Volume 10: Boundaries—The Invisible Line Between Success and Burnout

Let’s get real for a moment. In a role like Chief of Staff—or any executive-level position—pushing limits is practically in our DNA. We’re the ones who make the impossible possible. We stretch ourselves to ensure our executive’s success, to meet organizational goals, and to deliver for staff, partners, and customers alike. We juggle priorities like seasoned pros. And let’s be honest—sometimes we wear “doing it all” like a badge of honor.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: working non-stop doesn’t make you invincible. It makes you vulnerable.

I know this firsthand, and I’ll bet you do too. Pushing yourself too hard to finish what you knew was nearly impossible—working late nights, early mornings, skipping meals, skipping rest—it’s not sustainable. Not for you, and certainly not for the organization you serve. Boundaries are not a luxury. They are not a “nice to have” for people with less responsibility. Boundaries are a must-have, especially for high-performing leaders like us who are constantly balancing, adapting, and showing up for everyone else. Without them, we risk more than our energy. We risk our health, our clarity, and ultimately, our ability to perform at the level of impact we know we’re capable of.

Healthy Boundaries Are Professional, Not Weak

Let’s flip the script on the myth that setting boundaries makes you less committed or less capable. In reality, boundaries are what allow you to do your best work.

Burnout Isn’t Heroic: Burning the candle at both ends doesn’t make you a hero; it just makes you exhausted. And when you’re exhausted, you lose focus. You lose clarity of purpose. You stop seeing the bigger picture, and that’s when mistakes are made.

Flexibility Requires Structure: Flexibility and agility are critical skills for a Chief of Staff. We know how to pivot, adapt, and problem-solve on the fly. But flexibility isn’t the same as being boundless. The very reason you can be flexible is because you’ve defined what matters most—your priorities, your energy, your time. That’s where boundaries come in.

Healthy Leaders Lead Healthy Organizations: If you’re running on empty, you’re not just hurting yourself—you’re impacting the very organization you’re trying to protect. A healthy, sustainable rhythm for you means a stronger, more resilient leadership team.

Boundaries That Matter

Boundaries don’t mean rigidity or saying “no” to everything. It means knowing where the line is—and holding it. It comes with the ability to... say no to work that doesn’t align with your organization’s goals or your executive’s top priorities.

It comes with the confidence to protect your time for deep, strategic thinking, ensuring you're working at the highest impact possible and not constantly in reactive mode.

It also comes with a keen focus just on you. Making space for your physical and mental health is as important as the work you're performing for the organization—because running yourself into the ground isn’t sustainable for you or the people you serve.

As an Executive Chief of Staff, we’re accustomed to spinning plates, solving problems, and making magic happen under pressure. But I want to challenge you to ask yourself: At what cost? If you’re sacrificing your health, your focus, and your long-term impact to appear invincible, is it worth it? I’ll give you the answer: it’s not.

True leadership isn’t about appearing untouchable. It’s about knowing when to stop, pause, and breathe—because doing so will allow you to show up stronger, smarter, and more effective tomorrow. Vulnerability doesn’t make you weak; it makes you wise.

Holding Boundaries Makes You Better

At the end of the day, holding to boundaries isn’t about protecting yourself instead of the organization—it’s about protecting yourself so that you can continue to show up for the organization. When you lead with clarity, when you focus on what truly matters, you make better decisions. You protect not just your health, but the health of the team, the rhythm of the business, and the goals of the company itself.

So, to all the leaders reading this—especially my fellow Executive Chiefs of Staff—I’ll leave you with this thought:

If you don’t protect your boundaries, who will?

Take the time. Protect the line. Show up as the leader you know you’re capable of being—because no one benefits when you run yourself into the ground.

Thank you for reading, reflecting, and always striving for better.

Feel free to contact me with story ideas and additional perspectives! ([email protected])