How to Set Boundaries and Protect Your Energy: Essential Tips for Heart-Centred Entrepreneurs

Setting boundaries… We hear about it all the time, but do we actually take the time to reflect on what our boundaries really look like? And more importantly, how they show up (or don’t) in our personal and professional lives?

For heart-centred people in business—whether you’re a creative, a coach, or a counsellor—boundaries are essential. But let’s be honest: setting them can feel really hard sometimes. We’re naturally inclined to give, to help, and to go that extra mile for others. That’s why boundaries aren’t just about saying “no” to protect our time or energy—though that’s definitely part of it. They’re about creating a container that keeps us safe and present, allowing us to show up fully while maintaining our own balance.

I believe having at least seven non-negotiables is crucial—those hard boundaries that form the backbone of our well-being. These are the lines we draw to protect our energy, time, and values, no matter what. For a creative, this might mean setting clear work hours for projects. For a coach, it could involve maintaining boundaries around session times. And for a counsellor, it might be about not taking on clients’ emotions as their own.

Why Setting Boundaries Feels Hard for Heart-Centred Entrepreneurs

If you’ve struggled with boundaries, you’re not alone. Here are a few reasons why heart-centred people find it challenging:

  1. The Desire to Help and Give
    If you’re heart-centred, you probably find great joy in helping others. But this can sometimes lead to overextending yourself, feeling drained, or even compromising your own needs.
  2. Fear of Letting People Down Whether you’re a coach, counsellor, or creative, there’s often a fear that setting boundaries might make you seem unkind or unavailable. This fear can prevent you from enforcing the limits you need to stay effective.
  3. Blurring the Line Between Passion and Profession When your work is driven by passion, the line between personal and professional can get fuzzy. You might find yourself working late, answering emails at all hours, or putting clients’ needs ahead of your own well-being.
  4. Difficulty Saying No Heart-centred people often struggle with saying “no” because they don’t want to miss opportunities or disappoint others. For example, a creative might take on too many projects, a coach might extend sessions without charge, or a counsellor might make themselves available outside of agreed hours.

My Journey with Boundaries

I know firsthand how hard it can be to set boundaries, but I’ve also learned how crucial they are for doing high-end, meaningful work. Over time, I’ve developed clear non-negotiables that help me protect my energy and stay aligned with the clients I want to work with.

Here are a couple of mine:

If It’s Not a Definite “YES,” It’s a “NO.”
I only pursue projects and clients that I feel fully excited about. If it’s a “maybe,” I pass. This allows me to give my full energy and attention to the work that truly lights me up. I expect the same level of commitment from my clients—if they’re not all in, then it’s not the right fit.

Protecting My Creative Time Is Non-Negotiable.
I block out time in my schedule for my own creative projects and treat it as sacred. This isn’t just for me—it’s for my clients, too. When I’m creatively fulfilled, I can show up for them with more energy and inspiration.

Exploring Your Boundaries as a Heart-Centred Entrepreneur

Take a moment to reflect on your personal and professional boundaries to protect your energy and thrive in your heart-centred business. Consider these questions:

  1. Personal Boundaries
    • What are my seven non-negotiables in my personal life? What do I need to protect my energy and well-being?
    • What are my soft boundaries? Where do I find myself being more flexible, and why?
  2. Professional Boundaries
    • What are my hard boundaries in my business? What lines do I need to hold to maintain my integrity and avoid burnout?
    • What are my soft boundaries? When is it okay to bend the rules, and how do I ensure it doesn’t come at a cost to myself?

Boundaries are living things—they shift and grow with us. As heart-centred people, we can feel conflicted about setting them, but they’re not about closing off; they’re about opening up space for what truly matters. It’s not about being rigid; it’s about being intentional with how we share our energy.

“What’s one boundary you’re committed to reinforcing this week to protect your energy and thrive as a heart-centred entrepreneur?”

PLUS, whenever you’re ready, there are 2 ways we can work together:

  1. Want to learn to lean into the art of Quiet Influence? Join me at the next intensive.
  2. Sign up for one of our current courses at ASHC and get taught by my team of advisors and me. All our courses are internationally and nationally industry-approved and will equip you with all the tools to open up your own professional private practice.
  3. Need help with standing in your power as a woman in leadership? Apply for one of only three spots as my private client.

REFERENCES:

  • Catalyst. (2020). Why diversity and inclusion matter: Financial performance. https://www.catalyst.org/research/why-diversity-and-inclusion-matter/
  • European Institute for Gender Equality. (2021). Gender equality index 2021: Sweden. https://eige.europa.eu/gender-equality-index/2021/country/SE
  • Forbes. (2020). Why women don’t always support other women (And how to fix it). https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellevate/2020/02/10/why-women-dont-always-support-other-women-and-how-to-fix-it
  • Harvard Business Review. (2019). Research: Women score higher than men in most leadership skills. https://hbr.org/2019/06/research-women-score-higher-than-men-in-most-leadership-skills
  • McKinsey & Company. (2020). Women in the workplace 2020. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace
  • Victoria State Government. (n.d.). Gender inequality affects everyone. https://www.vic.gov.au/gender-inequality-affects-everyone
  • Workplace Gender Equality Agency. (2022). Australia’s gender equality scorecard. https://www.wgea.gov.au/publications/australias-gender-equality-scorecard

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