Ever have one of those days at work where you feel like …Everybody wants something from you — the boss thinks you’re a mind reader, and your co-workers seem to treat your desk like a water cooler.
By 5 PM, I’m about ready to flee the scene and head up to the mountains to be a hermit.
But wait! Well, before you jump in through the luggage with me, let’s discuss something we need to discuss. I’m speaking of, of course, about this concept called boundaries. You know, that magical line between keeping you sane and ensuring that you get things done.
Imagine if all your boundaries were like your personal bouncers, ensuring nobody could enter your space without permission. Here’s why they’re a must and how you can start setting them up right now.
The Hilarious Yet Serious Truth About Boundaries
Picture this: You’re at work, happily chugging away on your latest project when Rahul from accounting swings by. He needs a hand with a spreadsheet and he needs it now. Because you’re a really nice person, you drop everything to help. Fast-forward a week and now all of a sudden Rahul thinks you’re his personal Excel guru. Yikes. You’ve suddenly become a doormat.
Setting boundaries stops all that. It helps you manage your workload, minimizes your stress, and saves you from burning out. Plus, it gives you respect. When you set clear boundaries, you signal to others that you value your time and well-being, and they should too.
So How to Set Boundaries With Co-Workers?
Be clear and direct: Try this next time somebody asks for your help when you’re swamped: “I’d love to help, but I’m currently tied up with a deadline. Can we schedule a time later this week?” This shows you’re willing to help but on your own terms.
Schedule ‘Me Time’: Block out sections in your calendar expressly for focused work, and treat these appointments with yourself as key.
No meetings, no disruptions — just your productivity power hour.
Learn to Say No (Politely): It’s difficult, but it’s fair. Say things like, “As of the moment, I can’t get more responsibilities,” or “I have to prioritize my plate at the moment.” No explanation needed more than that.
Get your CTA across: Let your team know your preferred methods of communication and response times. “I check emails twice a day at 10 AM and 4 PM. For urgent matters, please call or message me directly.”
Set Physical Boundaries: If you’re working from home, designate a specific area for work. When you’re in that space, it’s work time. When you leave, it’s personal time. The same applies to office settings — respect your workspace and ask others to do the same.
What’s Next?
Now that you are armed with some of these boundary-setting methods, you might be asking yourself about what is going to happen at work when anybody and everybody all of a sudden begins to respect your boundaries. Productivity through the roof? Stress decreasing — decreasing — gone? Will Bob from accounting start to fend for himself?
Keep an eye out for the next article, where we list the surprising (and humorous) side effects to being a pro at setting boundaries. For starters, spoiler: This includes more free time, less stress, and a shocking number of new hobbies.
Until then, go set those boundaries! Your future, less stressed self will thank you.
So, fellow boundary-setting warrior, what’s the first boundary you’re planning to set? Let us know in the comments below, and in the meantime, let’s create a workspace revolution.
