Boundaries come up a lot in coaching. It’s no surprise — time management is often boundary management.
Many capable professionals feel unsure or guilty about holding boundaries, and there’s a common misconception that boundaries mean telling others what to do.
Here’s the aha moment:
A boundary is a commitment you keep with yourself.
It’s not about changing others. It’s about choosing how you act.
Take this example:
“I don’t respond to work messages after 6 pm.”
This isn’t you telling someone what they can or can’t send. You’re choosing what you respond to. You switch off alerts, stop checking, and honour your plan. It’s a boundary that supports you.
Of course, use sound judgment. If something urgent comes up, you act (flexibility is part of being competent and trusted).
Okay, email boundaries are one thing. Meeting boundaries are another. Most people get more done when they protect three meeting-free mornings a week. It’s a well-researched practice called the Quiet Protocol — it creates space for strategic work and progress.
But calendars can be tricky. And you may not have the authority to decline every meeting.
Try these strategies to support your boundaries, and protect your meeting-free mornings:
- Check in with key stakeholders and explain why you want designated space for strategic work.
- Define your boundary. For example:
“I work with focus from 8:45–10:45 am Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, on strategic projects. I decline meetings scheduled during those times unless [define exceptions].” - Block these as ‘focus sessions’ in your calendar and label them with the project you’ll work on.
- Decline 1:1 meetings that fall in that time and offer two alternative afternoon slots.
- Use discernment with larger, multi-stakeholder meetings.
If you find yourself slipping on your commitment, ask GenAI for mentoring.
AI tip: Try this prompt:
“Act as a productivity mentor.
I am struggling to hold my boundary.
The boundary is: [insert]
I set this boundary because: [insert]
One of my worries about holding it is: [insert]
Make the advice warm, practical, and easy to apply in real work situations.”
Email and calendar strategies are key topics covered in the Better Ways of Working training. Three live masterclasses with practical tools and systems to set you up for success.
