It is important to know your parameters as well as the parameters others hold for their life.
Know your parameters
I volunteered for an endeavor only to cancel. Why? I had volunteered for a time that's not good for me, a time when I don't have the energy or attention to do my best work. I need to remember my time parameters when volunteering. On another occasion I was asked to complete a task. That time I did regard my parameters and said that I could not do the task then--the request was clearly outside of my parameters, parameters created to optimize energy and attention to life's priorities. Similarly a friend wanted me to join her on an adventure. Knowing that I am often unaware or inattentive to needed parameters, she coached me by helping to make a schedule to ready me for the adventure. When the adventure came, I was ready and able to enjoy every minute of us. For some of us, knowing our parameters is natural--we easily find ourselves living by a positive, energizing routine, but for others, knowing one's parameters is difficult and that unknowing can get us into lots of trouble because we find ourselves signing on to endeavors we can't do because we may not have the time, money, interest or ability to engage.
Knowing your parameters helps you to be your best self. Thinking carefully about your time and how you use it directs you in ways that help you complete tasks and engage happily and productively.
Know the parameters others hold
When we make time to know other people's parameters, we find ourselves able to be a much more loving and supportive individual. If you're always barging in when someone is not ready for you or interested in you, you're likely to be less successful. Take some time to think about the people you love and the people you want to work with and enjoy. What are their parameters like? Simply, you can begin with understanding when they have their best energy. Some people are always energized early and not at night, and for others it's the opposite. Who, when and what energizes the people you love? Use that knowledge to forge strong and positive ties.
Today as I engage in a number of tasks, I want to think about my parameters and the parameters of others. I want to respect those schedules of time, energy and engagement more. Onward.