For those out in the workforce and even in entrepreneurship, your 9 to 5 is a job, your career. It’s the environment where you’re expected to remain professional, adhere to the policies, and perform according to the standards set forth in the company’s description.

But what happens when some of those boundaries become a little blurred, spilling over into your personal life? Or vice versa? Sort of like an unsolicited work-life integration? And if you’re anything like me, what if integration is not exactly what you want? Many strive to keep work and personal life completely separate, whenever possible, but are already struggling to achieve some sort of a work-life balance. I am finding this to be especially true in entrepreneurship! I constantly stand by “balance” being non-existent and it being more of a juggling act than anything. There is always going to be something on the ground. So yes, we may experience some muddy waters between work and life in our everyday routines.

But how do we successfully set boundaries?

Know your limits.

First and foremost, establish what your boundaries are – with family, friends, coworkers, strangers, etc. There truly are levels to this and it is necessary to consider the physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects. We all have our triggers and it is important to study ourselves and our limits. Also, be aware that what may be perfectly fine with another may be totally out of bounds for you!

Only you can determine what your limits are.

Your mind will let you know exactly where you stand as you navigate through feelings of guilt, discomfort, anxiety and anger. Pay attention to all of your feelings and allow time for processing.

Set boundaries (early and often).

It may feel awkward and even uncomfortable to use your power of ‘no’, but trust me when I say that you absolutely need to give yourself permission to set boundaries. You will need to do this all throughout life, so get used to it. And do not apologize for it!

A recent personal example: My colleagues know that I have 3 young children at home and do not pressure me to participate in office happy hours because they understand (and I made clear) how important my evenings are to me at this stage of their lives. Boundaries set. No problem. Now, had I’d gone along without a word, I may have felt a bit resentful in being pressed to attend these after-hours events. What I realized was that I was going through a different season of my life than many of my team members, where I was struggling to juggle all of the things on my plate. I have been granting myself permission to take things off and on my plate, accordingly.

In a nutshell: Never feel bad about where you are at a particular phase in life and the responsibilities they bring. You have the right to live your best life and set your own priorities. As for that scenario, when I get into a better flow, I hope to occasionally attend an office happy hour or two…BUT on my own terms. Sometimes, people have to meet you where you are…yes, even at work.

Check your surroundings.

Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space. – Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor

We previously discussed energy-drainers or “energy vampires”, and it is also so relevant in workplace settings. Our work and family environments are completely different in how we are perceived and how we perceive others. This gives further context to why politics and religion are often avoided and frowned-upon in office settings, which could present a whole other set of challenges. There is also the issue of allowing people to dump their non-work-related (and work-related) baggage on you. If you suddenly feel yourself tensing up and being weighed down by everyone else’s “stuff”, it would be a great time to protect your space from those individuals as much as humanly possible. Pretty soon, they will catch the hint and automatically know what will/will not be tolerated in your space. Boundaries set.

Are the boundaries you set supported?

All in all, you are your own best advocate. Don’t just show up, but speak up. When someone oversteps their bounds and steps on your toes, speak up. You will find that many may not even realize that they have gone a bit too far because, again…what is unacceptable or uncomfortable to you may not be for others.

Know your worth.

When you’re going above and beyond at work, do your part in making sure it doesn’t go unnoticed. If you’re quiet as a church mouse when it’s time to hand out accolades and promotions, it will be assumed that you are perfectly content with where you currently are. We may not always get what we want, however, rejection should not stop the show. Have you ever had to justify why you deserve a promotion? Or why you would like a more flexible schedule? It’s pretty much on the same wavelength – keep refining your values and course. Do not sell yourself short – both personally or professionally. Set those boundaries and advocate for yourself.