How to Live More Unapologetically

Summary

The article discusses the importance of living unapologetically by setting personal boundaries, running a business according to one's own terms, and recognizing personal needs to thrive.

Abstract

The author emphasizes the significance of not apologizing for personal boundaries, which is crucial for self-respect and respecting others. The article reflects on the author's transformation from a reserved individual working in healthcare to a self-employed entrepreneur with control over their schedule and self-care. It highlights the importance of establishing and respecting one's own business hours and the need to adapt boundaries for personal growth and healing. The author encourages readers to recognize and act on what they need to succeed, whether it's taking a day off, indulging in small daily luxuries, or choosing where to work from, advocating for a lifestyle that prioritizes mental health and personal efficiency.

Opinions

The author believes it's essential to stop apologizing for not being immediately responsive to work messages, declining extra shifts, or distancing oneself from toxic relationships.
There is a strong emphasis on the benefits of setting and maintaining specific work hours to maximize productivity and personal well-being.
The author suggests that taking time for continued education, networking, or simply extra rest is vital for personal and professional growth.
It is conveyed that people should not feel guilty for designing their work life in a way that suits them best, even if it means working fewer days or having unconventional business hours.
The author expresses that recognizing and fulfilling one's own needs is a key component to living an unapologetic and thriving life.
There is an opinion that clients tend to respect business owners who are confident in how they run their business, more so than those who might criticize their choices.
The article implies that self-care, such as enjoying a daily coffee treat, can have a significant positive impact on one's mental health.
The author encourages readers to follow their own path to success and to not be deterred by the negative comments of others who may not understand their choices.

Live more unapologetically while realizing it’s okay to be unapologetic.

Stop saying sorry all the time for how you really feel, and start growing.

This is a topic that I never thought I would write about. A year ago I was a very filtered, woman with big dreams who was a quieter future female entrepreneur. A year ago today I still worked my day job in healthcare, saying “Yes’mam” every day, while working a job that mentally and physically drained me. Now I’m self-employed creating brands and websites all day long, creating my own schedule, actively filling my cup up, and learning how to take care of myself more efficiently. Now I’m not saying to be mean and unapologetic, I mean to be a politer version of unapologetic. Let me tell you what I mean…

Don’t apologize for your boundaries.

This is a big thing to remember and actually start doing. Most people don’t respect their own boundaries, let alone others. Once you start acknowledging your own boundaries, you’ll start respecting others even more as well.

I used to apologize for not responding to a text message about work at 8 PM at night.

I used to feel bad for not picking up an extra shift.

I used to feel bad for not responding to that toxic family member.

Notice how they all say used to. The end of 2021 was an awakening period for me and a huge time of growth no way will I ever let myself revert back to those old ways again.

No, you won’t find me responding to messages after 4 PM Monday — Thursday.

No, you won’t find me picking up extra shifts, I’m self-employed now so that doesn’t really apply.

No, I won’t respond to toxic family members. I don’t have the time to let them take up space in my brain.

It’s healthy to have boundaries and to set boundaries that you need in order to heal. Over time your boundaries will change and adapt to what you need, and that’s great! That’s a great tool and luxury that you can give yourself. It’s a free way that you can take care of yourself too!

Run your business how YOU want to run your business.

My business hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Why those hours? I found that I’m more productive Monday through Thursday, I work so many hours during that time and get so much done that by having Friday as an extra day of the weekend is a bonus for me. It’s the day that I do continued education, work from a coffee shop, go do some networking or other business-related tasks. Honestly, somedays when it’s been a long week Fridays have even turned into just an extra day of the weekend if I need a bit of extra self-care by sleeping in and sipping on a coffee in bed.

I used to let people make me feel bad for working only four days a week or having the business hours that I do. But that’s in the past. I know what makes me most efficient, I know how to run my business, and my clients respect that. Honestly, my clients are never the ones to make comments on my availability anyways (SHOCKER. Not really, it’s typically the people who are already in a not-so-great mental space that want to make other people feel bad for no reason).

Recognize what you need to thrive and do it.

It’s like tools in a toolbox. Everyone needs a different thing to thrive, or more like a variety of tools they need to create their perfect, unapologetic, thriving lifestyle. This is the permission you’ve been looking for to go out in the world and thrive unapologetically while filling up your cup in 2022!

Need a day off? Take the day off.

Want to buy a $6 coffee every morning because it’s a treat and honestly saves your mental health a bit each morning? Do it.

Work remotely from wherever you’d like rather than at the office some days? Go ahead, go thrive, and be free!

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