Why And How You Need To Set Boundaries At Work

There’s an old saying, “Good fences make for great neighbors.” We need fences to create physical boundaries, just like we need to create mental and emotional boundaries at work and in our personal lives.

One of the best ways to set boundaries is to move from saying “I can’t” to saying “I don’t.” When someone asks you to stay late or come in for an early meeting, saying you can’t do it opens the door for them to ask you again in the future. But saying you don’t do something establishes your boundaries and communicates what you value.

When you’re asked to do something you don’t want to, put up that fence and communicate your boundaries.

By setting and communicating your boundaries, you have more time to focus on the tasks and projects you should focus on. It creates a healthy mindset about balancing work and all areas of your life.

Another way to set boundaries is to sit down and think about what you want to accomplish and how you work. Ask yourself these questions:

1. What are your goals?
2. What projects or tasks do you enjoy doing?
3. What projects or tasks drain you?
4. What times during the day do you feel most productive?
5. What do you need to do during the day to feel most fulfilled?
6. What are your biggest distractions?
7. What do you want your day or week to look like?

Evaluating your goals and environment can help you know where to focus and what boundaries to establish.

Like great fences, boundaries are required for a good working environment and balanced life. Don’t be afraid to set and communicate boundaries.

I put together a video which talks about this in more detail. Please check it out below.

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