How to set boundaries at work

All the tools you need to stop being a people pleaser, and start living the life you actually want.

Author

stephanie laurent
October 12, 2025

🧭 This is a newsletter I’ve been wanting to write for a long time.

Do you know why so many people don’t live a fulfilled life?


It’s not because they dislike what they do.
It’s not because they lack talent.
It’s not because they’re not trying hard enough.

It’s because they can’t say no, especially to opportunities, requests, or expectations that don’t align with what they truly want.

Every week, I hear the same line:

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“I can’t say no. I’m a people pleaser.”

Let’s be honest.
When you say yes to things you don’t want to do:

  • You work harder than those who can say no

  • You judge yourself for feeling resentful

  • You feel guilty for not doing more

  • You have no time left for what actually matters to you

That’s a vicious circle.

But here’s the question I always ask my clients — and maybe it’s one you can ask yourself today:

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đź’­ When you say yes to something, what are you saying no to?

Saying yes to your boss for an ad-hoc project (because you want to look visible)?
👉 You end up working late, missing dinner with your kids, and feeling drained.

Saying yes to a colleague who needs “a bit of support”?
👉 You sacrifice your own deadlines, and your peace of mind.

So next time you’re about to say yes to extra work, covering someone, or another dinner after hours, ask yourself:

  • If I say yes, how long will this actually take me?

  • What am I really trying to prove or achieve?

  • If I didn’t do it, what else could I be doing instead?

Once you answer these questions, hold yourself accountable.


In our sessions, we don’t just talk about being overwhelmed : we start noticing the why behind each yes, and that’s what changes everything.

If you’re finally ready to move on and create space for what really matters, one conversation could change everything, let’s have a chat:.

Truly yours

Stephanie