Most high achievers who struggle with burnout think that if they just worked harder, had better time management, or engaged in self-care more, then they would feel better. But, that is rarely the case. Burnout is a systemic issue that individuals, unfortunately, are left trying to navigate and heal from. While you might not be able to change some of the greater systemic issues that contribute to burnout (HELLO CAPITALISM), there are things you can do (ahem, set boundaries) to help you thrive without burning yourself out.

High-achieving folks sit around a desk listening to a presentation. This image represents how high-achievers struggle with burnout and the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout.

What Makes Setting Boundaries at Work Hard

There are several reasons why anxious high achievers may struggle with setting boundaries at work. For example, you may be “The Reliable/Dependable One” and worry about what others will think if you turn down a project. Or maybe you are “The People-Pleaser” and fear disappointing others if you set boundaries. Whatever the case may be, setting boundaries can be difficult but it’s necessary to prevent your work life spilling into your personal life.

Why Boundaries at Work Matter for High Achievers

A lot of anxious high achievers struggle with boundaries with work. That was me over 10 years ago. Setting boundaries or even admitting that you are struggling with burnout can feel like failure. And “resting” or slowing down is usually accompanied by feelings of guilt. It feels like you are doing something wrong, and if you can just figure out what everyone else is doing to avoid burnout, then you’ll be fine. But research shows that most people experience burnout in their lives. And if you are a woman, you might be at a greater risk for experiencing burnout.

If you are an anxious high achiever, setting boundaries at work is a necessary skill for preventing burnout and thriving without compromising what means the most to you.

A high-achieving woman smiles while on the phone. This image represents this importance of setting boundaries at work to prevent burnout. Dr. Molly Moore is a psychologist in Austin, TX who provides therapy for burnout and anxiety to women.

Some benefits to setting boundaries at work:

Maintaining work-life balance
Increasing productivity and job satisfaction
Preventing burnout and work-related stress
Healthier relationships at work
Less anxiety, more calm
More confidence and self-trust

Types of Workplace Boundaries

Boundaries will look different for different people. And they may even change or be flexible over time. So, the boundaries you set now may not be the boundaries you need in place a year or 5 years from now. It’s important to remember that setting boundaries is an act of self-care and helps you show up at work and be productive without burning yourself out. Below are a few different types of workplace boundaries.

Time Boundaries: Sticking to work hours, avoiding after-hours emails, and taking breaks
Workload Boundaries: Saying no to extra tasks, clarifying job responsibilities
Communication Boundaries: Setting expectations for email, meetings, and response times
Emotional Boundaries: Avoiding toxic dynamics, not internalizing workplace stress, aka taking individual responsibility for a systemic issue
Physical Boundaries: Protecting personal space, having remote work boundaries

Living a Life in Alignment with Your Values

Getting clear about your values will help you set boundaries and thrive both in your professional life and personal life. Value your relationships outside work, make sure your time boundaries reflect when you are on and off the clock. Do you find yourself craving adventure and wanting to travel? Take your PTO and communicate deadlines and boundaries to others so you can take the trip you’ve been dreaming of taking.

Two women sit on a couch laughing and smiling. This image represents the importance of setting boundaries at work to prevent burnout and experience greater work life balance. Dr. Molly Moore provides anxiety therapy in Austin, Texas.

Final Thoughts

Setting boundaries at work can be incredibly difficult and may even feel like failure if you are a high achiever. But setting boundaries with yourself and work, and living a life in alignment with your values, can help you be productive without burning yourself out. If you want to work with a therapist who specializes in high-achieving clients experiencing anxiety and burnout, I would love to hear from you.

Overcome Burnout with Therapy for Burnout in Austin and throughout the state of TX!

Burnout doesn’t have to run your life. You deserve to be productive without sacrificing your needs. If you are an anxious high achiever and struggling with burnout, Therapy for Burnout in Austin, TX can help.

Ready to make a change?

1. Send me a brief message here!

2. I’ll reach out shortly and we will schedule a brief consultation call to ensure that therapy with me will be a good fit.

Other Services Offered by Dr. Molly Moore of Moore Psychotherapy

Are you a high-achieving woman who struggles with anxiety, impostor syndrome, and burnout? I’m Dr. Molly Moore, a licensed psychologist in Austin, TX who specializes in working with high-achieving women just like you. In addition to helping clients ditch anxiety with Therapy for Anxiety, I also help women overcome self-doubt and feeling like a fraud with Therapy for Imposter Syndrome. Therapy for Burnout is for those folks who are exhausted—emotionally and physically—to find relief and be productive without sacrificing their needs. In my practice, I provide Online Therapy in Texas. To learn more about me and the work I do, check out my About Me page and my blog.

Setting Boundaries at Work: A Necessary Skill for Preventing Burnout in Anxious High Achievers