Lack of Work Boundaries Destroying Marriage
Let’s grab a seat and talk. How is the health of your marriage? If you are like many high achievers your professional success masks a relationship hanging on by a thread. You put on a game face at work but deep down there is hurt and pain.
So the question I have is WHY? No seriously… beyond the blaming, deflection, sense of hopelessness, and frustration what is the honest truth behind the relationship strain?
Personally, I found a lack of work boundaries to be the source. I had to look in the mirror and realize I was the issue.
I was masking the root cause by switching between several justifications:
“I can make things better LATER.”
“Why don’t they appreciate my sacrifice?”
“I’m working hard to provide for the family!”
You get the idea… sound familiar?
I don’t care if you are in a corporate job or pursuing your entrepreneurial passion. The only thing that might change is the language choice on your justification/rationalization.
I’m not talking about this mythical creature called work/life balance. I’m talking about having clear boundaries and alignment between working and being present in the moment.
Personally, my default was ALWAYS WORKING … either physically at work, at the dinner table (while eating dinner) working on a PowerPoint, or I was at home and my mind was engaged in thinking about work.
What does that mean? My wife was getting emotional leftovers… at best.
The demands of work come with inherent structure and deadlines. I needed to create the same level of non-negotiable prioritization for my relationships to counterbalance work demands. I’ll say it again… it’s not necessarily about working fewer hours. It’s about being clear on transition times so your spouse can know with certainty when you’ll be present. The great thing is they can actually help you get creative on how to generate more spark and intentionality in the relationship. If you’ll get real about how you are showing up in the relationship and open to feedback.
-Josh
Dream big & live aligned!
