One of the trickiest things, especially for folks like us with those warm yellow personalities, is knowing when to draw the line, especially in the business world. It seems to be ingrained in our nature to want to help and give, to the point of almost being a weakness. We’d give the shirt off our backs if it meant alleviating someone’s struggle or suffering. It’s a beautiful quality, but it can be a real challenge when trying to build your own business.
But here’s a gem of wisdom my mentor passed down before she retired, and it hit me like a ton of bricks: people tend to value what they pay for. And I’m not just talking about money here; it’s also about the things that cost them effort, sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears. When something comes easy and requires no sweat equity or investment, it’s often taken for granted.
This is why so many people sign up for free or dirt-cheap workshops, courses, or books, only to gather dust on the shelf. In their minds, the value of those things is as fleeting as a cup of coffee or a day out in town for dinner.
So, my fellow yellow personalities, hear me out. Keep that big-hearted generosity flowing; help as many people as you can. But also, recognize that sometimes, in giving too much for free, you might be doing them a disservice. You’re not teaching them how to respect and value what’s right in front of them.
Let’s break it down with a simple analogy. Think about your home, the one you’ve worked so hard for, with all those beautiful things – from your furniture to your plates. Maybe they’re not the fanciest, but they mean everything because you earned them. Now, imagine someone barging into your house and treating your belongings like disposable. Scribbling on your furniture, using your dishes for target practice – you’d be livid, right?
Why do they feel entitled to do that? Because it didn’t cost them anything, they don’t respect it. Now, apply this to your business and personal boundaries. Every time you fail to set proper boundaries, you inadvertently teach people how to take advantage of and disrespect you.
Remember, setting boundaries isn’t about being unkind; it’s about respecting yourself and teaching others to do the same. So, my advice to you is simple: Keep that heart wide open, but know when to draw that line. It’s a valuable lesson that’ll take you far in life.
