds like you’ve worked to help create healthy boundaries. Keep up the good work! Blessings to you!

  2. Thank you Bob! I am at work, and found myself repenting for having a victim mentality here at my job. I choose to believe the truth about who God says I am! I also sent your blog to several other people here to encourage them. 🙂

  3. Taking thoughts captive and accepting the unconditional love of God is super great but if I’m honest is super ambiguous to me. What are some practical tips to doing this?

    1. Hello! Great questions! I like things to be practical too! I created an activation in my book The Business of Honor (page 71 – 75), which walks through recognizing thoughts that aren’t true or helpful, replacing them with truth and receiving the Father’s love. I share my own personal journey of taking my thoughts captive in my book too – hope it is encouraging and helpful to you! Blessings!

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