A business mentor on the importance of boundaries for finding work balance

There’s a particular kind of woman I work with often. She’s bright, ambitious, smart and wildly capable and she cares very deeply about her clients, her community and the impact of her work. She’s a natural giver, a people pleaser, someone who shows up with her whole heart, who will always go the extra mile, answer the late-night text or email and take the call even when she’s supposed to be off. But here’s the thing: that woman – perhaps it’s you – is more often than not exhausted. She can feel empty and dare I say it, a little resentful. She’s disconnected from the excitement, flexibility and freedom that she imagined when she first started out in business. And the reason is simply this – a distinct lack of boundaries.

The cult of constantness

Somewhere along the way, we were sold a version of success that looks like constant availability, that to be a ‘good’ businesswoman means never dropping the ball, to really be successful you have to always be on, replying instantly and overdelivering always. But leadership isn’t about being everything to everyone. It’s about showing up in your power, with clarity, focus and intention and that’s only ever possible when your energy is protected.

No boundaries. No balance.
You’ll know you need boundaries when some or all of the following starts to happen…

–Resentment starts creeping in even towards clients you love. Resentment is always an indicator that you need boundaries.
–Over-delivering in every direction with everyone (even when you’re not being paid for it).
–Feeling guilty on the very rare occasion when you take time off or don’t respond immediately!
–Having very blurred lines between your work and home life.

Brave leadership starts with boundaries

When you hold clear, loving boundaries – you become a leader in your own life and business. You model what it looks like to respect your time, your values, your energy. You show your clients, your team, and even your audience that they can do the same.

Why does this matter so much? Well, because we teach others how to treat us by how we treat ourselves! When you have better boundaries, the right people will respect you more for it and those who resist them are most likely the very people who benefit when you have none. Think about that!

5 practical boundaries to build into your business

1. Define your time before others do, then stick to it.
Be consistent. Decide your real working hours. Not just when you’re technically online, but when you’re truly available for meetings, client calls and emails. Put them on your website, your email signature, your Calendly. And then honour them, fiercely. If you struggle with this, try an out-of-office automated response outside your working hours. Something warm but extremely clear. Remember your boundaries train people how to treat you. In your T’s and C’s, restate your working hours and suggest they schedule their emails to land within this time frame – this really helps manage expectations from the get-go.

2. Say what’s included—and what’s not.
Are you over-delivering in your 1:1 sessions or your group programmes? Be truthful here. If your package includes two calls a month, but you’re replying to voice-notes every other day then you’ve got a boundary leak. Revisit what you have promised and what’s included, adjust where needed, and continue to communicate it clearly. This is not you not being mean. In fact, what you’re doing is creating a supportive container for your client to thrive in. You are after all leading by example, which is how it should be!

3. Rest is a strategy, not a luxury.
You’re not a machine. You need time to process, reflect and breathe. Schedule rest in your calendar – whether that’s a weekly CEO afternoon, one tech-free day per month, or a break from your regular routine. Your nervous system – not to mention your future self – will always thank you.

4. Observe and own your people-pleasing patterns.
If you’re constantly saying “yes” when you mean “no,” it’s time to stop. Ask yourself, what is it that I’m afraid might happen if I don’t say yes? Am I afraid of judgment, criticism and disapproval? Get honest about your triggers and then start to work on rewiring them.

5. It’s your call.
The truth is, building a business that feels good is not just about strategy – it’s about agency and ownership. It’s about knowing yourself well enough to honour what you need, and strong enough to uphold it.

You don’t need to be everything to everyone. You don’t need to always be available, always be giving, always be switched on. You get to build a business that supports your life and not one that drains it. And when you lead from that place? You become magnetic. Grounded. Unstoppable. Stop thinking about boundaries as barriers. Instead, think of this as your bridge to freedom!

Niamh Ennis is the Lead Coach in the IMAGE Business Club and a Business Mentor who supports women create impactful and heart-led businesses. She works with her clients to elevate their business by refining their messaging, building effective systems and processes and creating offers that convert. Niamh is hosting her next Free Business Masterclass – Momentum & Messaging Mastery in June. Click here to find out more.