Stop justifying your boundaries.
These 12 phrases command instant respect 👇🏼
I used to say yes to everything:
– Last minute requests at 5pm
– Weekend emails “that couldn’t wait”
– “Quick” calls that stole my focus time
All because I didn’t know how to say no.
Everything changed when I switched to these 12 power phrases ✨
1) “That won’t work for me, but here’s what will”
↳ Redirects the conversation without justification
2) “I’m unavailable after 6pm, I can help tomorrow at 9”
↳ Sets time limits without room for negotiation
3) “I need to check my schedule before answering”
↳ Creates thinking space to avoid reactive yeses
4) “My calendar is blocked for deep work until 2pm”
↳ Establishes professional barriers few will challenge
5) “Which of these priorities should I set aside?”
↳ Shifts responsibility while showing your full plate
6) “I’ve set aside 30 minutes for this conversation”
↳ Time-boxes interactions that tend to expand endlessly
7) “I can help with part A and B, but not part C”
↳ Offers partial help instead of total rejection
8) “I don’t respond to messages on weekends”
↳ Sets expectations that prevent future disappointment
9) “This needs my full attention – can we schedule it?”
↳ Transforms demands into planned interactions
10) “I’ve learned I can’t take last-minute requests”
↳ Frames boundary as growth, not personal choice
11) “Let me think and get back to you by [time]”
↳ Creates space without tension or commitment
12) “That’s outside my zone of wisdom, here’s who can help”
↳ Turns rejection into helpful redirection
Strong boundaries don’t require explanation.
They require the right words at the right moment ✨
Kenrick Vaz 