How Well Do You Know Your Limits?

How well do you Know Yourself? How well do you know your Limits?

The trouble with knowing your limit is that often you discover it by going past it. As a result, you then require a time of recovery. It is a gift to be able to discern the end of your capacity before you reach it. This is a lesson I am still learning. I recently had the opportunity to function in one of my sweet spots, an area that I can bring real value. The trouble that I ran into, is that in my fervor to share, be available and contribute; I dug deeper into my physical and emotional reserves than I realized. After these events I felt wiped out, I needed a full day to recover. I realized some of the concessions I had made personally and saw how they extended beyond my personal limits. On reflection I realized that a few boundaries that I must keep in order to function optimally.

Firstly, my diet. When you are traveling or entertaining, and out of your normal environment, it can be hard to stay in control of what is available to eat. Particularly if you are being entertained with a client or hosted as a guest. The richer, out of the ordinary food affected my energy and shifted the boundary of my limits. Secondly, I skipped some of my routine exercise. Physical movement is something that helps me be the best version of myself. It clears my head, strengthens my body and allows me to be at my best. Getting good rest and sleep to recover also is part of this. Some of my strength comes from my routines and the disruption in these affected my limits. My big takeaway from these thoughts is that as a leader I want to grow in my self-awareness. Knowing my limits allows me to work from a place of strength and not out of the slim margins of life. I have found that my body gives me great feedback when I have pushed the limit.

As successful leaders, we often fall into the trap of people-pleasing and high achievement at any cost. We tell ourselves that saying “no” requires a "good enough" justification, but the reality is that "no" is a complete statement. Your body provides excellent feedback—over-stress shows up physically, as does exhaustion. Learning to recognize these signals before crossing the line requires high emotional intelligence and personal discipline.

Learning from the Master

Jesus was masterful at setting boundaries. He frequently withdrew from crowds to pray (Luke 5:16), took time for meals with friends, and wasn't afraid to say no when it served a greater purpose. In Mark 1:38, Jesus clearly states His mission priorities: "Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." Jesus was a great example at saying “No” so he could say “Yes” to the things that mattered most.

Jesus’ example of prayer is the best. Time in prayer has been the greatest key in my life to developing reserves that sustain my life. In prayer I feel restored, rested and equipped for what is to come.

Finding the Limits

In our professional lives, boundaries aren't about being difficult or unavailable. They're about protecting our capacity so we can live in our purpose. When we set limits, we avoid the trap of excess that can derail our effectiveness. When we prioritize exercise and proper nutrition, we maintain the energy needed for sustained leadership. Boundaries help us stay connected to our values and mission rather than being swept along by every urgent request or opportunity. They allow us to conserve emotional energy for what matters most and prevent us from accumulating debt—whether financial, physical, or spiritual—just to keep up with external pressures.

Learn from the feedback that you get from yourself. Start by identifying your "full-body yes" and "full-body no." Your physical responses are valuable indicators of your limits. Build routines that stoke your reserves rather than depleting them. Remember that boundaries fortify your connections with others by keeping you honest about your needs and capabilities.

Most importantly, recognize that setting boundaries allows bigger yeses to unfold in your life.