✍️ How to Build a Personal Boundary Script

Practical steps for saying no with clarity and kindness - 'Clarity is Kind. Guilt is not required'.

We all know how it feels to get caught off-guard - your boss asks you to work late again, your friend pushes for a last-minute favour, or a loved one unloads emotionally when you’ve got nothing left to give. You want to say no. But the words don’t come. Or they tumble out messy and unclear. This is where a boundary script becomes your ally - not just a sentence, but a tool that helps you honour your needs and communicate with care.

1. Acknowledge the Request

Start by recognizing what’s been asked. It shows respect, validates the relationship, and softens defensiveness. 

“I hear that this is important to you.”
“Thanks for thinking of me.”
“I appreciate the invite.”

2. Assert Your Boundary Clearly

Now say what’s true for you - without apologies or over-explaining. 

“I won’t be able to take that on right now.”
“I’m not available this weekend.”
“I don’t have the capacity to support this today.” 

Keep it short, direct, and free from guilt. You’re not obligated to justify your 'no'.

3. Close with Kindness or Redirection

Ending with grace helps maintain trust and offers connection. 

“I hope it goes well.”
“Maybe someone else can step in.”
“Let’s touch base next week when I have more bandwidth.” 

This final touch doesn’t make the boundary softer - it makes the delivery relational.

✍️ Practice: Write Your Own Script

Think of a situation where you often struggle to set boundaries - maybe it’s with work, family, or social expectations. Use the 3-step structure to write your own: 

1. Acknowledge: 

2. Assert: 

3. Close with kindness: 

Want more support? These scripts - and many more - are part of my upcoming workbook included with The Art of Saying No! workshop.

💬 Final Thought 

Boundary scripts aren’t robotic. They’re intentional. Over time, they help you unlearn guilt, reclaim clarity, and communicate from self-respect rather than exhaustion.

Ready to practice with support? 
Join me in Kalgoorlie for The Art of Saying No! - a therapeutic, workbook-based workshop on boundary-setting, emotional clarity, and assertive communication.
📍 Kalgoorlie | 🎟 Tickets available now at www.lifeonyourtermscounselling.com.au/workshops/the-art-of-saying-no