Balancing Act: Why Business Boundaries Aren’t Selfish, They’re Smart

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, always “on,” and struggling to find time for yourself, there’s a good chance your boundaries are slipping.

Boundaries aren’t about being cold or closed off. They’re about creating space for your energy, your time, and your wellbeing so your business doesn’t run you into the ground.

Here’s how to tell if your boundaries might need a tune-up:

• You’re checking emails late at night or on weekends

• You say yes to things that drain you

• You feel resentment creeping in

• You’re exhausted, anxious, or just plain over it

• You can’t remember the last proper day off

If any of that rings true, it’s time to draw the line > gently, but firmly.

1. Set Your Work Hours and Stick to Them

You’re not running a 24/7 emergency hotline. Choose your working hours and stick to them. Let clients know when you're available and when you’re not. Add it to your email footer. Pop on an autoresponder after hours. Take proper holidays. No sneaky email check-ins.

2. Know Who You Don’t Want to Work With

Yes, dream clients are a thing, but so are non-negotiables. Be clear on what’s not a good fit. It’s not personal, it’s practical. When you’re working with people who align with your values, business flows better.

3. Say No to the Wrong Work

Early on, it’s normal to say yes to everything. But at some point, you need to protect your zone of genius. If a task doesn’t light you up or make good use of your skills, it’s okay to pass. Less busy-work means more value and better outcomes.

4. Set Behavioural Boundaries Too

Not all boundaries are about time. Decide what’s okay and what’s not in your working relationships. This might mean shutting down passive-aggressive emails, late payments, or last-minute requests.

5. Protect Your Energy Like It’s Part of the Business Plan

Because it is. If you’re running on empty, your business will feel it. Regular breaks, clear finish lines, time away from screens—it all adds up. Boundaries create breathing space. And that’s good for you and your clients.

Wrapping It Up: Your Business, Your Rules!

Boundaries aren’t about saying no to everything, they’re about saying yes to the things that matter. To your values. To your energy. To the kind of business and life you actually want.

Start with one small shift this week. What boundary are you ready to put in place?

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Marie Robertson-King

After decades working in mining, aviation and oil & gas, Marie founded Empress of Order, a virtual assistant service, in 2018 and quickly became fully booked. With a background in operations and safety, focussing on processes, systems and procedures, Marie now supports busy business owners and helps them bring order to their lives!

She’s certified by the VA Institute and was named in the Inside Small Business Top 50 Business Leaders in 2020. Marie facilitates a coworking day each month in her hometown of Perth, where business owners get together to work and build connections. In 2022, Marie expanded her empire with the purchase of The Digital Mums Directory, an online membership and directory for female digital experts in Australia, with a biz friend. She lives in the beautiful Perth Hills with her husband Simon and fur-baby Jasper. She can’t function without her morning coffee and loves a glass of bubbles or a cocktail in the evening.