Who's Stealing Your Time?

Do you have less time for the things you love? You might be blaming the wrong people.

- ELISETTE CARLSON

Q I feel like work is overtaking my life. I know I'm supposed to "create boundaries," but how? -JAMIE, HOUSTON

IF YOU'RE FEELING stressed, ask yourself this question: "What activities make me feel happier and more at ease?"

Whatever your answers are, those are your non-negotiables. Please draw boundaries around them. No amount of work or obligation should encroach upon them, because then you won't have the energy or focus to fulfill your work and obligations. For me, my nonnegotiables are my early morning exercise, a long Sunday morning walk with my husband, and the one specific work objective I identify each day.

I know-it's one thing to draw boundaries, and quite another to actually keep them. So that comes next.

Start with your calendar. If something is important to you, schedule it. Why should a meeting be on your calendar, but not the thing that makes you feel happier and more at ease?