Powerful Go-To Strategies for Setting Boundaries
Hey there, lovely soul! Grab your favorite mug, pour yourself a hot cuppa joe, and let’s chat about something we all need a little more of in our lives: boundaries. You know, those magical lines that protect our sanity and keep our lives from turning into a chaotic circus?
Setting boundaries isn’t about being mean or selfish—it’s about self-care and preserving your well-being. Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person; in fact, it makes you a boss babe who knows her limits.
I remember when my two oldest kids were young (way before our 3rd was born), I said, “Yes” to every single request. Join the PTO at my kids’ school? Sure. Become the VP of the PTO? Yep. Help with the annual auction committee for the school? Yes. Volunteer at church every week? Yep. Help organize a baby shower. You got it. Make a dish for a potluck or holiday gathering. Ugh, but, yes.
And on and on and on, until I not only had zero time to spend with my family and my husband had kid duty nearly every night after work, since I was also putting in 70-80 hours a week in my freelance business. And, yes. You guessed it. I was completely and utterly burnt out.
Taking time for myself in the midst of all of this felt selfish beyond, beyond.
Can you relate?
If any of this resonates with you, I want you to know you are not alone. I also want you to know its not your fault.
A 2017 article in Forbes quoted research that found people who have trouble saying “no” were more stressed and felt less in control of their lives. Folks who struggled with the “no” word were kind of like lost puppies in the game of life. They weren’t exactly sure about their life priorities, and their self-esteem took a bit of a hit. Now, imagine their constant agreements – not the cool, adventurous kind you see in movies, but more like a desperate quest for gold stars and guilt over letting people down. “You have great things to create in this world, and you cannot accomplish them if you are run ragged,” coach Anne Marie Segal is quoted in the same article.
The point is that if you aren’t clear about what YOU want in your life, what your priorities are and what, at the end of the day, you want to accomplish, it becomes easy to become a doormat.
So, let’s dive into the art of gracefully saying no, because your time and energy are precious, and you deserve to spend them on things that truly light you up and that involve actually achieving your goals in life.
Here are 10 Ways to Gracefully Say No:
1. Embrace the Power of Pause
Picture this: A friend invites you to yet another social gathering when all you want is a cozy night in. Instead of immediately blurting out a yes or no, take a moment to pause. It’s perfectly okay to say, “Let me check my schedule and get back to you.” This gives you time to assess your commitments and decide if it aligns with your priorities.
2. The Polite Decline
There’s a charming way to decline an invitation without coming off as cold or disinterested. Express gratitude for the invitation, but be honest about your current situation. For instance, “Thank you so much for thinking of me! I have a prior commitment, but I truly appreciate the invitation.”
3. Learn the Art of Saying ‘No’ Without Feeling The Need To Justify Your Decision
Sometimes, saying no can make us feel like we need to justify our decision. Remember, you don’t owe anyone a lengthy explanation. Keep it simple and firm. For instance, “I appreciate your offer, but I won’t be able to commit to that at the moment.” You’re not being rude; you’re being honest and respectful of your own needs.
4. Prioritize Your Priorities
Imagine your to-do list as a treasure map, leading you to the things that matter most. When faced with a new request, consult your map. If it doesn’t align with your priorities, it’s okay to decline. Say, “I’m currently focusing on a few key priorities, and unfortunately, I won’t be able to take on this additional task.”
5. The Power of “I” Statements
Using “I” statements shifts the focus from the external request to your internal feelings and needs. It’s like saying, “It’s not you, it’s me.” For example, “I need to prioritize self-care right now, so I won’t be able to commit to that.”
6. Offer Alternatives
If you genuinely want to help but can’t commit to the request as is, offer alternatives. This shows that you care and are willing to find a solution. Say, “I won’t be able to join the committee, but I’d be happy to help with the planning or contribute in another way.”
7. Set Clear Expectations
Sometimes, we find ourselves overwhelmed because we haven’t communicated our boundaries clearly. If you’re feeling stretched, it’s okay to say, “I need to set some boundaries to maintain balance in my life. Going forward, I won’t be able to take on additional responsibilities without prior discussion.”
8. Be Honest, Not Apologetic
It’s crucial to be honest about your limitations without apologizing for having them. You don’t need to feel guilty for prioritizing your mental health or personal goals. For example, “I’ve learned that I need to manage my time more effectively, so I won’t be able to commit to that right now.”
9. Practice Self-Compassion
Saying no can be challenging, especially if you’re a people pleaser. Remember, it’s okay to put yourself first. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your feelings and needs. Say, “I’m working on setting healthier boundaries, and right now, I need to say no to make space for myself.”
10. Celebrate Your Wins
Every time you say no to something that doesn’t align with your priorities, celebrate it! Treat yourself to a little something special or take a moment to acknowledge your growth. Share your victories with your support system, and let them cheer you on.
In a world that constantly demands our attention, setting boundaries is an act of self-love. It’s not about closing yourself off; it’s about creating space for the things that truly matter to you. So, beautiful soul, the next time you feel the pressure to say yes when you want to say no, remember that your well-being is worth protecting.
Now, over to you! What are your go-to strategies for gracefully saying no? Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below. Let’s build a community of empowered women who know the magic of setting boundaries. Cheers to a life filled with purpose, joy, and the graceful art of saying no!
If you love this advice, you’ll love my book, my 7-minute explainer video on the Self Made U program where I teach you how create Revenue on Repeat. After you finish the video, slide into my DMs on Instagram, and tell me you’re IN. I’ll send you a link to my calendar so we can chat about making your work life a breeze and get you into creating true freedom! 🎉
