Creating Boundaries: A Necessary Act of Self-Preservation and Resilience

Early in my career, I believed that success meant saying ‘yes’ to everything—every project, every meeting, every opportunity. I thought that proving my worth required constant availability and over-delivering. However, as time went on, I realized that my lack of boundaries was costing me my mental and emotional health. Setting boundaries was a difficult lesson, but it became a form of self-care that allowed me to protect my energy and focus on what truly mattered.

When we set boundaries, we define what we’re willing to give and what we need to preserve our well-being. This allows us to show up more fully in our roles, as our energy is not constantly depleted.

5 Tips for Setting Boundaries:

1. Start Small with Clear, Specific Limits Begin by setting boundaries in one or two areas of your life, such as limiting your availability outside of work hours or taking breaks during the day. Be clear about your limits with others.
2. Communicate Your Boundaries Assertively Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to set boundaries. Clearly communicate your limits to colleagues, family, and friends in a calm and assertive manner, framing it as necessary for your well-being.
3. Identify Energy Drainers Pay attention to tasks or people that drain your energy. Once you identify them, either delegate, limit interaction, or adjust your expectations to preserve your energy.
4. Practice Saying ‘No’ Gently but Firmly Saying ‘no’ can feel uncomfortable, but it’s essential for maintaining balance. Practice saying ‘no’ in a way that honors your needs while being respectful of others. For example, “I won’t be able to take on this project right now, but I appreciate you considering me.”
5. Use Technology to Support Boundaries Use tools like Do Not Disturb settings, email scheduling, or time-blocking apps to help enforce boundaries and maintain focus during work hours.

Boundaries are an essential form of self-care and empowerment. They allow you to protect your energy and focus on the things that truly matter. By creating and maintaining boundaries, you ensure that your work and personal life are in alignment with your values, fostering greater resilience and clarity. Ultimately, boundaries help you show up as your best self—confident, clear, and capable—both in your work and your personal life.

Setting boundaries is the ultimate act of self-care, and it’s the key to building resilience in all areas of your life. The Resilience Pathway is designed to help you define, set, and maintain boundaries that protect your energy and align with your values. Find out how you can start your journey toward empowered living with the Resilience Pathway.

Sacha Thompson is the founder of The Equity Equation, a consulting and coaching firm dedicated to creating inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces. With over 20 years of experience in DEI, leadership development, and resilience coaching, Sacha empowers individuals and organizations to align their values with meaningful, sustainable change. Through her personal journey and the development of the Resilience Pathway, she helps professionals navigate challenging environments and prioritize self-care for lasting success.