Boundaries Are The Circuit Breakers Protecting What Matters Most

In this episode, we explore Betsy Jacobson’s wisdom on boundary management and discuss Terry Looper’s transformative approach from Sacred Pace. Learn why balance is about protecting priorities, not perfecting time management, and discover practical steps to live with greater clarity and purpose.

Links:

• Sacred Pace: Four Steps to Hearing God and Aligning Yourself with His Will by Terry Looper
• How to Set Healthy Boundaries and Build Positive Relationships 
• How Leaders Can Balance Work and Life

Creators & Guests

Host

Dusty Holcomb

Dusty Holcomb is the Founder & CEO of The Arcqus Group, a leadership consulting and executive coaching firm focused on helping leaders achieve their highest potential. With over 25 years of experience driving growth and building high-performing teams, Dusty is committed to principles-centered leadership and empowering others to lead with purpose. A five-time Ironman finisher and lifelong learner, Dusty brings passion and discipline to every aspect of leadership development.

What is The Leadership "Quote-ient" With Dusty Holcomb?

Hosted by Dusty Holcomb, Leadership "Quote-ient" explores the connection between powerful quotes and self-leadership. Each episode dives into timeless wisdom and its practical application, helping you grow with clarity and purpose. Designed for those striving to lead themselves and others, this podcast offers insights to guide your personal and professional journey. Join Dusty for thoughtful reflections and actionable takeaways that inspire intentional and impactful leadership.

Dusty Holcomb: 00:03

Welcome to the Leadership Quotient. I'm Dusty Holcomb. And each day, I'll share a meaningful quote and explore how it applies to leadership and personal growth. Together, we'll unpack lessons that help you lead yourself and others with purpose and clarity. Let's get started.

Dusty Holcomb: 00:23

Balance is not better time management, but better boundary management. Balance means making choices and enjoying those choices. Betsy Jacobson. These words hit close to home for me. How about you?

Dusty Holcomb: 00:39

How often do you find yourself so caught up in what you're doing that the hours vanish and with them opportunities to connect with others or care for yourself? Like I said, this hits home for me and I've had more of these moments than I'd like to admit. It feels productive at the time, but looking back, the trade offs aren't worth it. Balance isn't about cramming more into an already busy day. It's about making clear intentional choices and protecting them with boundaries that keep us aligned with what matters most.

Dusty Holcomb: 01:11

The truth is this isn't just about me. Leaders everywhere face the same challenge, whether it's missing personal moments or letting professional obligations seek into family life. We struggle to find balance. That's because we often approach balance the wrong way. We think it's about managing time better, but as Jacobson points out, it's really about managing boundaries.

Dusty Holcomb: 01:34

Boundaries are like circuit breakers in our lives. They protect us from overload and ensure that we can operate sustainably. Without them, the current of commitments and responsibilities will short circuit our well-being and damage the relationships that we value most. But most boundaries aren't just about saying no. They're about saying yes to the things that truly matter.

Dusty Holcomb: 01:56

Balance is making peace with the trade offs in life, choosing what aligns with your values and letting go of what doesn't. This is where the wisdom of Terry Looper's book, Sacred PACE comes into play. Looper reminds us that slowing down, reflecting, and aligning our actions with our purpose is the key to living with intention. If you've never read Sacred Base, it's an incredible guide for creating clarity around your priorities. Here are 3 ways you could start managing your boundaries today.

Dusty Holcomb: 02:27

1st, identify non negotiables. What are the parts of your life, family, health, faith, or personal growth that must not be compromised? Write them down and treat them like sacred commitments. 2nd, set circuit breakers. Create specific boundaries to protect your priorities.

Dusty Holcomb: 02:46

For example, set a rule like no work emails after 7 pm, or lock comment on your calendar for personal reflection or family dinners. 3rd, communicate clearly. Boundaries fail without communication. Share your limits with those around you, your team, your family, even your friends. Let them know what matters to you and why you're protecting.

Dusty Holcomb: 03:08

Let me leave you with this challenge. Take 15 minutes today to identify one area of your life where boundaries are weak. Maybe it's in how you let work bleed into personal time. Maybe it's with social obligations pulling you away from what you value most. Whatever it is, set one boundary today to protect what matters.

Dusty Holcomb: 03:24

And then, of course, this is the key. Honor it.

Dusty Holcomb: 03:32

Thanks for joining me on the Leadership Quotient. I hope today's quote gave you something to think about and apply in your leadership journey. If you found value in this episode, I'd love for you to share it, subscribe, or leave a review. Leadership is a journey. Keep moving forward, and I'll see you next time.