Prioritizing Mental Health By Setting Boundaries

Lets talk about boundaries.... My first manager at Salesforce Jennifer Griffith told me - whatever you do, assert boundaries with your time here because a company in hyper growth mode will take every minute of time you are willing to give. And it was some of the best advice I have received because every time I found myself burnt out at work it, was because I had leaky boundaries around my time and the activities I valued. It's scary to assert boundaries at work - for fear of being left behind by the person willing to give up all of their time for their job. But if you spend time in a place long enough - you see the people who give up everything for work eventually burn out - because you can only pour from an empty cup for so long. Boundaries say a lot about a person..... 1 - Strong self-worth and self-motivation - If you can't commit to yourself and your own needs, you likely struggle to do it for other people. 2 - Energy and Motivation - If you have a strong commitment to the things in your life that fill your cup it means you are showing up to work with energy. 3 - Communication and confidence - Communicating boundaries is uncomfortable and one of the keys to growing is a willingness to have tough conversations. 4 - Work smarter not harder - You own your calendar, it doesn't own you - by having a very clear amount of time to work around your non-negotiables, it forces you to learn how to work smarter and organize your day for efficiency. And as a leader - demonstrating commitment to your personal boundaries gives other people permission to do the same. This creates a supportive and positive work culture. If you are burnt out - it's time to assert your boundaries. Start by committing to 3 things that you know energize you. Add them to your calendar and DO NOT MOVE THEM under any circumstances for 30 days. And set a reminder in 30 days to check in with yourself and see if your level of burn out has changed.

I spent a decade sacrificing everything for my first company (health, family, even my honeymoon). Now, as a dad of three, I'm building my 2nd company completely differently. Here's how: == I used to work 16-hour days, weekends, and holidays. Now? • I work 8-5. • I don’t work weekends. • I take a month-long family trip every summer. Here’s how I made it happen: == 1. Redefine success. During my first startup, success meant hustle and hyper-growth at any cost. Now, success is about building a business that: • Lasts 50+ years. • Stays profitable from day one. • Protects my health and relationships. == 2. Set non-negotiable boundaries. I made a rule when I started @useonward: I work 8-5, Monday through Friday. That’s it. Busyness is no longer a badge of honor. Setting boundaries make you sharper, more creative, and more present as a leader. == 3. Choose a business model that aligns with your life. I picked B2B SaaS because it’s: • High-margin, low-cost, scalable. • Free from the relentless pace of retail or DTC. • Purely remote—no office, no commute. == 4. Go all-in on remote work. Tools like @loom, @NotionHQ, and @asana allow us to: • Document processes async. • Communicate clearly & concisely. • Build process & systems that run without me. The goal? A business that doesn’t depend on me 24/7. == 5. Optimize for longevity, not burnout. During my first company, there were no days off. Now, it’s about properly integrating family & work. Take the long family trip - empower your team but stay on top things. Burnout isn’t proof of dedication. It’s a leadership failure. == 6. Give yourself permission to build differently. The old me would’ve called these boundaries lazy. But here’s the truth: boundaries make you better. The goal isn’t to grind endlessly. It’s to create a company that works for you—not the other way around. == Building a startup doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health, family, or happiness. Follow Josh Payne for lessons on scaling profitably, creating balance, and building a business you love.

The paradox that transformed my leadership: The clearer the boundaries, the greater the freedom. In the SEAL Teams, we discovered this truth in the most intense situations. The missions with the clearest parameters created the most space for innovation and decisive action. Most leaders think boundaries restrict creativity and autonomy. They don't. They create psychological safety. When team members know exactly where the lines are drawn: → They spend less mental energy guessing → They make faster decisions with confidence → They innovate within defined spaces instead of freezing in uncertainty Without clear expectations and decision rights, teams get stuck in a fog of invisible boundaries they can't see but fear crossing. Try these three types of boundaries: → Decision boundaries (what they could decide without approval) → Risk boundaries (acceptable failure parameters) → Time boundaries (protected focus time vs. collaborative hours) Human connection will be strengthened and anxiety lessened. This applies to your mindfulness practice too. The discipline of sitting for just 10 focused minutes creates more mental freedom than an undefined "I should meditate sometime." Clarity creates space for growth. Freedom isn't the absence of boundaries. It's the presence of the right ones. What boundaries need clarifying in your leadership or personal practice? ----- Follow me (Jon Macaskill) for leadership insights, wellness tools, and real stories about humans being good humans. And yeah... feel free to repost if someone in your life needs to hear this. 📩 Subscribe to my newsletter here → https://lnkd.in/g9ZFxDJG You'll get FREE access to my 21-Day Mindfulness & Meditation Course with real, actionable strategies.

A Chief of Staff’s strength isn’t always being available.     It’s trusting themselves enough to step back.      As a Chief of Staff, your team and your leader relies on you… a lot.      You’re their go-to. Their problem solver. Their safety net.     The one who keeps things running even when they’re in back-to-back meetings, on the road, or deep in strategy mode.     But here’s the thing: you can’t be any of those things if you’re burnt out.     Boundaries aren’t about stepping away from your responsibilities. They’re about ensuring you can lead effectively when it matters most.     So, how do you set boundaries while keeping trust intact?     Start here:     🟡 Set Clear Expectations     ↳ Define your availability and stick to it. Communicate your “office hours” and when you’re off the clock.    ↳ Align with your exec on what truly needs your attention versus what can be delegated.     🟡 Define ‘Urgent’ Together     ↳ Not everything needs an immediate response. Decide what’s urgent and what can wait.    ↳ Protect focus by distinguishing between urgent and routine tasks.     🟡 Use Technology Wisely     ↳ Automate where possible. Set clear OOO messages and delegate tasks.    ↳ Turn off unnecessary notifications so you’re not distracted by things that can wait.     🟡 Lead by Example     ↳ Respect your boundaries, and others will too. Model sustainable leadership and make time for rest.    ↳ When you prioritize well-being, your team will follow suit.     🟡 Create a Handoff System     ↳ Build a capable team that can manage in your absence. Define clear roles and responsibilities.    ↳ Set processes that empower others to take over without confusion.     🟡 Retrain Yourself to Disconnect     ↳ Trust your team to handle things while you’re offline. The work will still be there when you return.    ↳ Rest is part of leadership. Recharge to be more focused and effective.     🟡 Reassess Regularly     ↳ Periodically check in with your team to see if boundaries are working or need adjusting.    ↳ Get feedback and stay open to adapting as your role or team evolves.     The best Chiefs of Staff don’t just manage chaos—they manage their energy.     Because when you set boundaries, you show up sharper. More focused. More effective.     So, say it with me:     “I won’t be checking email, so if you need anything, please give me a call.”     And then? Actually, disconnect.    In the comments: How do you set boundaries in a high-demand role?     ♻ Share to help spread awareness of the Chief of Staff role.       👋 Follow Maggie Olson for daily CoS & leadership insights.  

“𝗜’𝗺 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴.” That line hit me like realizing the house you spent years building no longer feels like home. It came from a seasoned #nursemanager—dedicated, competent, and quietly unraveling. Not from lack of skill. Not from lack of heart. But from years of being everything for everyone while putting herself last. It wasn’t the burnout that caught my attention. It was the grief. The quiet ache of someone realizing the work they once loved has started to feel like an oppressive weight. No one tells you how leadership in nursing can break your heart a little each day. You're praised for your availability, not your boundaries. Promoted for your ability to manage chaos—not for protecting your own peace. You answer texts after hours. You absorb your team’s frustration, your director’s expectations, and your own self-criticism—until you’re no longer leading—you’re just 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜. You hold everything together and silently wonder why you're falling apart. But what if the problem isn’t the work itself? What if the problem is the story you’ve been sold—that being a great leader means betraying yourself quietly, professionally, and with a smile? Studies show #nursemanagers who set boundaries—around workload, time, and autonomy—report higher satisfaction and lower burnout. Because boundaries aren’t barriers. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛-𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. So here’s the shift: ⛔ You do not need to be available 24/7 to be seen as committed. ⛔ You do not need to sacrifice your well-being to earn credibility. ⛔ And you certainly do not need to abandon your own needs to be respected in the role. In fact, the most effective nurse leaders are those who model healthy boundaries, protect their energy, and know when to say, “This approach is no longer serving me—or my team.” ✅ You are allowed to reevaluate. ✅ You are allowed to reset. ✅ And you are absolutely allowed to lead in a way that is both sustainable and aligned with your values. If you’re tired of holding it all together in silence— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪. It’s just time to lead differently. What’s one boundary you know you need to hold—but keep talking yourself out of? Let that be the conversation we start. ⬇️ To every nurse navigating the slow heartbreak of disconnection—this #NursesWeek, we honor you, too. ♻️ Please share with your network; let's reach more leaders who are quietly suffering.

"I don't want to seem difficult." That's what we tell ourselves before another burnout. The hard truth about boundaries at work: Setting them feels harder than burning out. Until burnout actually hits. Here’s how to stop the cycle with 7 simple ways to set boundaries—guilt-free: 1/ Know Your Non-Negotiables ↳ What drains you most? ↳ Which tasks light you up? ↳ Where do you overextend consistently? 2/ Guard Your Peak Hours ↳ Block your most productive time ↳ Say no to "quick calls" during flow ↳ Own your calendar, or others will 3/ Master the Graceful No ↳ "Let me check my commitments" ↳ "Here's what I can do instead" ↳ "This needs my full attention" 4/ Align with Leadership ↳ Share your productivity patterns ↳ Set clear delivery expectations ↳ Update priorities regularly 5/ Start with Small Wins ↳ One boundary per week ↳ Document the impact ↳ Build confidence through results 6/ Transform the Guilt ↳ Guilt means growth ↳ Discomfort leads to respect ↳ Better boundaries = Better work 7/ Adjust Your Edges ↳ Review what's working ↳ Strengthen what's weak ↳ Evolve as you grow Setting boundaries helps you show up better. For yourself. Your team. Your work. 👉 Swipe to discover how to set unshakeable boundaries without burning bridges. Which one resonates with you most? ♻️ Share this with someone who needs it And follow Mariya Valeva for more

'Always on' isn't commitment. It's the fastest path to burnout. I learned this the hard way. Running on empty isn't sustainable—and it’s not success. Here are 7 principles I’ve learned to protect my peace, set boundaries, and thrive: ❌ Old Principle: Keep emotions out of work. ✅ New Principle: Lead with emotional intelligence. ↳ Use empathy to strengthen relationships. ↳ Handle conflicts with clarity and compassion. ❌ Old Principle: Prioritize work over rest. ✅ New Principle: Schedule rest to fuel your work. ↳ Schedule breaks like meetings—they’re non-negotiable. ↳ Disconnect fully during downtime to recharge. ❌ Old Principle: Solve everything yourself. ✅ New Principle: Delegate and empower others. ↳ Ask, “Who can handle this 80% as well as I can?” ↳ Focus on what only you can do. ❌ Old Principle: Multi-task to get more done. ✅ New Principle: Focus to get it done right. ↳ Group similar tasks to maximize efficiency. ↳ Shut off distractions during key work blocks. ❌ Old Principle: Say yes to everything. ✅ New Principle: Guard your time fiercely. ↳ Set clear boundaries upfront. ↳ “Let me check and get back to you.” ❌ Old Principle: Follow a rigid schedule. ✅ New Principle: Flexibility fuels creativity. ↳ Leave room for spontaneity. ↳ Be open to opportunities when inspiration strikes. ❌ Old Principle: Busy equals important. ✅ New Principle: Purposeful beats busy. ↳ Review weekly tasks—what can you eliminate? ↳ Spend more time on high-impact activities. The real secret? It’s not just about working smarter. It’s about setting boundaries that protect your peace and balance. Which of these new principles will you apply first? Let me know in the comments ⬇️ ♻️ Repost to help your network reclaim their time, energy, and boundaries! ➕ Follow Marco Franzoni for more insights on thriving at work and in life.

Let me be vulnerable for a minute: It took me years to understand this critical distinction and I am still working on it. Expectations are what your boss hopes you'll deliver by Friday. Boundaries are why you don't answer their texts at midnight. The professional world confuses these concepts. Companies outline what they expect, but employees must define what they'll accept. When boundaries remain unspoken, they become invisible—and inevitably crossed (most of the time, unintentionally). The reality: No organization will instinctively respect limits that haven't been clearly established. That responsibility falls squarely on each professional's shoulders. Employees own their boundaries—full stop. Boss Brad working Sundays doesn't mean Chad should miss his kid's game. Brad's choice to work weekends isn't a template for the team, it’s his boundary. Your boundaries are uniquely yours. What looks like "reasonable availability" to one person might be completely unsustainable for another. And that's not a performance issue—it's a human reality. I've struggled with the guilt that comes with setting boundaries—that nagging voice suggesting I'm somehow less committed or ambitious for not being perpetually available. That voice is wrong. Boundaries don't limit success; they sustain it. The most impressive professional accomplishments come from people who understand their capacity, not those who ignore it. This diversity of boundaries isn't weakness—it's human reality. The strength comes not from where you draw your lines, but from the clarity and consistency with which you maintain them. Boundaries aren't selfish—they're strategic. They preserve the energy and focus needed to meet legitimate expectations. Define them. Declare them. Defend them. The most effective professionals don't just deliver results—they establish clear terms for how those results will be achieved. #ProfessionalBoundaries #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipLessons