This might sound strange to you, but for the longest of times I didn’t dare set boundaries in my business.
As a Designer, for years I got used to accept all sorts of wild client demands — unrealistic timelines, 24/7 availability, low rates, etc. — for the sake of landing a project.
Given how this was the behavior I’d witnessed in the industry, since my teenage years when I worked at a printshop, I had internalized that this was simply the way things were supposed to be done.
There’s a reason why a classic Graphic Design’s meme in Mexico is clients wanting things “for yesterday” and, even worse — “bueno, bonito y barato” (Spanish for “good, pretty and cheap”).
Maybe it was the naiveté of my youth, but it took me years to learn about the importance of setting boundaries in my relationships.
At first, I was mainly interested in setting personal and romantic boundaries because of how crucial they become if one wants to have healthy relationships with themselves and others.
But as that side of my life began to settle, I realized how boundaries are also important in business and other forms of professional settings.
If you — like me — have a tendency for people-pleasing, you might be wondering this.
Setting boundaries can feel conflictive at the beginning. Almost aggressive.
It’s easier to accept and take in anything that our partner or client imposes over us, and to let our wishes and needs aside.
We say yes when we mean no. We overdeliver to avoid disappointing. We stay silent to avoid conflict.
This is what society likes to call “Being a Good Boy (or Girl!)”.
The trick here is that, contrary to what Good Boys and Girls around the globe would like to believe, being this kind of “good” can actually be pretty bad for everyone involved.
Not setting appropriate boundaries leads to unmet expectations, builds resentment, breaks down communication, and erodes trust.
On the contrary, setting boundaries helps us show up more honestly and sustainably. It teaches others how to love, respect and collaborate with us.
Something I’ve had to drill into my head is that boundaries are not about being rigid or difficult to deal with — they’re about being clear, consistent, and honest.
You can think of it this way: when your boundaries are solid, your clients know how to work with you, and you get to do your best work without resentment. Everybody wins!
Here are a few tips that have helped me get better at setting boundaries:
Before you can communicate boundaries, you need to know what they are. Ask yourself:
Knowing your capacity and limits is step one. Little things like knowing your Core Values help with this.
Every offer or engagement should have a clear scope. That means:
Make this part of your proposals, onboarding, or contracts. And if something comes up that’s outside it? Point back to the agreement, kindly but firmly.
Boundaries only work if others understand them. Don’t assume clients or collaborators will guess what works for you.
Instead:
Clarity now prevents conflict later.
Your energy is a business asset. That means boundaries aren't just external — they're internal too.
You can't show up fully for others if you’re running on empty.
You don’t need to over-explain or apologize. A simple, respectful “That’s not something I can take on right now” or “This would require a new scope” is enough.
Your no protects your yes.
Applying boundaries can feel awkward at first, especially if you’re used to being accommodating. But boundaries get easier the more you practice. Each time you honor one, you reinforce a healthier dynamic with your clients and with yourself.
Some might not even like it when you do it, specially those used to overstepping other people’s boundaries.
That’s OK!
Part of the challenge is learning that this sort clarity is a gift to yourself, your work, and the people who are meant to collaborate with you.
Wanna hear the best part?
The right clients won’t be turned off by your boundaries. They’ll respect you more for them.
If boundary setting is new to you, start small! Pick one boundary this week — whether it’s response time, scope, or communication — and practice honoring it.
And if you wanna go deeper, I recommend you reading No More Mr. Nice Guy, one of the first books I read around this topic and a good slap in the face for man struggling with overall niceness.
