When I first started my freelance writing business, it was so that I could stay at home with my babies. My second child had just been born, and I was on maternity leave from my sales management job, and I didn’t want to leave them to go to work anymore. I quickly realized, however, that my presence was not worth anything if I was constantly buried in my laptop. Writing constantly may have paid the bills, but I didn’t get to spend any real time with my young kids. I had no boundaries in business, and I was missing out on the essential things in life.
It was this experience that taught me to place boundaries for work. Yes, I worked on my own schedule and chose the jobs I accepted. However, if I failed to set boundaries for myself and for others, I would be doing what I set out to avoid: missing my kids’ growth while I was at work.
So, I decided to set hard and fast boundaries for myself and my work. I learned why they matter and how to implement them in a faith-centered way. That’s what I’m sharing with you today.
Why Boundaries in Business Matter
Sometimes it feels as though boundaries are just a buzzword. They’ve become somewhat popular – and for many that’s a turn off. However, boundaries are more than just a popular word. Boundaries are the limits we set for ourselves and others in order to protect our wellbeing.
There are a variety of boundaries, but here are a few common ones:
Physical Boundaries – Your personal space, body, and rules for touching or other contact
Emotional Boundaries – Protecting your feelings and emotional energy
Time Boundaries – The management of your schedule and who gets access to you
Digital Boundaries – How you engage online or with technology
Spiritual Boundaries – Personal limits surrounding faith, beliefs, values, and the like
You may be surprised to discover that there are symptoms of boundary neglect. If your boundaries in business and life are continually neglected, you may begin to experience:
- Resentment
- Burnout or exhaustion
- Anxiety or overwhelm
- A lack of direction
- Difficulty communicating needs
- Unhealthy relationships
- People pleasing
- Feeling guilty for resting or self-care
Fortunately, we have an example of boundaries in the Bible. If you aren’t a follower of Jesus, I’m not here to shove it down your throat, so just stick with me for a minute. Boundaries exist in one of the oldest texts known to man, which means it’s more than a buzzword. Boundaries have been around since the beginning.
In Mark 6:31, Jesus told his disciples to rest because they were overworked. This goes against so many employers who expect employees to work beyond exhaustion, including you, if you are your own employer.
In Exodus 20:8-10, boundaries are set with The Sabbath, an expectation for renewal.
See? Boundaries aren’t new. They aren’t a fad. Boundaries in business and life have been around far longer than you or I, and they continue to matter.
The Faith-Based Foundation for Boundaries
Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s biblical. As believers, we’re called to love others well, but not at the expense of our health, peace, or relationship with God. Boundaries help us steward our time, energy, and relationships in a way that honors both God and ourselves.
Scripture teaches us that we’re responsible to others, but not for them. In Galatians 6, Paul tells us to “carry each other’s burdens” (v.2), but also that “each one should carry their own load” (v.5). This means we can help in crisis, but we’re not meant to take over someone’s daily responsibilities. Boundaries help us discern the difference.
Even Jesus had boundaries. He often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16), said “no” to certain requests, and didn’t allow guilt or pressure to control His mission. If Jesus took time to rest, recharge, and say “no,” so can we.
Boundaries also help us live out the command in Matthew 22:39: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your heart, mind, and body allows you to love others from a place of strength and clarity.
Proverbs 29:25 reminds us not to be ruled by the fear of others’ opinions, and Matthew 5:37 encourages clear communication: “Let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no,’ no.” Healthy boundaries align with both.
In short, boundaries are a way to walk in wisdom, protect your calling, and love others honestly. They free you from guilt, burnout, and people-pleasing—and help you walk closely with the Lord.
Remember: You are not everyone’s savior—Jesus is. Your job is faithfulness, not approval.
Common Boundary Challenges for Entrepreneurs
Do you have boundaries in business or have you found it to be challenging? Some of the common boundary challenges for entrepreneurs include:
- Saying “yes” to every client or request out of guilt or fear of missing out.
- Working all hours because your business is your identity.
- Difficulty unplugging from work, emails, social media, or client demands.
- Overcommitting in the name of growth or generosity.
Are these your challenges, too? What else do you find difficult to set boundaries for? Write them down! You’ll be more likely to work toward a solution if you are aware of the challenges you face.
Practical Steps to Set Healthy Boundaries in Business
There are five primary steps to set healthy boundaries in business. Each of these steps helps entrepreneurs (and anyone, really) to be clear in the lines not to cross.
- Define Your “Non-Negotiables”:
- Set clear work hours and communicate them.
- Block out times for rest, family, and spiritual disciplines.
- Learn to Say “No” with Grace:
- Use clear language to gently decline (e.g., “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m currently focusing on…”).
- Avoid the “maybe” answer.
- Create Digital Boundaries:
- Designate no-phone or no-email times.
- Use tools to schedule and block social media or emails.
- Build a Support System:
- Find accountability partners or mentors who respect your boundaries.
- Delegate tasks when possible.
- Regularly Evaluate and Adjust:
- Set weekly or monthly check-ins with yourself or a mentor.
- Make changes as needed.
Mindset Shifts for Boundary Success
Remember these four things to use boundaries in business successfully:
- Boundaries are freedom, not punishment.
- Saying “no” to some things means saying “yes” to your calling and vision.
- Trust God with the “missed opportunities”—He is faithful in timing and provision.
- Your worth is not tied to productivity or approval.
If you can keep these things in mind while setting and keeping your boundaries, it will be easier to lean into them.
Encouragement & Final Thoughts
Does boundary-setting feel difficult to you? It might, at first! Boundary-setting is a process and can take a lot of practice. However, with a little grace with yourself, you can trust in the process and pacing.
Consider journaling these prompts to reflect on your boundaries:
- Where do I currently feel overwhelmed or resentful?
- What is one boundary I can start setting today?
If you struggle with setting boundaries or following the boundaries you’ve set, we can talk about it in a FREE session. Schedule a session with me today!