Hey there, Monsters!

In today’s fast-paced world, setting effective boundaries is more crucial than ever for new age leaders. We’re here to lead with passion and purpose, but that doesn’t mean we have to be available 24/7, or that you need to fill out every template that good old Karen asks you to. You also don’t need to accept meeting invitations after hours, have calls on a Friday night, or miss out on your spouse’s birthday party stuck in a closet under the stairs, working. We’ve all been there, Monsters, and I’ve got news for you. There is a simple word that can help you solve these issues. This word is NO. Repeat after me—NO.

Saying NO is not rude, impolite, or negative. It is a very healthy word that communicates a boundary. In fact, knowing when to say no and carving out time for self-care are vital for our success and sanity. So, let’s dive into why boundaries are your new best friend and how you can set them effectively.

Why Boundaries Are So Important

As leaders, our roles often demand a lot from us. We juggle multiple responsibilities, manage teams, and drive projects forward. We serve clients, collaborate with stakeholders, and participate in public engagements. On top of that, let’s add our complex personal relationships with our partners, families, children, etc. And yes, all that time we spend idly staring at the screens of our phones, “keeping up” with social media. Our lives have never been more complex, and the higher the level of complexity, the more important it is to practice setting boundaries. Without clear boundaries, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and burnt out. More importantly, without boundaries, we are more likely to end up working on somebody else’s agenda rather than our own. Boundaries mean respecting yourself enough to take a step back and reevaluate what truly matters. Is this your job? Will you get rewarded for it? Will clients care about it? If the answer to any of these questions is NO, you need to set a boundary.

Here’s why boundaries matter:

1. Protects Your Time and Energy: Boundaries help you allocate your time and energy to what truly matters, ensuring you’re not spread too thin or invested in pointless tasks and endeavors that suck up your free time.
2. Enhances Focus and Productivity: When you’re not constantly reacting to every demand, you can focus on high-impact tasks and be more productive in your business and in your life. Tell that to Karen next time she asks you to fill in a pointless template.
3. Promotes Healthy Relationships: Clear boundaries improve communication and respect within your team, fostering a healthier work environment.

The Power of Saying No

One of the hardest things to do, especially for us go-getters, is to say no. But here’s the thing—saying no doesn’t mean you’re being difficult or uncooperative. It means you’re prioritizing what’s truly important. Here’s why saying no is a superpower:

1. Prevents Burnout: By saying no to tasks or commitments that don’t align with your priorities, you protect your mental and physical health.
2. Maintains Quality: When you’re not overloaded, you can maintain high standards in your work. A no-brainer, right?
3. Sets Expectations: Saying no sets clear expectations for others about what you can and can’t take on, which leads to better respect and understanding.

Carving Out Time for Self-Care

Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. By saying NO, you make time for yourself. You can sharpen your saw. Learn, create, innovate. As leaders, we need to be at our best to inspire and lead others. But we cannot look towards the future if we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. Trust me, Monsters, I learned this the hard way. And I still can be guilty of overcommitting my time and attention to things that don’t really matter.

Here’s how carving out time for self-care can transform your leadership:

• Boosts Creativity and Innovation: Time away from work allows your mind to rest and recharge, sparking creativity.
• Improves Decision-Making: A well-rested leader makes better decisions.
• Enhances Emotional Resilience: Regular self-care helps you manage stress and bounce back from challenges more effectively.

Pruning: An Effective Technique

My favorite boundary-setting technique is called “pruning.” Just like a gardener prunes plants to help them grow, we need to prune our commitments and tasks to thrive. Pruning involves cutting back on activities that drain your energy or don’t align with your goals. Here’s how to do it:

1. Evaluate Your Commitments: List all your current tasks and commitments. Identify which ones are essential and which ones aren’t.
2. Eliminate the Non-Essentials: Let go of tasks that don’t contribute to your goals or well-being.
3. Delegate and Automate: Delegate tasks to your team or automate processes where possible to free up your time.
4. Set Clear Priorities: Focus on the most important tasks that drive your success and fulfillment.

Embrace Your Inner Monster

Remember, setting boundaries isn’t about building walls; it’s about creating a healthy framework that allows you to thrive. As new age leaders, we have the power to redefine what leadership looks like by prioritizing our well-being and leading with authenticity. You aren’t a bad person if you say no. On the contrary, you are showing that you respect yourself, just as much as you respect others. You acknowledge your limits and priorotize your time and resources. This isn’t bad, but it is truly badass.

So, my fabulous Monsters, let’s make a pact. Let’s commit to setting effective boundaries, saying no when necessary, and making self-care a priority. Let’s prune away the non-essentials and focus on what truly matters. Together, we’ll lead with strength, clarity, and a whole lot of passion.

Keep roaring, keep soaring, and keep being the amazing leaders you’re destined to be.

All the best

Helena