Creating Healthy Boundaries for Professional Growth

In a recent discussion with a coaching colleague, we explored the critical role of boundaries in our professional lives, and how boundaries can look in different contexts. This conversation reinforced how essential boundaries are. When used intentionally, they create the psychological conditions we need to thrive.

One idea that resonated was the concept of working within a “walled garden.” This isn’t about restriction—it’s about intentionally shaping a space where clarity, purpose, and completion are possible. It echoes Stephen Covey’s idea of “creating a sense of context,” where people understand their role and contribution and feel safe to act with autonomy. Within clear boundaries, people can be proactive and aligned, rather than reactive or overwhelmed.

The Chimp Paradox brings another dimension: boundaries help regulate the emotional mind—the “Chimp”—by reducing ambiguity and perceived threat. I often find myself returning to this model when talking about the careful balance between boundaries and clarity, and agility and growth. When roles, expectations, and responsibilities are unclear, the emotional brain fills in the blanks, often unhelpfully. But within the “walled garden” of defined scope and shared understanding, the human brain (our logical, adult self) has space to lead.

 In roles where I’ve lacked that clarity or shared understanding, I’ve noticed the impact —on motivation, collaboration, and wellbeing. Boundaries aren’t just practical—they’re psychological safety nets. They support both performance and peace of mind.

 By consciously building and respecting these frameworks, we create effective and balanced coaching relationships—and wider work environments—where trust, creativity, and focus can flourish. We free ourselves to do our best thinking, our best work, and our most meaningful coaching.

 Let’s keep cultivating these “walled gardens”—spaces where purpose and possibility thrive. Here are some top tips for creating a “walled garden” in both your personal and professional life—spaces with healthy boundaries that support clarity, creativity, and wellbeing:

1. Define Your Purpose Clearly

Before you build boundaries, get clear on why you need them.

• Ask: What am I protecting? What do I need more of—focus, rest, creative space?
• Tip: Write a short “mission statement” for your space—e.g., “This is time/space for deep work” or “This is where I recharge.”

 2. Identify the Edges

 Decide what belongs inside your walled garden—and what doesn’t.

•  Work: Set limits on how and when people can access your time (e.g. “no meetings before 10am” or “Fridays for thinking work”).
• Life: Carve out tech-free zones or routines where you are fully present (e.g., evening walks, meal times, creative hobbies).

 3. Make Boundaries Visible

 Let others know what your boundaries are—kindly but firmly.

•  Tip: Use calendar blocks, status updates, or auto-responders to signal availability.
• Phrase to try: “To give this task my full attention, I won’t be available between [X] and [Y]—I’ll check back in after that.”

 4. Guard Your Gate

 Every garden has a gate—decide who and what gets access, and when.

• Tip: Use a short pause before saying “yes” to new commitments. Ask, Does this align with the purpose of my space? [You may want to trial “not” now, rather than a hard “no”]
• Try: “Let me check how that fits with my priorities right now.”

 5. Tend the Space

 Boundaries aren’t one-and-done—they need attention and revision.

• Review regularly: What’s thriving? What’s creeping in that doesn’t belong?
• Tip: Create a simple end-of-week check-in: Did I protect the time/space I needed? What do I need to adjust?

 6. Allow for Beauty and Play

 A walled garden isn’t just about restriction—it’s about freedom within structure.

•  In work: Use your “garden” for reflective practice, deep focus, or creative projects.
• In life: Make space for nourishing routines that restore you—reading, music, nature, rest.