NO-vember Challenge: Setting Boundaries as a Business Owner
- Brittany Miller
- Oct 17
- 6 min read
Why NO-vember Matters for Entrepreneurs
This month, I’ve committed to what I’m calling the NO-vember challenge—a personal reset to start saying “no” more often and set boundaries around my time. As a business owner, it’s way too easy to let client work, emails, and social media bleed into every hour of every day. But when that happens, the very reason I started my business—flexibility and family time—begins to slip away.
My goal is to take weekends off, to recharge and spend quality time with the girls. This allows me to be more focused and energized for my client come Monday.
The truth is, saying no isn’t about closing doors. It’s about creating space for the things that matter most. And if you’ve been struggling to unplug or feel like your business is running you (instead of the other way around), the NO-vember challenge might be exactly what you need.
If we haven't met yet, I’m Brittany, an online marketing strategist for female entrepreneurs. I teach women how to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality through smart, actionable marketing strategies that get them seen, loved, and paid. Whether you’re eager to DIY your way to success or hire professionals to help you along the way–my goal is to make sure you walk away with the clarity you need to see the results you desire and build a life you love.
Table of Contents
FAQs About No-vember
The Challenge of Saying No
If you’re like me, you’ve probably been taught that saying yes equals opportunity. And yes, sometimes that’s true. But as entrepreneurs, we can easily say “yes” to too much:
yes to new clients, even when our plate is full
yes to working late, even when we’re exhausted
yes to “just checking” emails during family time
Before we know it, burnout sets in, and suddenly we’re resentful of the very business we once loved. That’s why saying no—and meaning it—is such an important skill.
Why Boundary Setting Is Crucial for Business Owners
Unlike a traditional 9–5, entrepreneurship doesn’t come with built-in “off” hours. The flexibility that makes running your own business amazing can also make it incredibly hard to disconnect.
Boundary setting isn’t just about taking weekends off. It’s about:
protecting your energy
being fully present with family
avoiding decision fatigue
and creating a business that supports your lifestyle, not controls it
Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re guidelines. They help you create balance so you can keep showing up as your best self for your clients and your loved ones.
Common Signs You Need Better Boundaries
Not sure if you’re due for a reset? Here are some red flags that you might be riding the edge of burnout:
You check emails or social media the moment you wake up.
You feel guilty when you’re not working.
Your weekends “off” still involve client calls or catching up on admin tasks.
Family time doesn’t feel relaxing because your mind is still in business mode.
You resent your workload, even though you built it yourself.
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. That’s where the NO-vember challenge comes in. From one ambitious, Type A entrepreneur to another, here are a few tips to help you unplug and be present with your family that I've found to be helpful.
Practical Boundary Setting Activities for Entrepreneurs
1. Out of Sight Out of Mind
Plug your phone in to charge OUTSIDE of the bedroom. This reduces the temptation to roll over and scroll on socials just before bed or first thing in the morning. Buy a physical alarm clock or use a smart device if you have a certain time you need to wake up at on your days off
2. Clear the Digital Clutter
Turn off notifications or sign out of your social media accounts, emails and any other apps that remind you of your business
3. Plan in Advance
Set a time on Friday to evaluate your week and plan for the next. You’ll feel more relaxed when you have tied up loose ends and set intentions and meetings for the following week before leaving for the weekend.
4. Announce Your Boundaries
Announce to your clients and social following that you won’t be working on X days. When you set clear boundaries, people adjust. They may still communicate with you during your off hours, especially if that is their work time, but they know that you won’t be responding until your office hours resume the following week
5. Get Accountable
Tell your friends and family. They will help hold you accountable and be more appreciative when they see you following through on what you’re going to do.
Benefits of Boundary Setting in Business and Life
When you actively set boundaries, like the ones above, here’s what changes:
More focus at work – When you know work hours are limited, you naturally become more productive.
Better mental health – Your stress levels drop when you allow true downtime.
Stronger family connections – Your loved ones notice when you’re present with them, not half-distracted.
Sustainable growth – You avoid burnout, which means you can keep building your business long-term.
Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re essential.
Additional Boundary Setting Activities You Can Try
If you’re ready to take things further, here are a few more boundary setting activities to explore:
Theme your workdays (e.g., Mondays for admin, Tuesdays for client work).
Block off non-negotiable family time in your calendar.
Set tech-free zones at home (like the dinner table).
Use auto-responders for email to remind clients of your response hours.
Practice saying no politely but firmly—“I appreciate the opportunity, but I’m not able to take this on right now.”
These activities may feel awkward and uncomfortable at first, stick with it anyway, all change does. By the end of the month you (and I) will likely feel a huge, positive shift in our lives!
Balancing Family Time and Business Goals
I started my business for flexibility and family freedom, yet ironically, I sometimes let it take away from that very thing. Choosing to unplug on weekends and evenings isn’t about being lazy—it’s about remembering why I started this journey in the first place.
Your family doesn’t just want your presence, they want your full attention. Setting boundaries allows you to give them both.
Why Saying No Creates More Opportunities
Here’s the funny thing: the more you say no to the wrong things, the more room you create for the right ones. Saying no to constant availability opens space for bigger-picture creativity, deeper client work, and more meaningful personal moments.
Boundaries don’t limit you. They free you.
How to Stay Consistent With Your Boundaries
It’s one thing to set boundaries—it’s another to keep them. Here are some ways to stay consistent:
Write your boundaries down.
Share them with accountability partners.
Reflect each week: did you stick to them? If not, why?
Remember your “why”—family time, mental health, long-term growth.
Final Thoughts on the NO-vember Challenge
This NO-vember, I’m saying no more often—and I’m inviting you to join me. Boundary setting is not about shutting people out; it’s about showing up as your best self in every area of life.
So, I’m inviting YOU to join me in my challenge. Drop the word NO-vember in the comments if you’re ready to create some work-life boundaries and start enjoying the entrepreneurial life you’ve been working to create! I never said it would be easy, but it will be worth it!
Together, let’s create a business (and a life) that doesn’t just look good on paper, but actually feels good to live. You can thank me later. 😉
FAQs About No-vember
What is the NO-vember challenge?
It’s a commitment to say no more often and practice boundary setting throughout the month of November.
Why is boundary setting important for entrepreneurs?
Without boundaries, business owners risk burnout, strained relationships, and declining productivity.
What are some easy boundary setting activities I can try?
Turning off notifications, leaving your phone out of the bedroom, planning your week in advance, and announcing your working hours are all great places to start.
How do I tell clients about my boundaries without upsetting them?
Communicate clearly and professionally. Most clients respect boundaries when they’re explained upfront. I include all my boundaries in a onboarding document that every client receives so they know upfront what they can expect from me.
Can boundaries really improve my business?
Yes! Clear boundaries lead to better focus, more energy, and higher-quality work—which ultimately helps your business grow.
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