You Can’t Pour From an Empty Inbox: The Real Work of Boundaries in Business

Setting boundaries as a small business owner isn’t just a “nice idea”; it’s essential for your well-being. But let’s be honest: boundaries can be hard.

Especially if you're neurodivergent, grew up as a people-pleaser, or just really care about your clients, the idea of saying no, switching off, or not replying immediately can feel uncomfortable (or even impossible).

Take time to write them down, it will help you remember and stick to them!

Boundaries Take Ongoing Effort

They’re not something you set once and forget. They need regular checking-in, tweaking, and reinforcing, especially when life gets busy or old habits creep back in.

That “I’ll just reply quickly at 10pm” moment? The “I didn’t take a lunch break again, but I’ll catch up tomorrow” cycle? The “I don’t want to let them down” mindset?

All of these are signs that boundaries need some attention.

And the tricky part? You might even know this and still struggle to do it differently. That’s totally normal.

Boundaries Aren’t About Being Rigid

They’re about honouring your needs, your energy, and your capacity. They’re about protecting the business you’re building and the human behind it.

Here are a few small steps that can help:

• Decide your work hours and actually STOP when you said you would

• Use tools like autoresponders or email signatures to set expectations

• Give yourself permission to take breaks without guilt 💜

• Practise saying “That’s not something I can take on right now” and the scariest bit for some of us not apologising for it!

  
  

Even just choosing one small boundary to hold this week is a win. And when you slip (because we all do), that’s not failure, it’s a chance to reflect and try again with more compassion or look at a different approach that works with you.

You Deserve Structure That Supports You

If boundaries feel uncomfortable, you’re not broken. You’ve likely been operating in systems that didn’t meet your needs. Learning to honour your time, your brain, and your limits is a process - and you don’t have to do it perfectly to benefit from it.

So let this be your reminder: You don’t have to be constantly available to be good at what you do. You don’t have to earn rest by burning out first. You’re allowed to build a business that respects your boundaries - and your wellbeing.

If this resonates with you, feel free to reach out and share what boundary you’re currently working on. I love holding space for these conversations. 💜