Do you ever feel like you’re some kind of magnet for clients who drain the life out of you faster than your phone battery at 1%? They text you like it’s a group chat at 2 a.m., fire off emails with “URGENT” in the subject line (but it’s never actually urgent), ghost you when you need something from them, and somehow blame you for their lack of results. Fun times, right?
We’ve all been there. It’s like a toxic relationship you didn’t even swipe right on. And the worst part? You feel like you should just suck it up and be grateful they even chose you—because, you know, competition and all that noise.
But let me hit you with a reality check: you don’t have to keep settling for clients who make you question all your life choices. In fact, every second you spend with them is low-key sabotaging your business and your sanity. Sure, saying no to money feels scary when your mortgage is staring you down, but do you know what’s scarier? Waking up every day dreading the people you have to deal with.
It’s time to renegotiate what your standards are. Stop chasing clients who make you miserable and start attracting the ones who actually get it. The ones who respect your time, take accountability, and don’t make you want to fake your own death. You deserve high-quality clients who make your work feel rewarding—not like a hostage negotiation.
Raise the bar. Find your people. And for the love of all things holy, stop answering 15-text-long midnight rants. You’ve got better things to do.
Why Settling Breeds Regret
Settling for less than you deserve isn’t just a bad business move—it’s a fast track to Regret City, population: you. And trust me, the view there sucks. It drains your energy, stunts your growth, and leaves you with nothing but a pile of “what ifs.”
You know the clients I’m talking about. The ones who treat your time like it’s an unlimited resource, constantly change their minds, and move the goalposts so often you’re pretty sure they’re just screwing with you. They don’t fit into your vision for the future, and guess what? They’re not supposed to. These time-sucking soul crushers are hogging all the space you need to actually thrive.
And here’s the real kicker: they don’t just waste your work hours—they hijack your mental bandwidth, too. Even when you’re not dealing with their endless demands, they’re still in your head, leaving you drained and wondering why you feel like you’ve run a marathon when all you did was answer emails. That kind of stress doesn’t stay contained. It spills over into your personal life, leaving you exhausted, uninspired, and snapping at your dog for barking at the mailman.
It’s time to raise the bar, clear out the dead weight, and attract high-quality clients who actually get it—the ones who value your time, respect your boundaries, and help you build the business (and life) you’ve been dreaming of. You deserve better, so start acting like it.
The Power of Standards
So, what’s the move? It’s time to level up your standards. And no, this doesn’t make you a b**** or diva—it makes you someone who actually respects themselves. Setting higher standards, both personally and professionally, is basically saying, “I know my worth, and I’m done settling for the bargain bin.” It’s about having the confidence to prioritize your future goals and the pride to demand that your talents get the respect they deserve.
Think about it: you’re not besties with every random person you pass on the street. You choose friends who vibe with your energy, share your values, and won’t make you cringe in public. So why the hell are you letting just any client through the door? Work with people who make you proud to do what you do—people who let you flex your expertise and grow, not shrink.
When you hold out for high-quality clients who get it, here’s what happens: you feel happier, more fulfilled, and way less like you’re running on fumes. Suddenly, you’ve got the energy to not only do great work but to keep getting better. And that? That’s the secret sauce to loving what you do instead of just surviving it.
Setting Your Standards
So, how do you stop working with less-than-ideal clients and start attracting the ones you actually want? Simple: set some freaking standards and stick to them. Here’s how to make that happen:
1. Know Thyself (and Be Brutally Honest About It)
Be real with yourself about who you vibe with and who you don’t. If you’re not the hand-holding type, don’t fake it. If you take a few days to provide feedback but someone’s expecting instant replies, tell them upfront. The goal is to attract clients who align with how you work, not ones who’ll have you questioning your career choices by week two.
2. Create a Yes/No List (Boundaries Are Sexy)
Sit down and write out what you’re cool with doing and what you absolutely won’t do. Get specific. Will you provide weekly updates? Yes. Will you respond to 11 p.m. texts about “urgent” non-issues? Hell no. Then, communicate this list like it’s the Ten Commandments. The clearer you are, the fewer “Oh, I didn’t know” excuses you’ll hear later.
3. Adjust Your Fees (Supply, Demand, and No Discounts)
Pricing isn’t just about what feels “fair”; it’s about positioning yourself as the badass expert you are. If you’re charging bargain-bin prices, guess what? You’re going to attract bargain-bin clients—the kind who demand a champagne service on a beer budget. Raise your rates to reflect your value and expertise, and don’t apologize for it.
Bonus Tip: never discount your fees. Seriously, stop it. Discounting doesn’t make you look generous; it makes you look unsure of your worth. Plus, the clients who haggle over price are usually the same ones who make your life miserable. Stick to your rates like your sanity depends on it—because it kind of does. Your ideal clients will respect your boundaries, pay what you’re worth, and trust you to deliver. Everyone else? Let them keep scrolling.
4. Create a Curated “Not for Me” Rolodex (Because You’re Still Nice, Just Not That Nice)
When someone isn’t a fit for you, don’t just ghost them. Have a list of other professionals who might be a better match. That way, you’re still delivering value while gracefully dodging a potentially stressful situation. Plus, you’ll look like a total pro for having connections—win-win.
Boundaries create Balance
When people hear the word “boundaries,” they tend to roll their eyes because it’s been a buzz word for the last few years. But boundaries aren’t about shutting people out—they’re about protecting what keeps you sane and successful. As Brené Brown says, “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” So, let’s get courageous, shall we? Boundaries are the time clock that keeps your business hours from leaking into your personal time and the guardrails that stop clients from driving all over your peace of mind.
First things first: when you take on a new client, lay out the rules of engagement like a pro. Let them know your working hours, how long it usually takes you to reply, and what you’re delivering. “Clarity is kindness,” as Brown would also say. Spell out what you need from them, too—whether it’s timely feedback, sticking to deadlines, or just not texting you at midnight with “urgent” emojis. The clearer you are, the smoother things will run, and you’ll dodge those late-night panic attacks over ever-changing demands.
But what about the clients who steamroll your boundaries like it’s their day job? Here’s some wisdom from leadership guru Simon Sinek: “You don’t hire for skills; you hire for attitude. You can always teach skills.” Let’s flip that: you don’t keep clients for the money; you keep them for their respect. If someone consistently ignores your boundaries, it’s time to let them go. Harsh? Maybe. Necessary? Absolutely. Every moment spent on a client who doesn’t respect you is a moment stolen from someone who will. And as Marie Forleo says, “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.”
