Feeling Guilty About Setting Boundaries? Here's Why (And How to Stop)
Hey everyone,
Have you ever found yourself saying yes when you desperately wanted to say no? Or checking emails at midnight despite promising yourself you'd stop working at 6?
If so, you're not alone. And there's a reason for it.
The Real Reason Setting Boundaries Is So Hard
Earlier today in my live masterclass, I shared something that resonated deeply with many participants: setting boundaries is challenging for everyone, but for women? It's another level of difficult.
From a young age, we're taught:
To be accommodating
That our worth is tied to how helpful we are
That saying "no" is selfish
That other people's comfort matters more than our own needs
This isn't abstract – it's deeply embedded messaging that starts when we're little girls and continues throughout our professional lives.
The Boundary-Success Connection
Here's what many women leaders miss: boundaries don't diminish your influence – they magnify it.
When you set clear boundaries:
You filter out clients who don't respect your value
You attract people who appreciate your standards
You create space for your highest-value work
I've seen it time and again with my clients – the moment they establish stronger boundaries is the moment their business transforms.
The Approach That Actually Works
If you're thinking "I know I need boundaries, but how do I actually set them without the guilt?" – I hear you.
The framework I teach uses what I call the ARC Method:
A - Assess Your Non-Negotiables Identify what matters most in terms of your time, energy, and value.
R - Respond with Confidence Communicate clearly without over-explaining or apologizing.
C - Consistency Through Systems Create systems that maintain your boundaries so you're not constantly having to enforce them.
The key difference in this approach? It's designed specifically for women leaders who need to navigate the unique social dynamics we face when setting boundaries.
What Becomes Possible
The women I work with experience transformations that go far beyond just having more time:
They develop confidence in their value that translates to higher rates
They create sustainable success without the burnout
They build leadership presence that commands respect
They reconnect with the passion that led them to their work in the first place
Ready to Transform Your Boundaries?
If you missed my live session earlier today,, don't worry! You can catch the replay here:[WATCH THE REPLAY NOW]
In this 25-minute session, I break down:
Why it's harder for women to set boundaries (and why that's not your fault)
How effective boundaries create success in both business and life
The exact framework my clients use to set guilt-free boundaries
I'm also offering a limited number of complimentary Boundary Strategy Sessions for newsletter subscribers. During this 30-minute call, we'll identify your specific boundary challenges and create an action plan to address them.
Here's to creating the boundaries that allow you to thrive,
Zoe