Do you find yourself waiting for “more time” to start that side project, build another income stream, or bring your big idea to life? You’re not alone. Many people feel stuck in a “time trap,” believing they need 40 hours a week to truly make progress. But here’s the truth: you don’t need endless hours to start. All you need is focused, intentional time and a plan for making the most of it.
Let’s break down some practical ways to shift your mindset and take those first steps toward your goals, no matter how packed your schedule is.
The Time Myth: Why Waiting for 40 Hours is Holding You Back
It’s easy to think that once life slows down, or when you get a few free days, you’ll finally start that project or business. However, this is a common trap. As Nic from Women to Wealth often emphasizes, many of the women we work with are already full-time professionals, moms, and partners—wearing multiple hats. Waiting for the perfect time only delays progress and keeps you from moving forward.
Instead of waiting for “enough time,” the secret is to begin with what you already have.
The Power of Parkinson’s Law
One powerful insight that can change how you approach time is Parkinson’s Law, which states that the time you allot to complete a task is how long it will take. Think back to school or university days: when you had a month for an assignment, you’d still often finish it in the last 48 hours. The same principle applies to your goals. Give yourself a tight timeframe—like a focused two hours instead of eight—and watch how much you can accomplish.
Experiment with setting shorter time blocks and challenge yourself to complete specific tasks within them. You’ll likely find that you’re just as productive in two hours as you would be in a whole day if you keep your focus sharp.
Knowing What to Do with Limited Time
Having a limited amount of time isn’t the issue; it’s knowing what to do with it that makes the difference. If you have just two hours a day to work on your goal, make sure those hours are spent on high-impact activities. Here’s how to prioritize and make real progress:
Clarify Your Big Goal: Start by understanding your long-term outcome. Define where you want to go with your project or business, and identify a specific, realistic goal that will take you there.
Break Down the Steps: Once you have a clear goal, break it down into actionable steps. This is your roadmap, helping you avoid getting sidetracked by low-priority tasks.
Prioritize Needle-Moving Activities: Focus on tasks that drive tangible results, the ones that genuinely move the needle. These are high-value tasks, like planning your marketing strategy, building a product, or networking, rather than smaller, time-consuming activities.
High-Value vs. Low-Value Tasks
In every project, some tasks are more valuable than others. Knowing which tasks are essential can prevent you from wasting time. Try separating tasks into two categories:
- High-Value Tasks: These are tasks directly tied to progress and results. For instance, if you’re launching a business, high-value tasks might include securing a supplier or developing your product’s first prototype.
- Low-Value Tasks: These can include minor tasks like organizing files, updating spreadsheets, or routine admin work. While they might need to be done eventually, they don’t drive immediate progress.
When you only have a couple of hours, spend them on high-value tasks. This way, you’re making progress every day, even with limited time.
Letting Go of Perfectionism
One common obstacle is trying to do it all. Women often feel like they need to check every box, but the reality is, trying to accomplish everything at once can be exhausting. Letting go of perfectionism frees up time and energy for what matters most. Focus on progress over perfection, completing high-value tasks each day rather than getting bogged down in every detail.
Reframe Your Perspective on Time
Instead of focusing on the hours you don’t have, ask yourself: What if time isn’t the real problem? What if it’s about knowing what to do with the time you have and committing to moving forward? When you let go of the “when I have more time” mindset, you create the space you need to make real strides toward your goals.
Conclusion: You Don’t Need All the Time in the World to Make Progress
Don’t let a lack of time hold you back from starting or growing your project or business. With tools like Parkinson’s Law and a focus on high-impact activities, you can make steady progress—even with a busy schedule. Try setting a timer, focusing on essential tasks, and releasing the need to do it all perfectly. Each small step adds up, and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to making your big idea a reality.
Take the time you have, prioritize what matters, and start today.