Become a Boundary Setting Badass
Image by Erin Larson on Unsplash
LEARN HOW TO SAY NO TO OTHERS IN ORDER TO SAY YES TO YOURSELF
Have you ever found yourself sucked into joining a meeting and realise half-way through, it adds no value to your goals? Or maybe you’ve agreed to take on “just one more project,” even though your plate is already overflowing? It’s nice to be seen as the go-to for everything, but if we aren’t careful, it can lead to overcommitment, burnout and a general sense of disconnection to the things that really mean something to us.
I admit it. I am a recovering people pleaser. I constantly found myself in situations where I had overcommitted either double-booking appointments or taking on new clients and projects just because it just a little bit excited me. But excitement about something isn’t the same thing as what mattered to me. I was stretched so thin that the truly important and meaningful things —both in my personal and professional life—began slipping through the cracks. I realized that by not setting clear boundaries, I wasn’t protecting my time or my energy. What I started to realise is that I had no boundaries. And as cliche as this might sound. Having no boundaries is like saying no to yourself and yes to everyone and everything else.
Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Here is a simple way to start setting boundaries with 10 phrases to get you started!
Protect Your Time and Energy
As leaders, our time is one of our most valuable resources. We’re often pulled in many directions, but if we don’t protect our time, we won’t have the energy to focus on what truly matters. Before saying yes to the next request, pause.
Ask yourself: what are my limits? What drains me? What fuels me? Let these questions guide your decision-making process.
Be Clear & Direct
When setting boundaries, it’s important to be polite but firm. There’s no need for long explanations—simply let people know your time is valuable.
For example, if someone asks you to join a low-priority task, you can say, “I appreciate the opportunity, but my current priorities won’t allow me to commit fully.” Perhaps even suggest and align with another team member to participate instead. This could be an opportunity for someone else’s development.
“Ask yourself: what are my limits? What drains me? What fuels me? Let these questions guide your decision-making process.”
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Start Small and Protect What Matters
You don’t need to overhaul your entire schedule overnight. Start by saying no to smaller, low-priority tasks. This creates space for you to say yes to what aligns with your goals and values, allowing for growth, productivity, and fulfillment—both in your personal and professional life.
Remember, setting boundaries is not about shutting people out, but about making sure you’re showing up at your best for the things that truly matter.
10 Boundary Setting Statements
Here are 10 simple statements to help you get started being a Boundary Setting Badass.
I’m not available for that right now.
I’ll need more time to think about this.
I’m going to focus on my current priorities. Let’s regroup in (insert timeline here).
I don't have the capacity to take this on.
Let’s circle back to this later, if needed.
I’m going to step away for a moment.
That’s not helpful for me right now.
I’ll need to focus on my current priorities right now.
It sounds like a really interesting opportunity. Let’s talk to (insert colleague) to see if that might be something that fits their developmental plan and if they have time.
No.
Let’s Talk Leadership Development
Hi! I’m Carrie. I coach mid-to-senior level professionals — especially team leads stepping into larger leadership roles and parents returning after parental leave — who feel less confident transitioning from technical expertise to people management. Rather than “starting from scratch”, we’ll tap into your strengths, build your confidence, and help you lead with clarity and authenticity, both at work and at home.
If you're ready to enhance your leadership skills or help your team grow, let’s connect.