Boundaries vs Restrictions

Photo by Phil Botha on Unsplash

There is a huge difference between the world we create for ourselves and the world that is created around us.

When we can see the edges of our own experiences, our boundaries, we can also then see the space we have available to move in. We are also free to redefine those boundaries as we see fit, but all the time we are the ones committing to understanding, to seeing and doing.

Restrictions, on the other hand, usually come from without, and can stifle growth. They might tell us “that can’t be done” or worse “that can’t be done by you” and often signal dead ends. We may not like it but we have to accept it.

When I coach, I put a great deal of effort into helping those I work with to get clear on what is truly a boundary, and what is truly a restriction.

Which one gets you where you need to go?

[Shout out to Peter Powell for his nudge on this post!]