Boundaries for Sustainable Leadership:

Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should

By Sheetal Ajmani, MD 

 

Have you ever gone back and forth in your mind about whether or not you should say “yes” to yet another request?

 

Technically, if you shifted enough things around, you could make it work. But doing so would likely leave you feeling depleted, take away from time with your family, and quietly build resentment over time. This is a tough position to be in and, as demands for our time continue to increase, it’s becoming increasingly common.

 

I recently addressed this type of situation while facilitating a team training for a non-profit organization. We explored the vital role boundaries play in sustainability so that you can show up as your best self—in work and at home. Participants learned how to recognize when boundaries need to be set, the consequences of not setting them, and practical frameworks for communicating their boundaries clearly and compassionately.

 

One of the biggest takeaways for the group was an affirmation I shared:

 

“Just because I can doesn’t mean I should.”

 

Another powerful insight was that we don’t need to respond to every request immediately. We live in a culture that emphasizes urgency, yet approaching everything this way can wreak havoc on our nervous systems. A more sustainable approach is to pause, reflect, and then respond intentionally.

 

This theme shows up consistently in my work, whether I’m supporting individual clients or facilitating team trainings like this one. Empowered Boundaries: Saying No with Confidence and Compassion is one of my signature keynotes, and it has resonated with groups ranging from small non-profit teams to large insurance organizations as part of their professional development efforts.

 

If you’re looking to build a sustainable work culture for your team or organization, then this conversation is a game changer.

 

Bring this conversation to your team →