ADHD leaders often face a tough balancing act: You want to help others and make an impact, but saying 'yes' too often leaves you overcommitted and burned out—especially during the holidays, when the pressure to say yes is extremely high.

Boundaries are essential leadership tools. I like to think of Boundaries as a garden gate—a more pro-relational metaphor than the traditional fortress wall. In this metaphor, your garden represents your life that you’re intentionally cultivating. Through the garden gate you allow in only what nourishes and supports your growth, while keeping out anything that might deplete your resources. Boundaries aren’t a barrier to keep people out—they’re about creating the conditions you need to thrive.

Leaders with the best intentions often take on too much, driven by empathy and a desire to support everyone around them. Even when others offer to help, they feel it’s their responsibility to handle everything themselves. While their compassion is admirable, the lack of boundaries can drain their energy and emotional bandwidth—ultimately diminishing their ability to lead with clarity, focus, and resilience.

Boundaries protect your energy, focus, and emotional bandwidth so you can show up as your favorite self. Here are three steps to start setting them:

1. Define Your Boundaries: What do you need to thrive? Identify what nourishes you versus what drains you. Think of your boundaries as the garden gate that protects your time, energy, and focus.

2. Tune into Your Wants vs. Expectations: When someone asks for your time or energy, pause. Ask yourself: “Do I truly want to do this, or does it feel heavy because it’s expected of me?” If it drains you, it’s okay to say no.

3. Communicate Your Boundaries Clearly: Once you’ve defined what nourishes you, communicate it clearly. Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re guides for how others can respect your needs. Remember, “No” is enough. Giving someone an explanation is a courtesy, not an invitation to negotiate. A polite “No” is still firmly “No.”

How will you protect your energy this holiday season?