Myth #15: I Should Always Be ‘On' and Available for Every Client

You know what every coach needs but not every coach uses well?

Boundaries.

It's those invisible lines that define what's okay... and what's not.

They’re not just about keeping others out - they’re about keeping you healthy, steady, and strong so you can keep showing up in your purpose.

A common coaching mindset trap I see, especially in newer coaches, is this belief that “being a good coach” means being constantly available. Answering every email right away, hopping on extra calls at the drop of a hat, or rearranging your schedule to accommodate every client’s needs. It feels noble at first. Servant-hearted. Like we’re just being generous and showing up.

But underneath that generosity, there’s often something else going on. Maybe a fear that we won’t seem valuable enough unless we’re always accessible. Or guilt about charging for our time, so we try to overcompensate with “access.” Or maybe it’s just the habit of people-pleasing wearing a new hat labeled “coach.”

The truth is, boundaries are not walls that keep clients out - they’re the framework that holds your business, your energy, and your mental clarity in place. Without them, your calling turns into chaos.

THE MYTH

You might love working with your clients and love the feeling of them reaching out for more of you. At first you may not mind them reaching out at all hours of the day... and night. Quick questions like, “Can I run something by you?” or “Hey, just need a short response about this!” And because you want to be helpful - and don't want to seem rigid or unkind - you keep responding. Even at midnight.

You can guess where this leads. You can start feeling resentful, scattered, and exhausted. Coaching may no longer feel like a joy but more like a burden and your actual sessions can lose some clarity. And eventually, you’ll realize: “This is not sustainable. I’m serving from fumes, not overflow.”

The problem won’t be your clients. It will be the lack of boundaries.

You teach people how to treat you. Setting boundaries early on sets you up for success.

THE SOLUTION

Boundaries don’t make you cold or less available. They makes you wise. They allow you to be consistent.

And they model something your clients desperately need too. Be an example of what's possible to them!

One of the best decisions you can make early on - or at any point if you haven’t already - is to define your availability. Set office hours, even if your whole business is online and from home. Choose when you’ll respond to messages. Decide if you offer Voxer or text access, and if so, what the response time looks like.

Then - and this is key - communicate it clearly.

Here’s an example you can use:

“I’m available for email support Monday through Friday between 10am and 4pm. If you send a message outside of those hours, I’ll get back to you during the next window. Thanks for understanding this boundary - it helps me serve you well and sustain the energy I need for each session.”

"I am available via Voxer on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am to 3pm. I will always try to respond within 72 hours of your message if at all possible. Thank you for your patience."

Simple. Respectful. Clear.

And if a client pushes back or repeatedly crosses the line, that’s an opportunity to gently reinforce your boundary. “Hey, I noticed you reached out late last night. Just a reminder of my email support hours. I want to be fully present for you, and this helps me do that.”

You’re not punishing anyone. You’re modeling healthy rhythms. And guess what? Clients respect that. In fact, many of them need that example because they’re wrestling with similar boundary issues in their own lives. When you show them what it looks like to value your time, your body, your mental margin - you give them permission to value theirs.

THE TRUTH

You were never meant to be a 24-hour hotline. You are a wise, spirit-led guide who needs rest, rhythm, and room to breathe.

Boundaries aren’t barriers - they’re bridges to sustainability.

And when you build them with care and communicate them with kindness, you create space for your gift to flourish.

Thanks for being here with me. I hope this gave you something to think about - or act on - today. You’re not being mean by setting limits. You’re being mature and professional. Keep walking in truth, friend!

READER CHALLENGE

Set your official “office hours.” Even if it’s just a start. Think through when you’re available for sessions, messaging, and content delivery. Then go communicate that in your onboarding materials, welcome emails, and maybe even your email signature or client agreement.

If you already have boundaries but haven’t enforced them? Reinforce them. Don’t apologize. Just clarify. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter and more grounded you feel when you’re not trying to hold up your business 24/7.