We’ve all read about the importance of setting healthy boundaries. We nod along, agreeing that protecting our energy is crucial. But when the moment of truth arrives—a last-minute request, an awkward question, an unreasonable demand—theory flies out the window. Suddenly, finding the right words feels like an impossible task.
Why is it so hard? Because setting boundaries is a skill, and like any skill, it requires practice.
Reading about it is step one. But putting it into practice, even in hypothetical situations, is what builds the confidence to act when it matters most. So today, instead of just talking about boundaries, let’s practice one together.
The Scenario: The Last-Minute Task
Imagine this: It’s 4:50 PM on a Friday. You’re ten minutes away from shutting down your laptop and starting a well-deserved weekend. You have plans you’re excited about. Suddenly, a colleague approaches you with a panicked look.
“Hey,” they say, “I’m completely swamped. Could you just take on this one last report for me? It’ll probably take you about an hour, and it would be a huge help to have it done by Monday morning.”
You know you have the skills to do it, but your workday is over. Saying “yes” means sacrificing the first hour of your personal time, creating a precedent that you’re always available, and likely starting your weekend with a hint of resentment. Saying “no” feels awkward and potentially unhelpful.
So, what’s your move?
This is where the rubber meets the road. How do you communicate your boundary clearly, kindly, and firmly without damaging your relationship with your colleague?
Share your response in the comments below! What would you say in that moment? Let’s create a scenario bank of our own and learn from each other.
The Blyxxa Blueprint Approach
Feeling stuck? That’s completely normal. In our new guide, The Boundaries Blueprint, we dedicate an entire chapter to a “Scenario Bank” filled with practical, witty, and effective scripts.
For the scenario above, here’s how we’d tackle it:
- The ‘No’ with Grace: “I appreciate you thinking of me for this, but I have a hard stop at 5 PM today. I can definitely pick it up first thing on Monday morning if the deadline is flexible.”
- The Blyxxa Twist (for a touch of humor): “My brain officially clocks out at 5 PM, and any work attempted after that becomes performance art. I’ll tackle it with fresh eyes and full cognitive function on Monday.”
Notice how both options are firm yet respectful. They validate the request but protect your non-negotiable personal time.
If you found this exercise helpful and want to arm yourself with dozens of other scripts for navigating tricky situations with family, friends, and colleagues, our new guide is for you.
And if you’re still trying to figure out if you even need boundaries in the first place, you might want to start here:
Now, don’t forget to share your own response to the scenario in the comments!
