The Yes That Broke The System

Ever made an exception for a client—just this once—only to regret it?

I have.

I took on a client who was also a colleague. I bent my usual process, trusting she’d respect the flexibility.

She didn’t.

She pushed more boundaries. Ignored expectations. Eventually, I had to end the relationship.

Looking back, I wasn’t being careless—I was being generous. I wanted her to feel supported. I thought: She’ll get it. She knows me.

And if you’ve ever done the same—bent your rules for someone you trusted or didn’t want to disappoint—please know: you’re not alone. This is one of the most common traps for agency owners with big hearts and high standards.

That generosity came from a good place. But it led to a painful outcome—and an important realization:

Every time we quietly make an exception, we unintentionally teach someone how to treat our time, our systems, and our role.

Often, those exceptions are driven by our desire to be helpful, likable, or accommodating.

So if you’re feeling stretched thin by your own kindness, here’s something to consider:

Where might you be choosing to be liked over being effective—and what would shift if you flipped that?

Boundaries don’t make you cold. They make you clear.

And clarity, in business, is one of the deepest forms of care.

If you’ve found yourself making too many exceptions and feeling the ripple effects in your team or calendar, let’s talk. Together, we can reinforce the systems that keep you out of the weeds—and still deliver extraordinary client experiences.

You’ve got this!

You can be generous and have boundaries. If that’s feeling hard to hold right now, I’d love to help. Click here and we’ll find a time to talk.