Many high-performing professionals build their careers by being flexible and responsive.
But at some point flexibility can turn into unlimited expectations.
Boundaries are not about resistance — they are about clarity.
Example from my career
Earlier in my career I sometimes accepted last-minute requests that required unrealistic turnaround times.
Eventually I realized that constantly accommodating those requests was reinforcing the expectation that urgent work could always appear at the last moment.
Once I began clarifying timelines and priorities more directly, the quality of conversations with leadership actually improved.
Discussion
What is one professional boundary you wish you had set earlier in your career?
Relevant SHIELD Pillars
H – Hold Boundaries Firmly
I – Initiate Interactions Intentionally