Build your boundary muscle this week:
Day 1-2: The Audit Track every request for your time/energy: - Who asks? - What do they want? - How often? - What's the pattern?
Day 3-4: The Practice Use the Elegant No formula three times: - Once with low stakes - Once with medium stakes - Once that feels uncomfortable
Day 5-6: The System Create one boundary system: - Office hours - Intake form - FAQ document - Response templates
Day 7: The Declaration Communicate one boundary proactively: "Going forward, I'll be available for questions during..." "To ensure quality, I'll need X days notice for..."
Sandra's experience: "Day 4 was terrifying—saying no to my boss's 'quick request.' But I offered an alternative timeline, and she actually said, 'I appreciate you managing your workload professionally.' My fear was worse than reality."