Finish, Pause, or Let Go: Focus on What Grows Your Business


Welcome to The Side Business Momentum Newsletter!

For women who’ve already started their side business—and want to build serious momentum.

Not on the list?Join here!


Hey Girl, Welcome Back!

Nothing slows your business down faster than a pile of half-finished projects and a mind full of “maybe this will work” ideas.

Jumping from one trend to the next, hoping the latest idea will finally bring in clients, often leads to overwhelm and frustration instead of progress.

If you feel pulled in too many directions and aren’t sure which project will actually move the needle (and your bank account), you’re definitely not alone.

Growth comes from finishing what matters most, pausing what isn’t clear yet, and letting go of everything else that’s just taking up space.


TL;DR

Your business can’t thrive on half-done projects and endless distractions.

Focus on finishing the right things, pause uncertain ideas without guilt, and release what doesn’t serve your goals.


What's Worth Your Time Right Now

A few handpicked resources to help you prioritize what matters and ditch the distractions:


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Deep Dive: Finish, Pause, or Let Go-How to Make Real Progress on What Matters Most

If you’re building momentum in your business, unfinished projects can quietly drain your energy and keep you stuck.

It’s easy to get caught up in starting new things, but real progress comes from focusing your time and attention on what truly moves your business forward.

Let’s get clear on what counts as an unfinished project-and how to make confident decisions about what to finish, what to pause (with a plan!), and what to let go.

What Is an Unfinished Project?

An unfinished project is anything you started with the intention to launch, sell, or use to grow your business-but haven’t completed or shared yet.

For example:

  • A lead magnet (like a checklist, guide, or template) you planned to use for list building, but haven’t finished or published.
  • An email welcome sequence that’s written but not set up in your email platform.
  • A new sales page or website update that’s still in draft mode.
  • A batch of social posts for your offer or brand that you started but haven’t scheduled.
  • A course outline you started but never developed further.

How to Decide: Finish, Pause, or Let Go

1. Finish

If a project directly supports your main business goal or will help you get clients, make money, or build your brand right now-commit to finishing it before starting anything new.

Example: Your lead magnet is 80% done and will help you grow your email list. Make it a priority to finish and publish it this week so you can start attracting new subscribers.

2. Pause (With a Plan)

If a project could be useful later, but isn’t essential for your current focus, put it on hold-but set a specific date (like 30 or 60 days from now) to revisit and decide what to do next.

Example: You started outlining a second lead magnet, but your main one is ready to go. Pause the new lead magnet and set a calendar reminder to review it in 30 days-after you’ve had a chance to see how your first one performs.

3. Let Go

If a project doesn’t align with your current business goals, isn’t exciting anymore, or was just a “shiny object,” let it go.

Archive the files (I know an archive folder hate to see me coming 🤣 ) or cross it off your list to free up your energy.

Example:You began brainstorming a podcast, but it’s not needed for your current growth stage. Let it go for now and only revisit if it supports your next big goal.

How to Take Action

  1. List every unfinished project-be honest and thorough.
  2. For each one, ask:
    • Will finishing this help me reach my main business goal right now?
    • Does this align with my top priorities?
    • Am I excited to finish this, or is it just a distraction?
  3. Decide: Finish, Pause (with a revisit date), or Let Go.
  4. This week, pick one project to finish, one to pause (and set a reminder), and one to let go.

Unfinished projects are only valuable if they move you closer to your business goals.

By finishing what matters most, pausing what can wait (with a plan to revisit), and letting go of the rest, you’ll clear the clutter and finally create the real momentum you’ve been craving.

This focused approach is how you make meaningful progress-one intentional step at a time.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

What’s one project you’ll finish, pause (with a plan), or let go of this week?

Hit reply and share your decision-I’ll send you a quick tip or resource tailored to your next step, so you know you’re focusing on what truly matters for your business momentum.

Let’s make sure you’re moving forward on the right path!

Yours truly,

Kristina Portella, Business Strategist

Founder of Side Business Momentum

Because once you have momentum, everything changes.

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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From Messy Middle to Momentum: Side Business Clarity for Women

Your go-to Friday email for women in the messy middle of their side business. Get clear, practical tips to simplify your messaging, refine your offer, and confidently attract clients to build momentum and grow.

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