I’m not sure where it has come from but community expectations are somewhat out of whack. We’re expected to appear and moderate on demand. To be the mental health support. To provide and serve for free. To provide 1:1 relationships whilst also reaching people at scale. To have lots of ‘engagement’, but not too much because then it’s too overwhelming.
This post is a reminder or a nudge to say we don’t have to accept what will ultimately cause us harm. We can create rules and boundaries that help us all thrive together. We can say no as much as we can say yes. Infact, I’d argue that creating these boundaries is what could make our communities extra special.
Ece Kurtaraner shared a nice bakery analogy that can instantly make us all feel a bit more zen about applying boundaries and clarity around our community efforts.
You know that feeling even when you're swamped, thinking you're letting everyone down? That nagging voice whispering "you should be doing more"? 🙅♀️
One common insight from chats with my community peeps and freelancer pals: We care about members' and clients' experiences SO MUCH.
And that's what makes us great at our work.
BUT often times we forget our boundaries and capacity.
🥐 🥨 🥖 Maybe we need to start thinking like a bakery?
"It's 11 a.m., no more croissants left, come back tomorrow!"
"Nope, I can't cook a fresh batch of bread just for you"
"You can't get a wedding cake for the price of a cupcake"
"I can't deliver fresh bagels to 18472 km away"
"We're closed on Sundays"
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