Most people think setting boundaries makes you difficult

I used to think setting boundaries at work meant being the difficult person.

You know - the one who says no to everything, leaves exactly at 5pm, and never helps out in a pinch.

So I said yes to everything instead.

Extra meetings

Last-minute requests

Weekend "quick calls"

I was helpful. I was accommodating.

I was also drowning.

What I didn't realize?

Most people don't actually want to cross your boundaries.

They just don't know where the line is.

The moment I started being clear about my limits - without apology or over-explanation - something amazing happened.

People respected them✨

✨ I N S P I R E

"The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything."

- Warren Buffett

Love this one too:

"You can be a good person with a kind heart and still say no."

- Lori Deschene

✨ T H R I V E

Want people to respect your time?

Start saying these exact words:

1) "Help me understand where this fits with our current priorities."

↳ Makes them pause. Most "urgent" things vanish.

2) "I check emails after 10am."

↳ Your routine. No apology needed.

3) "25-minute meetings usually get better results."

↳ Frame it as effective, not rushed.

4) "I'd like to give this proper thought before committing."

↳ Slow down. Thoughtful beats reactive.

5) "I leave buffer time between meetings to stay present."

↳ Helps you and them. Win-win.

6) "I focus on quality over constant availability."

↳ Scarcity = value. Make it count.

7) "I take questions during my Tuesday/Thursday office hours."

↳ Set the rule, people will adjust expectations.

8) "What timeline works for a solid solution?"

↳ Invite collaboration instead of pressure.

9) "I choose projects that match my strengths."

↳ Excellence needs focus and intention.

10) "Let's talk during our 10am check-in."

↳ Give a time. Avoids the vague back-and-forth.

11) "I might not be best for this, but Sarah would crush it."

↳ Protect your time while remaining helpful.

12) "Thursday mornings are when I do my best thinking."

↳ Tie it to results. Non-negotiable.

13) "I'm with family after 6pm, I'll handle this at 8am."

↳ Set the line. Offer next steps.

14) "Email me the details so I don't miss anything."

↳ Makes it their win, not your need.

15) "I keep Wednesdays meeting-free for big-picture work."

↳ Patterns create predictability. And respect.Your time is a reflection of your priorities.

The people who respect your boundaries?

Those are your people.

The ones who push back?

That tells you everything you need to know.

You deserve to protect your peace without the guilt.

Have a great week!

Carolyn

✨ R E S O U R C E S

How to Think About Time So You Have More of It - Time management and boundary-setting strategies

The Power of a Doorway Affirmation - Setting intentions and mental boundaries

How to Challenge Your Self Concept - Breaking limiting beliefs about what you "should" do for others

Speaking of protecting your time...

Your to-do list is sabotaging every boundary you try to set.

You say no to one meeting, then panic about the 30 other tasks screaming for attention.

Here's what I've learned: Boundaries without systems don't work.

"Stop Drowning in Your To-Do List" launches soon!

[Join the waitlist] for first access & an exclusive discount.

60 minutes to fix what's been broken for years.

P.S. Early testers keep saying "I wish I'd learned this sooner" Same.

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