Opening scene:
A sun-drenched resort, the gentle lapping of waves against the poolside, and the faint clink of ice in tropical drinks.
You got it?
Now, zoom in on a familiar scene – a woman, smartphone in hand, squinting against the glare as she juggles a video call on what is supposed to be her relaxing vacation.
Is this you? I know was me and this was my collegue just a couple of days ago.
We shall call her Sarah.
Sarah and 2024 did not get along real well in the beginning. Lots of downs, but as well all know – if you keep grinding – the downs turn into ups and so when things started looking up, Sarah decided to take a well-deserved break.
But did she really?
Sarah called and texted and emailed me every day from her “supposed” vacation about upcoming work-
(I just told her to find the pool bar and relax)
-but I couldn’t help but see a reflection of my former self.
I’ve learned the hard way:
without boundaries, we become
the overwhelmed,
the burnt-out,
the meltdown-prone.
And inevitably, our businesses suffer.
So, let’s talk about not only why boundaries aren’t just good for you – but they’re essential for your business’s health and longevity.
The Power of Boundaries: Why Every Woman Entrepreneur Needs Them
As a woman entrepreneur, you’re used to wearing many hats and being available around the clock.
But here’s a hard truth:
without clear boundaries, you’re setting yourself up for burnout and compromising the very business you’ve worked so hard to build.
The Science of Boundaries
Research shows that women often struggle more with setting boundaries than men.
A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that women are more likely to experience work-family conflict, largely due to difficulty in separating work and personal life. This constant overlap can lead to increased stress, decreased job satisfaction, and even health issues.
Why Boundaries Matter
- Prevent Burnout: According to the World Health Organization, burnout is a recognized occupational phenomenon. By setting clear boundaries, you protect your mental and physical health.
- Improve Productivity: A study in the Harvard Business Review found that predictable time off increases productivity and creativity.
- Enhance Respect: Contrary to popular belief, setting boundaries doesn’t make you less likable. It actually increases respect from both clients and employees.
How to Set Boundaries
- With Clients:
- Clearly communicate your working hours
- Set expectations for response times
- Use an auto-responder when you’re unavailable
- DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR PERSONAL CELL # (please don’t ever do this again)
Example: “Thank you for your message. I’m currently away from my desk and will respond to emails between 9 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday. For urgent matters, please contact [alternative contact].”
- With Employees:
- Establish “do not disturb” hours
- Use communication tools that allow you to set status (e.g., “Away” or “Do Not Disturb”)
- Lead by example – respect their boundaries too
Example: “I value work-life balance for all of us. Unless it’s an emergency, please refrain from contacting me or each other about work matters after 6 PM or on weekends.”
The Art of Saying No
Remember, “No” is a complete sentence. However, if you want to soften it:
- “I’m honored you thought of me, but I’m not able to commit to this right now.”
- “That sounds interesting, but it doesn’t align with my current priorities.”
- “I don’t have the bandwidth for that at the moment, but I appreciate you thinking of me.”
The Psychological Impact
Not setting boundaries can lead to:
- Increased stress and anxiety
- Resentment towards work and colleagues
- Decreased job satisfaction
- Imposter syndrome
Remember, setting boundaries isn’t selfish – it’s necessary for your well-being and the health of your business. By taking care of yourself, you’re ensuring you can give your best to your clients and employees.
Start small, be consistent, and watch as your quality of life – and work – improves dramatically.