write a declaration of work boundaries. here's mine.

It's just a job
- My manager

Dear Reader,

I choose to not work evenings or weekends.

Even if:

• I woke up late.
• I procrastinated a lot.
• An exec messages me at 6:01pm.
• It's crunch time, like annual planning season.

Further, I choose to make time for the following most days (workday be damned):

• Sleeping eight hours, or napping.
• Exercising.
• Meditating.
• Eating when I'm hungry.

When push comes to shove and work puts pressure on these boundaries:

• I can work with my boss to prioritize and/or renegotiate expectations.
• I can wake up earlier. If I start working at 7am, that gives me 5 focus hours in the morning before meetings in the afternoon. Thanks James for this point.
• I can work later, but not after dinner or 7pm.
• I can quit, and I can find a new job, or enjoy a sabbatical for a bit.

Signed,
Rishi Dhanaraj

P.S. This declaration is right for me. I'm not saying it's right for you.

Also see:

write a declaration of happiness. here’s mine.

Dear Reader, I choose to be happy now. That’s right, I’m declaring it. * I will not wait for my senses to be pleased to be happy. * I will not wait for people to make me happy. * I will not wait for status to make me happy. * I will not wait

Rishi DhanarajRishi Dhanaraj

Author of Radical Candor shares her boundaries:

Growth legend Andy Johns shares his boundaries in a thorough guide:

How to know when to stop

A guide to avoiding burnout and establishing balance in your life—by guest author Andy Johns

Lenny's NewsletterAndy Johns