In this episode, I unpack one of the most uncomfortable truths I’ve had to learn in my own leadership and life: boundaries aren’t about keeping people out, they’re about keeping me intact.

I explore why high performers struggle to say no, how people-pleasing becomes a survival strategy, and why guilt shows up the moment we start prioritising ourselves. I also break down the science behind boundaries, the nervous system, and why clarity is one of the kindest things we can offer ourselves and others.

If you’ve been running on empty, giving more than you have, or feeling resentful and drained, this one will hit home.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Boundaries aren’t walls — they’re vulnerability in action.
  
  
• Saying yes when you mean no teaches people your needs don’t matter.
  
  
• Healthy boundaries make relationships stronger, not weaker.
  
  
• Guilt isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong — it’s a sign you’re healing old patterns.
  
  
• The nervous system stabilizes when you communicate clearly and stop overextending.
  
  
• Boundaries must be proactive, not reactive.
  
  
• People may resist your boundaries at first, especially if they benefited from your lack of them.
  
  
• You need internal boundaries just as much as external ones.
  
  
• Clear communication prevents resentment, burnout, and emotional leakage.
• Protecting your energy is not selfish — it’s leadership.

Links and Resources:

Follow Terri-Ann Richards: https://terriannrichards.com/

The Happy Stack Newsletter: https://happystack.substack.com/

Success Takes Courage Book: https://a.co/d/dgOqpbj

If this episode gave you the nudge or clarity you’ve been needing, share it with someone who’s overdue for a boundary reset.

And if you haven’t yet, subscribe so you never miss a new episode of The Happy Stack Podcast.

• (00:00:01) - The Happy Stack Podcast
• (00:00:33) - Why Boundaries Are So Hard to Get
• (00:07:17) - Setting Boundaries for Yourself
• (00:09:00) - Setting Boundaries for Your Relationships
• (00:10:22) - Happy Stack: Stacking Wins