Setting Healthy Boundaries

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲. - You need clarity. - You need respect. - You need space to protect your well-being. Some of the hardest lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from being treated unfairly. They came from not setting boundaries soon enough. If you want to thrive at work without burning out, here are 5 boundaries worth setting (and none of them make you “difficult”): ☝🏼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳-𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 → Just because you can reply after 7pm doesn’t mean you should. ✌🏼 𝗦𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 → Your value isn’t tied to being constantly available. 🤟🏼 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 → Silence helps no one. Especially not you. 🖖🏼 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 → You can be helpful without being a doormat. 🖐🏼 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀—𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿𝘀 → Invest in what helps you grow, not just what keeps others comfortable. Boundaries aren’t walls. They’re doors to healthier, more sustainable careers. What’s one boundary you’ve set that changed the way you work?

I spent a decade sacrificing everything for my first company (health, family, even my honeymoon). Now, as a dad of three, I'm building my 2nd company completely differently. Here's how: == I used to work 16-hour days, weekends, and holidays. Now? • I work 8-5. • I don’t work weekends. • I take a month-long family trip every summer. Here’s how I made it happen: == 1. Redefine success. During my first startup, success meant hustle and hyper-growth at any cost. Now, success is about building a business that: • Lasts 50+ years. • Stays profitable from day one. • Protects my health and relationships. == 2. Set non-negotiable boundaries. I made a rule when I started @useonward: I work 8-5, Monday through Friday. That’s it. Busyness is no longer a badge of honor. Setting boundaries make you sharper, more creative, and more present as a leader. == 3. Choose a business model that aligns with your life. I picked B2B SaaS because it’s: • High-margin, low-cost, scalable. • Free from the relentless pace of retail or DTC. • Purely remote—no office, no commute. == 4. Go all-in on remote work. Tools like @loom, @NotionHQ, and @asana allow us to: • Document processes async. • Communicate clearly & concisely. • Build process & systems that run without me. The goal? A business that doesn’t depend on me 24/7. == 5. Optimize for longevity, not burnout. During my first company, there were no days off. Now, it’s about properly integrating family & work. Take the long family trip - empower your team but stay on top things. Burnout isn’t proof of dedication. It’s a leadership failure. == 6. Give yourself permission to build differently. The old me would’ve called these boundaries lazy. But here’s the truth: boundaries make you better. The goal isn’t to grind endlessly. It’s to create a company that works for you—not the other way around. == Building a startup doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health, family, or happiness. Follow Josh Payne for lessons on scaling profitably, creating balance, and building a business you love.

Tired of feeling used? Here's how to take back your power... Ever feel like no matter how much you give, you’re just getting taken for granted? I’ve been there. For most of my life, I've had a habit of doing favors for others, thinking it was necessary to strengthen relationships, driven by an overdeveloped and, you might say, dysfunctional sense of duty. But here’s the truth: “No good deed goes unpunished.” I decided enough was enough. It became time to kill off my inner voice that compelled me to always assist, to always feel guilty when I didn't. Here’s how I overhauled my mindset to reclaim my freedom, abandoning a self-defeating sense of duty: 🟢 I prioritized myself first This isn't about being selfish. It's a call to action to stop putting others’ needs above your own. Your time and energy are valuable. 🟢 I set clear boundaries This is a core philosophy I preach: Learn to say "No" without feeling guilty. You can say "no" in many ways without sounding harsh, but the key part of the message should include "no" or a synonym each time. And there's no need to be wordy. Plain sentences work best. Remember that boundaries aren’t walls—they’re clear lines that show others how to treat us. 🟢 I valued my time When you help someone it should be worth your while. If it’s not mutually beneficial, it’s okay to walk away. 🟢 Cultivate mutual respect Surround yourself with people who respect your boundaries and value your contributions. Relationships are built on mutual support, not one-sided favors. 🟢 Focus on quality over quantity It’s better to have a few meaningful connections than countless superficial ones. 🟢 Let go of guilt Feeling guilty for not helping someone is unnecessary. Your primary responsibility is to yourself and your own goals. The result? ✔ Increased productivity. With clear boundaries, I can focus on what truly matters. ✔ Stronger relationships. Mutual respect has strengthened my connections. ✔ Greater freedom. No longer chained by as many obligations, I’m free to pursue my passions and dreams. Final thoughts... Life is too short to be weighed down by endless favors and unreciprocated efforts. Take control. Set boundaries. Value your time. Your future self will thank you. ♻ to your network. Tap the 🔔 for more.

Wednesday Q&A “Being able to help others is one of the most rewarding aspects of work for me. But how can I ensure that my goodwill isn't taken advantage of and my desire to help isn’t abused?” Distinguishing between being genuinely helpful and being used is indeed very important. These are a few things that can help to balance helpfulness with self-respect: Set clear boundaries. It is crucial to set limits. Be clear about what you can and cannot do. If someone consistently relies on you for tasks outside your role, it may be time to politely but firmly push back and say ‘no.’ Assess the impact. Ask yourself: does helping contribute positively to your career journey, teamwork, or the project, or does it drain your time and energy without much return? It’s probably worth it if your assistance enables growth and success. If not, it might be time to rethink your involvement. Watch for patterns. It's one thing to help occasionally, but you might be used if it becomes a pattern where your help is expected. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t! Pay attention to how you feel after helping. Do you feel valued, or does your help feel taken for granted? Your feelings can be a strong indicator of whether your help is being appreciated or abused. Dear friends & connections, please write below if you have another tip to add!

✨No is a complete sentence.✨ 🤔 So why does it feel so hard to say? For many Women of Color, setting boundaries at work and with family often feels like walking a tightrope. Between cultural expectations, the pressure to overperform, and the emotional labor of supporting others, it’s easy to put your needs last. But here’s the truth: boundaries are an act of self-preservation—and they’re non-negotiable. As we roll into the season of holidays and "Let's finish out Q4 strong!" here are a few tips that I hope support your boundaries and honor your needs too. 1. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Your value is not derived from how productive you are or what you do for others. 2. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 In some cultures, boundaries are viewed as confrontational or selfish. Reframe them for yourself and others as acts of love and sustainability. 3. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁. Rest and joy are acts of resistance in a world that often expects you to overwork. 4. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 & 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 Speak assertively but with warmth to navigate cultural or workplace dynamics that may resist boundary-setting. 5. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 Setting boundaries may disappoint or surprise others, especially if they’re used to you being the go-to person. That's OK—your needs are just as important as theirs. 6. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 Start with smaller steps to ease your transition into setting boundaries and protecting your energy. 7. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 Surround yourself with people who respect your boundaries. 8. 𝗦𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼 (𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆) “No” doesn’t have to mean a hard stop. Offer alternatives when possible to remain aligned with your values. What other tips would you add? Share them in the comments. 🧡 ♻️ Repost to share with others. _______________________________________________________________ Struggling with boundaries in work and life? I can help. Setup time to chat here: https://lnkd.in/gPGdqta6

I’ve given into the pressure to take on every project, stay late for every meeting, and basically be everyone's "yes" person — in the hopes of gaining a bit more visibility at work. I thought this was the path to promotion. But as an introvert who used to people please, I realized that I can’t be my best self if I’m constantly stretched thin or saying yes to everything. Here’s how you can politely set boundaries at work: ✅ Prioritize ruthlessly. Identify your most important tasks and ruthlessly schedule them first. Block out "focus time" in your calendar to avoid distractions. ️ ✅ Communicate clearly. Let colleagues know your preferred communication style and availability. For example, you could say, "I'm most focused in the mornings, so urgent matters are best addressed then." ️ ✅ Practice saying no. It gets easier with time! Be more intentional with setting boundaries. It’s your way of showing respect for yourself and your time. 💬 What’s your go-to script in saying “no” at work? #LITrendingTopics #SettingBoundaries #ExecutivePresence #Communication

It feels good to be seen as the go-to person. But then the “yes” starts to haunt you when you realize you’ve got no idea where this extra work fits. Cue the late nights, the stress, and the resentment creeping in. We’ve all been there — wanting to be helpful, likable, or just a team player, even if it costs us. And while it’s totally understandable, it doesn’t make it any less overwhelming when you’re staring at a to-do list that feels impossible. Here’s the shift: Saying ”no“ isn’t about letting people down. It’s about setting boundaries that protect your energy, your time, and your ability to deliver your best work. And when you do take something on? It’s got to be with intention, not obligation. Here’s how to get there: 1️⃣ Pause Before You Say Yes: Instead of committing on the spot, practice saying, “Let me check my workload and get back to you.” This gives you breathing room to decide intentionally. 2️⃣ Get Real About Your Capacity: Take a hard look at your current commitments. What’s urgent, and what’s important? Where does this new request fit? 3️⃣ Set Boundaries Clearly: If it doesn’t fit, be honest: “I’d love to help, but I’m at capacity right now. Here’s an alternative suggestion…” If it does fit, define what you can realistically deliver and by when. When you stop defaulting to “yes,” you create more space for what truly matters. When you honor your limits, you show up better for yourself, your work, and yes, even your colleagues. The result? Less stress, fewer late nights, and more respect from colleagues who see you as someone with clear priorities and boundaries. Have you ever felt stuck in a “yes” you didn’t have room for? What’s one boundary you’re working on setting? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

I used to wake up dreading my calendar. Every notification felt like another brick on my chest. Until I realized: the old rules were breaking me. So I set out to rewrite the rules. Here are 8 boundary-setting tips that actually work: ❌ Old rule: Work Defines Your Identity ✅ New rule: Separate Your Worth from Your Work 💡 Action: Schedule 2 hours weekly for a non-work hobby ❌ Push Through Until Burnout ✅ Honor Your Body's Signals 💡 Recharge with a 10-minute break every 90 minutes of focused work ❌ Always Be Available ✅ Guard Your Time Intentionally 💡 Batch all emails into 2-3 set times daily ❌ Keep Struggles To Yourself ✅ Be Kind to Yourself & Seek Support 💡 Book monthly check-ins with a trusted mentor ❌ Hope Others Guess Your Limits ✅ Over-Communicate Your Boundaries 💡 Set response time expectations in your email signature ❌ Treat Everything As Urgent ✅ Distinguish Between Urgent and Important 💡 Use prioritization by each day labeling your top 3 tasks as "Important" or "Urgent" ❌ Follow Unrealistic Schedules ✅ Create a Routine That Works for You 💡 Design a 30-minute morning routine that energizes you ❌ Put Self-Care Last on the To-Do List ✅ Schedule Self-Care Time First 💡 Block 30-minutes of personal time daily The old rules are the quiet thief of joy and purpose. These new rules will help you thrive in work AND life. Which old rule do you need to break first? ♻️ Repost to help others break the old rules. 🔔 Follow me (Nadeem) for more like this.

Boundaries aren't barriers, they’re bridges to better productivity and balance. As Chiefs of Staff or Executive Assistants (or any role where we support an executive), we often juggle endless priorities and demands. Someone told me yesterday that they "heard" Chiefs of Staff have 60+ hour work weeks! 😬 😆 Maybe... if they're doing it wrong... The truth is effectiveness doesn’t come from doing everything. It comes from doing the RIGHT things *while* protecting your time, energy, and focus. That’s where boundaries come in. They’re not about saying "no" all the time— they’re about creating clarity, alignment, and space for what truly matters. Here are some important boundaries that can transform how you work (swipe through to see the what, why, and how behind these!): 1️⃣ Availability Boundaries Define when you’re accessible and how quickly you respond. Setting working hours and response times helps you protect personal time and focus. 2️⃣ Time Boundaries Guard your schedule to focus on high-priority tasks. Block time for deep work and use shared calendars to communicate your availability. 3️⃣ Emotional Boundaries Separate your emotions from work dynamics. Protect yourself from absorbing unnecessary stress or conflicts that aren’t yours to resolve. 4️⃣ Responsibility Boundaries Clarify what tasks you own and what should be handled by others. This prevents overextension and ensures you’re working on high-impact priorities. 5️⃣ Communication Boundaries Structure how and when communication happens. Batch questions, use agendas, and set expectations for response times to avoid inefficiencies. ➡️ When you set boundaries, you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re also creating a more ⭐️ structured, ⭐️ efficient, and ⭐️ effective work environment for everyone around you. Which boundary has been the most game-changing for you? Or which one do you want to set moving forward? Let’s discuss below! === 🔔 Be sure to follow me Melanie Jones The Chief of Staff Coach™, for more insights on how to be more effective in your role! ♻️ Repost to help spread awareness about effective boundaries

The most common question I get about  boundaries in the workplace: “𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝗜 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀?”  Before you can create boundaries,  ↳you need to know what they are.  𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯. A boundary is a clear line  ↳that defines what’s okay and what isn’t.  It helps protect the following: 📌time 📌energy 📌well-being.  Without boundaries, it’s easy to feel  overworked, overwhelmed, and undervalued.  𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿?  They allow you to be:   ⇢ Productive   ⇢ Focused   ⇢ Respected   ⇢ Emotionally balanced   ⇢ Energized   ⇢ Healthy  𝘚𝘰 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴?  1️⃣ Identify your limits  - Know what drains your energy and what restores it.  2️⃣ Communicate your boundaries clearly  - Example: “I’m unavailable for calls after 6 PM.”  3️⃣ Set realistic expectations with others   - Let colleagues know when and how you can be reached.  4️⃣ Practice saying ‘no’ with kindness   - Saying no to one thing is saying yes to yourself.  5️⃣ Hold yourself accountable - Stick to your boundaries, even when it’s uncomfortable.     (And respect others' boundaries!) 6️⃣ Give self space to grow - Boundaries evolve—check in and make changes as necessary.  𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸?  Boundaries require us to reflect deeply on what we need to protect.  👀 Notice where you feel resentful or drained.   ❓ Ask yourself what you need to change.   🫶 Honor your needs without guilt.   😫 Embrace the discomfort of setting limits.   💗 Celebrate when you follow through on boundaries.   💪 Take responsibility for communicating them effectively.  Boundaries aren't barriers—𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀  to better relationships and well-being.  The more you respect your own boundaries, the more others will, too.  What’s one boundary you could set today that your future self will thank you for? ----- I’m Julia LeFevre. I help leaders turn divided teams into dream teams using NeuroChange. Click my name + follow  ♻️ Repost this → spread value 🙌✨