Creating Boundaries to Protect Your Time

Spark Insights Newsletter

February 07, 2025

Welcome to Spark Insights! If you're new here, in this newsletter I share tips, tools and resources help you live a more intentional life each day.

Did someone forward you this email? Don't miss the next one. Click here to subscribe.

The number 1 primary reason for burnout:

No boundaries at work

And that won't change until you draw the lines.

Here are 7 ways you can respectfully set them:

1. Clearly communicate your availability.
2. Choose saying "no" over feeling resentment.
3. Obsession over control will ruin you. Delegate.
4. Establish expectations for after-work messages.
5. Schedule deep focus blocks with no notifications.
6. Focus only on high-value activities and relationships.
7. Seek support from your manager to manage tasks.

If you're in a situation where:

— These boundaries are not respected

— You're passed up for promotions for setting them

— You don't have a leader who supports/protects you

Then here's your sign to change your situation.

Ok, let’s go!

↓

Quote

“You have permission to say no to anything that doesn’t align with your values.”

– Unknown

Question

What is one boundary you can establish this week to protect your energy and time?

Action Step

Practice saying “no” to one low-priority task and redirect that time toward something meaningful.

Statistic

Research in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology shows that employees with clear boundaries experience 31% less stress.

↓

Resources to Check Out

🎧 Podcasts

I loved this conversation with Simon Sinek and Dr. Becky Kennedy on boundaries. You can listen to the entire podcast here.

📚 Books

↓

Two Ways I Help

Career Break Compass is available everywhere books are sold!​

Join the Group Program

I'm bringing together people to support and learn from one another! Plus, you'll get access to expert-led trainings.

I'm launching a brand new group program! Our first meeting will be in this month! How is it already February?!? Be sure to sign up to get the email updates.

  • Guided modules

  • Weekly cohort calls

  • Quarterly care packages


Topics we’ll cover include burnout, career breaks, career pivots/transitions and resiliency. Whether you’re planning a break, in a break, transitioning out of a break, or looking for tips to not burnout - there will be a group for you!

The new group program and community launches soon! Just putting the finishing touches. Sign up to get updates:

Thanks! Until next week.

Thanks
Laura

Certified Executive Coach | Advisor | Author
Visit lauranguyen.co