Are you lacking boundaries and tired of feeling like a burnt-out shell of your former self?

You’re not alone. As someone who has spent one too many days running on caffeine and dry shampoo, I know firsthand the toll that burnout can take on both your personal and professional life. But fear not, my friend! With a few simple strategies and a little self-care, you can reclaim your energy, passion, and sense of personal power.

Do you struggle with the dreaded NO word? Or get a pit in your stomach when your words have come out YES, but your heart tells you NO?

Have you ever thought to yourself, how well am I serving others if I am unaware of the lack of boundaries in my business and personal life, let alone enforcing any I may have? 

I and many others were raised in a generation where boundaries were not a learned behavior. As we age, we realize that our time is not our own. Through past conditioning, we are not living the life we desire. You may find that a lack of boundaries is apparent in your professional life, but you will also see it mirrors your personal life if you look closely. 

Within The Self-Care Behind The Chair Method, Boundaries are one of four pillars, along with Communication Skills, Self-Care Strategies, and Mindset Shifts. These pillars act as tools to prevent overwhelm, burnout, and compassion fatigue to help reclaim your personal power, protect your energy, and become present in your life and for those that matter most. 

I’ve found boundaries to be my biggest obstacle, especially behind the chair. Is this relatable to you? I could talk for days about boundaries, but I will cover one area that I think would make the most impact for this blog post in the shortest amount of time.

Throughout my 26+ years in the salon service industry, I have had many conversations with stylists around boundaries. Creating boundaries is the easy part; enforcing boundaries and holding ourselves accountable to our set boundaries is where most stylists struggle, including me. Take a few moments and think about where you struggle most in enforcing boundaries.

Download the Boundaries worksheet HERE to help you find areas where you may struggle and need to strengthen your boundaries. 

If you’re like the stylists I know, the most frequent answer I get when asking that question is always around scheduling. Lack of scheduling boundaries could include coming in early, staying late, working on days off, double booking when you don’t have the appropriate time to schedule, or agreeing to have family or friends come to your home to have their hair done. I am guilty of all of the above! 

Now… here’s the kicker: just because you COULD make this happen for your clients, family, or friends doesn’t mean you SHOULD. The exception is if you are sick or have had to cancel a client appointment due to circumstances beyond your control. Then, making up the appointment, in most cases, would be acceptable. 

Think about this: Can you serve your clients to the best of your ability if you have them come after completing your entire workday when you’re exhausted and have no more to give? Or resenting the YES you provided when you wanted to say NO, knowing you must miss lunch with your kiddo at school because your client had to cancel her last appointment and needed to get back in before the weekend. Sure, you COULD make this happen, but SHOULD you? How are you valuing your time and your worth? 

My question to you is, what makes that client more important than lunch with your kiddo? Having to cancel that girl’s night out? Making your fur baby wait three extra hours for you to get home? Take a moment and think of the times you have had to miss out on or cancel. It’s time to enforce your boundaries, reclaim your personal power, and gain control of your schedule. 

Personally knowing this feeling, as it has happened numerous times throughout my career. I began to resent the client I was serving. I knew I should have said no and enforced my boundaries, but I didn’t hold myself accountable for doing that. It was not fair to the client or myself.  

The great thing about life is there is always space to grow and evolve. I thrive in the learning process. Although what I have to share brings much value, I also know that I am a work in progress. Developing and enforcing new boundaries along the way! We would love for you to experience this for yourself alongside us. 

Join us in doing the work together by subscribing to The Evolution Society Insiders Newsletter Here!

I recently chatted with a dear friend in our salon breakroom, and she made a valid point. How many of us assume the circumstances of our clients and try to get them right away? In reality, they may be okay to wait until a cancellation happens or until their next appointment. We often pressure ourselves to become flexible instead of scheduling appointments during set hours and respecting our boundaries.  

I have a challenge for you. The next time a client needs to cancel their appointment or calls to get in and has not planned ahead ask yourself, COULD I do this? SHOULD I do this? The answer SHOULD be NO.

Be clear in your intention and honor your time, as time is our most valuable non-renewable resource. 

Did you find this blog post helpful? Let us know by sending a DM on Instagram or EMAIL us! Be sure to download today’s worksheet to help clarify the boundaries you may be missing or need to enforce. 

If you think this message could help someone you know in the service industry suffering from overwhelm or burnout, please invite them by sharing this blog post. Or send them to our website www.theevolutionsociety.com where they can join our community and will find many valuable resources. 

Download the Boundaries Worksheet HERE

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Ready to start? Download our Free Guide, “The Self-Care Behind The Chair Checklist” to evaluate if you are experiencing Burnout and Compassion Fatigue. If so, it may be preventing you from being present in your life and for those that matter most!

Until next time, value your worth, protect your energy, strengthen your personal power, and take care of YOU first. 

With Gratitude and Grace, 

~Apryl