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Steven Claes – The A+ Introvert - Boundary Scripts for Introverts
Five phrases to protect your time and keep your battery charged (without burning bridges)
Steven Claes
September 13, 2025 • Reading Time: 6 minutes
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Hey there friend!
"Can we do a quick call?"
My stomach drops every time I see those six words.
Because I know what's coming.
The "quick" call that becomes 30 minutes.
The "quick" review that spawns three more tasks.
The "quick" meeting where I sit silent while others debate things I figured out yesterday.
Yesterday I said yes three times.
By 3 PM, my brain was fried and my real work sat untouched.
The problem isn't saying yes.
It's not having better defaults.
You need five sentences that protect your time without burning bridges.
Today’s Focus
Five copy-ready scripts you can use today
When to use them (and what to say if pushed)
A one-line status you can set to protect your focus
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⚡ Why "Quick" Requests Kill Your Day
Knowledge workers face interruptions every 4 minutes.
Each switch creates "attention residue" : part of your brain stays stuck on the previous task.
Result? Performance drops by 40% for the next 15-23 minutes. (Link)
Translation: Every "quick" doesn't just steal that time.
It sabotages the next hour of your work.
The fix: Clear scripts that create boundaries without drama. (Link)
The Five Scripts (use as-is)
When the day starts pulling you sideways, use these simple, kind defaults that protect your time.
Copy, paste, send. No explanations needed.
Need | Script (≤ 30 words) | When to Use |
Reschedule | "I'm heads-down on [X]. Can we move this to [two time slots]?" | When timing (not priority) is the issue |
Scope | "To do this well, I need [time/resource]. If that's not available, I can [smaller version]." | Avoids silent over-commit. |
Trade-off | "If I pick this up now, [current task] slips to [date]. Which should I prioritize?" | Forces a clear choice. |
Redirect | "Best next step: comment in [doc link]. I'll review by [time]." | Cuts meetings/pings. |
Decline (kind) | "Thanks for thinking of me. I'm at capacity this week and can't do this justice." | Protects energy without drama. |
🔧 For Complex Requests
Email Template:
"Current focus: [X]. To do this well, I need [time/resource]. If today's tight, I can [smaller version] by [deadline], or we can reschedule to [two slots]. For async, best step is commenting in [doc link]. I'll review by [time]."
📱 One-Click Protection
Set this as your Slack/Teams status during focus time:
"Deep work mode: [project name] - back at [time]"
Pro tip: Schedule Do Not Disturb on your phone for the same hours.
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📚 Introvert Fuel
Resource | What It Is | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
📱 Tool | Built-in Focus / Do Not Disturb: Schedule quiet windows automatically. (iPhone Link) (Android Link) | Turns your boundaries into a system. |
📖 Read | “Using DESC for Difficult Conversations” (Link) | Evidence-based script framework. |
🎥 Watch | How to improve assertiveness (Link) | Clinical guidance for calm boundary-setting. |
🚀 This Week's Practice
Monday: Save one script as a template
Tuesday: Use RESCHEDULE once
Wednesday: Try TRADE-OFF on a new request
Thursday: Set focus status for 90 minutes
Friday: Review which felt most natural
Download images if not visible
💡 Next Week
"Async Rhythm"
Move work forward without meetings (or energy drain).
🎯 Final Thought
Boundaries aren't walls.
They're clear entry points.
One calm sentence today protects tomorrow's focus.
Which script will you try first? Hit reply and tell me how it goes.
Building steady edges with you,
— Steven
P.S. Know someone who says yes to everything? Forward this. They'll thank you.
P.P.S. Want more tips for introvert-friendly work and leadership? Click here to connect with me directly.
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