How to Set (and Stick to) Healthy Boundaries as a Business Owner

Jul 28

Written By

Business owner practicing healthy work boundaries in a calm workspace

Creating boundaries has become a topic I am deeply passionate about. In my previous career, boundaries simply didn’t exist. I didn’t know how to create them—let alone stick to them—which ultimately led to burnout. That experience shaped my life so profoundly that I built a business rooted in protecting and honoring boundaries.

Whether you’re a business owner, executive assistant, or virtual assistant, strong boundaries are essential for your energy, client relationships, and overall well-being.

You might be wondering:
“Why should I set boundaries?” or
“I have boundaries… so why can’t I stick to them?”

Let’s break down why boundaries matter and how you can set—and keep—them in place.

Why Should I Set Boundaries?

To Stay in Control of Your Energy

It's essential to recognize your limits and be mindful of how certain individuals, situations, or tasks can drain or deplete your energy. Setting boundaries allows you to choose who and what gets your energy – and when.

To Remain Compensated Appropriately

It’s crucial to set boundaries to ensure that you are adequately compensated for your time, skills, and expertise. For example, if you start what seems like a small habit of checking or replying to emails outside of your work hours, that’s mental energy and unpaid time. The next thing you know, it starts happening regularly.

To Commit to “Me Time”

If you don’t have boundaries in place, it becomes easy to put your own needs on the back burner. You may think to yourself, “I’ll get to that workout later” or “I don’t have time to take a break in the sunshine right now”. Before you know it, your schedule is dedicated to everyone and everything, except you.

To Reinvigorate Yourself

If your brain is constantly running through your to-do list, you’re not giving yourself the space you need to reset and refresh. Boundaries will help you to focus when it’s time to work and be present when it’s time to relax. This will allow you to show up as your best self in every area of your life.

How to Set (and Stick to) Your Boundaries

Brainstorm and Write Down Your Boundaries

During this beginning phase, it’s important to consider which boundaries are important to you. Once you know, write them down. Having a visual reminder will help you reinforce them for yourself, colleagues, employees, and clients.

Make Sure Your Boundaries Are Realistic

Are the boundaries you’ve chosen a good fit for you? Are you being realistic about your needs? Make sure the boundaries you’ve outlined are actually going to benefit you. Be honest with yourself.

Communicate Your Boundaries Clearly

Whether they are written in a contract, sent via email at the start of a project, easily accessible on your website, or part of your employee handbook – make sure your boundaries are clearly communicated and easily found.

Set Expectations Early On

It’s important to go into a situation not only knowing your boundaries but communicating them from the start. If you don’t, you run the risk of boundaries being crossed due to a lack of knowledge. Set the stage from the beginning so you can protect your needs right away.

Differentiate Between Work and Personal Time

Determine your work hours, communicate when you’re available, and stick to that schedule. Do not allow work tasks to invade your personal time.

Build Trust by Being Consistent

When you are consistent with enforcing the boundaries you have set, it creates a sense of trust and comfort for the person you’re working with. They know what to expect and will appreciate that.

Use Tools That Support Your Boundaries

If something comes up, and you have to adjust your schedule, it’s important to use tools that assist in implementing the boundaries you’ve set. For example, Gmail’s Schedule Send keeps you from sending emails outside your established hours—perfect for virtual assistants and executive assistants who need a firm structure.

Do Things That Make You Feel Accomplished Outside of Work

Sticking to your boundaries creates time and space for you to fill your own cup. In return, you feel rested and reenergized, which encourages you to follow through with your boundaries again in the future. It’s a win-win that keeps on giving!

Revise, Revise, Revise

Every project, situation, and individual is different. Check in with yourself regularly and adjust your boundaries as needed.

In Summary

Setting and sticking to our boundaries fosters self-respect, creates healthy relationships, and supports our overall well-being. Boundaries empower us to prioritize ourselves without guilt – they are an act of self-care and self-preservation. It can feel difficult at times for many of us to implement boundaries, but don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from trying. You will become more successful each time you practice. Cherish your boundaries as a valuable tool that helps you live a more fulfilling and balanced life.