3 Surprising Myths About Boundaries (and What They Really Mean for Your Relationships)

When we hear the word “boundaries,” it’s common to think of drawing a line, creating distance, or saying “no.” But true boundaries are so much more than limits—they’re about clarity, respect, and ultimately, connection. And yet, there are still many myths that keep people from setting healthy boundaries in their lives. Let’s clear up a few:

Myth #1: Boundaries Push People Away  

One of the biggest misunderstandings around boundaries is that they’re meant to keep people at arm’s length. But boundaries aren’t about building walls; they’re about setting guidelines that let others know where you stand. Clear boundaries allow you to show up authentically, which actually brings you *closer* to others by promoting trust and mutual respect.

Myth #2: Boundaries Are Rigid and Unchangeable  

Setting a boundary isn’t about locking yourself into one rule for life. Boundaries can evolve as you grow and as your relationships shift. The key is to set boundaries that feel right for *you* and adjust as needed. Think of them as guidelines rather than unbreakable rules.

Myth #3: Only Big Problems Require Boundaries  

Many people think boundaries are only necessary when there’s a major issue. But boundaries are powerful in our everyday interactions, too. They help us protect our time, energy, and well-being, whether it’s committing to 15 minutes of downtime or setting limits on work-related messages after hours. Even small boundaries can have a big impact on our mental and emotional health.

Ready to Start Setting Boundaries that Work?

Join me for my All About Boundaries Masterclass tomorrow at 11 AM MT via Zoom. We’ll break down the steps to create boundaries that feel true to you and explore how to honor them even when it’s tough. Can’t make it live? No worries—replays will be sent out to everyone who registers. [Link to register]

It’s time to leave the myths behind and start setting boundaries that help you thrive.

I look forward to seeing you there!


Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions.

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

Setting Boundaries that Stick: Practical Tips for Healthcare Professionals


Healthcare is all about giving. You’re there for your patients, your team, and sometimes even strangers when they need it most. But who’s there for you when feel you stretched thin?

It’s easy to feel like you’re supposed to be constantly available. Taking on extra shifts, answering emails after hours, and saying “yes” to last-minute favors have almost become badges of honor. But what if it’s costing you more than you think?

The Challenge of Boundaries in Healthcare
Have you ever had that feeling when you’re finally off the clock, but your phone just won’t stay silent? Or maybe you’re exhausted from a long week, and yet you’re signing up for extra shifts because it feels wrong not to help out.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In healthcare, these kinds of demands are often unspoken expectations. But without boundaries, burnout isn’t far behind. And let’s be honest: burnt-out you isn’t the best version of you—for your patients or for your own life and family.

Shifting Your Mindset on Boundaries
Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re a way to decide what’s truly important to focus on and let go of what isn’t, so you can keep giving sustainably. When you know where your limits are, you can serve at your best without running dry.

How to Set and Keep Your Boundaries

  1. Start with Small, Clear No’s
    Saying “no” doesn’t have to be dramatic. Start with small boundaries, like declining non-urgent calls after hours or setting a cutoff time for work emails. You can keep it simple and professional: “I won’t be able to respond to non-urgent requests after 7 PM.”
  2. Use Your Schedule as a Boundary Tool
    Your schedule is one of your most powerful boundary allies. Block off personal time on your calendar—yes, even if you have to make it a meeting with yourself! Prioritizing that time is a way to recharge so you can come back to work focused and energized.
  3. Communicate Openly and Often
    Talk to your team, your supervisor, or anyone who might expect your availability. Being clear about your boundaries (and reinforcing them when needed) helps others respect your time. Remember, setting a boundary once isn’t enough; reinforcing it regularly builds respect and understanding.
  4. Let Go of Guilt
    You can be compassionate without sacrificing yourself. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you’re not committed; it means you’re committed to showing up as your best self. This mindset is essential for long-term success in healthcare.

The Difference Boundaries Can Make
Imagine finishing your shift and actually being able to leave work at work. Or starting your day feeling rested instead of running on fumes. Boundaries help you build a sustainable career, showing up for your patients and colleagues fully engaged and present.

Closing
Boundary-setting is a skill, and like any skill, it gets easier with practice. If you’re curious about taking this further, I’m hosting a free webinar on boundary-setting specifically for healthcare professionals, where we’ll dive deeper into strategies and answer your questions. You can also book a complimentary consultation to explore coaching support that helps you set boundaries and regain balance in your life.


What’s one small boundary you’ve set (or would like to set) that’s helped you feel more balanced at work or home?


Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

How to Live an Extraordinary Life (Yes, Even with Your Busy Schedule)

Does the idea of living an extraordinary life feel out of reach when you’re buried in work and the endless demands of healthcare? You’re not alone if it does. But here’s a little secret: an extraordinary life is not only possible—it’s closer than you think. There’s a process to get there, one step at a time, and it starts with learning how to manage your mind.

Managing your mind is all about how you handle stress, make tough choices, and feel confident about those decisions without second-guessing. It’s not a personality trait or something you’re born with; it’s a skill you can develop. And it’s this skill that can help you live life on your own terms, even within the intense world of healthcare.

Imagine going into each day feeling clear, confident, and ready for whatever comes your way. It’s more than just surviving the day-to-day—it’s a way of actively designing a life you love, even on the busiest days.

So, how can you get started with managing your mind? Here’s one powerful step:

Notice the Little Wins  

When you finish a difficult shift or handle a challenging patient with care and patience, recognize that as a win. Confidence doesn’t come in a flash; it’s built gradually, one brick at a time, through moments like these. Acknowledging these small victories builds your resilience and reminds you that you *are* in control.

By making a habit of celebrating these everyday successes, you’ll find yourself feeling more confident and at ease with life’s demands. It might feel small, but the benefits add up. And over time, this mental clarity and confidence become the foundation for a life you love—one you’re designing, not just letting happen.

Living an extraordinary life in healthcare isn’t about changing careers or dropping all your commitments. It’s about taking ownership of your mindset, finding clarity, and building confidence that sticks.

Ready to explore this further?  

Join me on November 13 for an online masterclass on Boundaries, where we’ll dive into strategies to build a life that fits you. Or, if you’re ready to take a deeper dive, stay tuned for a special offer designed to set you up for your best year yet. (Let me know if you want to be one of the first to know.)

Let’s make an extraordinary life your reality. Registration is required, click the link below to sign up.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session

A True Story About Communication

I wanted to share a moment with you that taught me a huge lesson about staying calm in difficult situations.

One time, I had two direct reports who left work early. They had finished their productive work for the day and just…left. The problem? They were still required to work 40 hours a week, and their early exit was not okay.

My first reaction was immediate anger. My heart was pounding; my mind raced with questions like, “How could they just leave like that?” and “What were they thinking?” I could feel my frustration rising as I prepared to confront them.

But as a coach, I now know to do something I wish I had learned sooner— to pause. Instead of charging into that conversation with anger, to take a beat and give myself a moment to think before reacting.

Pausing would have given me the space to shift from defensiveness to curiosity. Instead of assuming they didn’t care or weren’t taking their jobs seriously, I wondered, “What was their reasoning?” or “Was there something going on that I didn’t know about?”

This curiosity could help me approach the conversation much calmer. I could say, “I noticed you left work early today,” and have a productive discussion that leads to more understanding—and a clearer plan moving forward.

How to Stay Calm When You’re Angry

We’ve all been in situations where our first instinct is to react emotionally. Whether at work with your team or home with loved ones, your emotions can take over before you’ve had time to think. And when that happens, conversations can spiral into frustration, defensiveness, and conflict.

But staying calm is possible, even when your initial reaction is anger.

Here’s a little trick that has worked wonders for me: When you feel the heat rising, pause and take a beat. This gives you enough time to gather your thoughts and prevent your emotions from dictating your reaction. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference in the heat of the moment.

When you give yourself that brief pause, you create space to shift from judgment to curiosity. Instead of jumping to conclusions or making assumptions, you can ask questions that lead to understanding, opening the door to a meaningful, productive conversation rather than an argument.

This small change in approach can prevent so much conflict—and build trust and collaboration instead.

Practice Makes Progress

Like any skill, staying calm and leading with curiosity takes practice. But the more you do it, the more natural it becomes. Over time, your conversations become less stressful and more productive.

If this approach sounds like something you’d like to explore more, I’ll cover it in my Collaborative Communication Masterclass. It’s a great opportunity to learn actionable strategies to stay calm in challenging situations and improve your conversations. I will help you apply these strategies in your daily life, making your day more productive and your relationships better. 


Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

This IS the Journey

I used to be the woman constantly running—dropping Tara off at school, juggling work, soccer, ski lessons, and home (all with a supportive and helpful husband) while trying to squeeze everything into a 24-hour day that never felt long enough. I gave everything I had—my energy, my love, my time—to everyone else, including my family, my job, and my friends. And whenever I tried to carve out a little space for myself, it felt impossible, like there wasn’t enough time.

I looked at other women and wondered how they had it all figured out. They seemed to be doing something that I was missing. I felt like I was failing, like something was wrong with me because I couldn’t seem to crack the code. And I was exhausted from trying.

But here’s what I learned: nothing had gone wrong, and nothing was wrong with me. The only real difference between me and those other women? They believed they could figure it out, so they kept trying. They didn’t have some secret formula or hidden knowledge that I didn’t. They were just doing life—just like me.

They experimented with different routines, schedules, and ideas. When things didn’t work out, they didn’t label it as a failure. They saw it as part of the process and kept moving forward, adjusting as they went.

Once I realized that, I stopped believing everyone else had it figured out while I didn’t. I started making small changes and gave myself permission to let it be messy. I stopped trying to cram everything into a perfect 24-hour container and started focusing on what worked for me. I saw that I was not failing at life. I was living it. This was the process; it was the journey.

And I want you to know that if this resonates with you, I can help you go from feeling overwhelmed and exhausted to feeling more in control. Together, we’ll focus on practical strategies for managing your time, prioritizing what matters to you, and making small, meaningful changes. You don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ll be there to support you as you find what works so that you can live a life you truly love.

If you want an easy way to come and see what I’m all about, join the How to Manage Your Time Masterclass on Wednesday, September 11, at 11 AM. Registration is required, and you can do so here.

I’ll be there waiting for you with open arms. I’ve got you. 💕💕

P.S. Reminder: Employees get free coaching sessions as part of Logan Health’s benefits. You can book a coaching session here.

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you how to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action.

The Cost of Poor Time Management

(Why It’s Hurting You More Than You Think)

As a healthcare professional, you’re no stranger to pressure. Long shifts, endless to-do lists, and constant multitasking are part of the job. But what if I told you that poor time management might cost you more than just a few extra minutes each day?

I see it all the time with the nurses and healthcare workers I coach: the creeping stress that builds when your day feels out of control. You feel like you’re constantly running behind, never quite catching up. And the worst part? It starts to spill over into your personal life, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, drained, and disconnected—even when you’re not at work.

The truth is, poor time management doesn’t just affect your productivity at work—it impacts every area of your life. Here’s how it might be affecting you:

Burnout: The constant race against the clock piles on stress, which—if left unchecked—can quickly lead to burnout. This leaves you feeling emotionally and physically depleted, unable to recharge.

Patient Care: Struggling to manage your time doesn’t just affect you– it can also compromise the quality of patient care. When you’re stretched too thin, being present, focused, and effective with your patients becomes more difficult.

Personal Life: Perhaps the biggest hidden cost of poor time management is that it doesn’t stay at work. Instead, it follows you home. You may find yourself unable to fully enjoy your time off because your mind is stuck on what didn’t get done at work.

This happens because our brains aren’t designed to handle constant stress and multitasking—at least not efficiently. As a healthcare professional, you’re likely experiencing decision fatigue, cognitive overload, and a stress response that makes managing your time feel impossible.

But here’s the good news: simply understanding *why* this happens is the first step toward changing it.

During my upcoming webinar, “How to Manage Your Time,” I’ll be diving deeper into the neuroscience behind why time feels out of control and how understanding this can help you take back control of your day.

Here’s the thing: this isn’t just about throwing more time management tips your way. It’s about equipping you with strategies to help you maximize your time without burning out. In the webinar, we’ll cover:

  ~ Why your brain struggles with time management

  ~ The hidden costs of poor time management that you might not even realize are there

  ~ How mastering time management can improve patient care, reduce burnout, and help you reclaim control of your life

Want to know more? I’ll teach how during the webinar, but for a full transformation, one-on-one coaching offers a deeper dive into personalized strategies that work specifically for you.

If you’re tired of feeling like time is slipping through your fingers, I invite you to join me for the masterclass. Or, if you’re ready for more personalized help, book a complimentary consultation or sign up for a one-on-one coaching session (especially if you’re a Logan Health employee- see below!).

It’s time to reclaim your time—and your life.

P.S. You can register for this masterclass with this link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tP782ZC1T9WmQDSiy13IwQ

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health Whitefish, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book yours here

emotional responsibility

This week at Christine Seager Coaching, we’re focusing on emotional responsibility—allowing others to own their thoughts and feelings while reclaiming control over our own. It’s a mindset shift that empowers us to manage our emotional experience, no matter the circumstances.

As healthcare professionals, you know that emotions can run high in stressful environments. But did you know that you hold the power to decide how you respond? When we blame others for our frustration, sadness, or disappointment, we unknowingly hand over our emotional power. But what if we could reclaim it?

From a young age, we’re often taught that others are responsible for our feelings. When someone says something hurtful, we believe that pain is their doing. But as adults, we have the ability to reflect, choose our thoughts, and ultimately, decide how we want to feel.

Imagine approaching your day knowing that your emotions are within your control—not dictated by your boss, patients, or colleagues. How empowering would it be to realize that frustration or disappointment isn’t caused by outside forces, but by how we choose to interpret those forces?

By accepting responsibility for our feelings, we open the door to true emotional freedom. Instead of reacting on autopilot or avoiding discomfort, we can choose how we want to feel. The result? We start living a life of intention, rather than default.

Try this: The next time you feel frustration or stress in the workplace, pause and ask yourself, ‘What am I thinking right now that’s creating this feeling? And do I want to keep thinking this way?’ Shifting your mindset from blame to ownership can be transformative.

You have the power to take charge of your emotional experience.


Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health Whitefish, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here

P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action.

P.P.S. You can register for the next free Christine Seager Coaching Masterclass on What to Do When You’re Not Getting Results by clicking here

summer smoke

If you’re local in the Flathead Valley, it’s been relentlessly 90º and increasingly smokey.  According to the Flathead Beacon, we’re under a heat advisory over the next two days, and there are Stage II fire restrictions in surrounding counties. The Montana DNRC reports 59 active wildfires, including one outside Helena and one south of Missoula. 

If you’re like me and love summer, you might be inclined to think:

Well, there it goes– literally up in smoke.

I’m sad b/c I love summer & now it’s hot, miserable, AND smokey. 

Not being able to see the mountains makes me feel claustrophobic. 

I love fresh air, but now I can’t open the windows at night. 

We shouldn’t even be outside. 

Camping is more fun with a campfire. 

You feel dismayed, disappointed, angry, and annoyed. 

You complain to your friends, worry about whether you should change your camping plans, and spend endless amounts of time trying to figure out how to get out of here. 

You wind up not enjoying your summer. 

What can you do instead? 

If you were free to focus on something other than the smoke and being disappointed about it, what would you focus on instead? 

What else could you spend your time, energy, and effort on? What would be available to fill in the energetic gap? 

You might think: 

Yes, it’s smokey, and I can’t control the air quality here. 

I’m determined to enjoy my summer anyway. 

I will not just stay inside and do “nothing” for the rest of the summer. 

I have options. 

Now, you feel accepting, empowered, hopeful & creative.

From here, you can determine how you would like to play this.

You are better equipped to: 

  • Focus on things within your control
  • Find alternative activities
  • Enjoy your summer despite the smoke and heat
  • Explore new activities
  • Spend time with friends 
  • Make the most of the season despite challenging conditions 
  • Reduce your stress and frustration
  • Find opportunities for enjoyment and fulfillment in different ways. 

A smokey summer can still be your best summer ever.

This is how you create and live a life you love. 

your self-concept

If you struggle to meet your goals and often let yourself down, this is for you. To be clear, this one is about your self-concept rather than the actions you do (or don’t) take.

You probably often hear me talking about creating and living a life you love. 

Your self-concept is how you CREATE your life rather than just life happening TO you.

It’s about deciding in advance what you want for your life and who you must be to create that life. 

If you’re trying to create results in your life and taking lots of action without addressing your self-concept, it will not work. 

If who you are being doesn’t match the results you’re working to create, you will sabotage your results every single time. 

For example, if you identify as someone who is overwhelmed, overwhelm the result you will produce. 

You simply cannot create results without changing your identity and your self-concept.

Here’s how to change your self-concept: 

  1. Assess—where are you now, and where do you want to be? 
  2. Define—why do you want it? Why is it important to you? And who do you need to be to get it? Consult with your future self. 
  3. Decide—what you want to change. What can you do to get from here to there, and where do you want to start? If necessary, borrow from other areas where you have created change. Consider how you did it and apply that here. 
  4. Plan and implement while also becoming the person who creates new results. 
  5. Evaluate your results—Find evidence that who you are becoming and what you are doing is working. Then, see what you might want to try differently (if anything). 

Then, as I love to say—wash, rinse, repeat; this is an ongoing process. 

This is how life works. We are constantly evolving and striving for the next thing. When we’re done, we’re dead, so learn to appreciate the journey.


If this interests you and you would like to learn more about changing your self-concept, join me via Zoom on Wednesday, July 17th, at 11 AM MT for the next FREE monthly masterclass. Registration is required, and you can do so by clicking here.


As a reminder, as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health Whitefish, you are entitled to fully confidential coaching at no cost to you. (Yes, it’s free for you). You can book an in-person coaching session here or a remote/Zoom coaching session here. If you have any questions, just email me at Christine@christineseager.com.

under-living

Are you under-living? 

It might look like: 

~ a job you don’t love. 

~ relationships that are more stressful than joyful. 

~ travel you’re not taking. 

~ time you’re not spending doing what you love to do. 

~ feeling like a robot going from one required task to the next. 

You’re so annoyed with where you’ve wound up, with what you’re doing with your one wild and precious life. 

(You hate to admit that you feel like you might be wasting it.) 

You want more. 

You have dreams. 

You wish you could just step out of your life into a different one. 

Or maybe you like most of your life if only you could

~ be a better parent. 

~ have a different body. 

~ be a better manager. 

~ feel more confident. 

~ make more time. 

~ have a better marriage. 

~ feel in control of your life at large. 

~ could have more excitement & adventure like you used to. 

You feel stuck, frustrated, disappointed, and discouraged, and you have basically given up on remembering what you love to do. 

You want to make changes, but it feels overwhelming. 

You worry that it may not be possible for you. 

You don’t know where to start. 

You don’t know what to do. 

You don’t follow through. 

You aren’t consistent. 

So things just stay the same. 

Even though you so desperately want a different experience for yourself, your life, and your family. 

Please know that under-living is optional. 

You can opt-out.

And opt-in to living a life you truly love. 

It IS possible. 

You can have all of those things—be a better parent, have a better body, be a better manager, feel more confident, make more time, have a better marriage (have better relationships), feel in control of your life, have more excitement and adventures—live a life you love. 

And here’s the kicker– nothing outside of you has to change. 

It starts with you, just you, and your brain—where you choose to focus and how you choose to manage your mind. 

If you want to learn how, book an appointment or set up a consultation. We’ll discuss what you’re looking for specifically, and I’ll tell you how coaching can help. Then, the fun part—we’ll get to work creating a life you love. 

Go from this:

To this: