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It’s 9:47 PM.

You’ve finally collapsed on the couch after a day of back-to-back meetings, family obligations, and a commute that felt twice as long as usual.

Your phone dings with a calendar reminder: “Work on side business.”

You close your eyes and groan.

When exactly were you supposed to find time for that between your presentation to the executive team, your kid’s soccer practice, and the basic human need to occasionally eat something that isn’t from a drive-thru?

Tomorrow, you tell yourself.

You’ll dedicate a solid chunk of time to your business tomorrow.

But we both know that “tomorrow” has been saying the same thing for weeks now.

Here’s the truth that changed everything for me (and can do the same for you): You don’t actually need more time.

You just need to use the time you already have differently.

TLDR

Those scattered 10-20 minute windows throughout your day?

They’re not “not enough time” – they’re your untapped business growth goldmine.

The key isn’t finding more hours; it’s strategically matching the right tasks to these time pockets you already have.

No 5 am wake-ups required!

The Hidden Time Trap We All Fall Into

There’s a big disconnect between how we THINK about time and how time ACTUALLY works in our lives.

We tell ourselves we need huge 3-hour blocks to “really focus” on our side business.

And since those rarely appear in our packed schedules…we do nothing.

Meanwhile, we’re letting little time pockets slip away:

• The 20 minutes between Zoom calls

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• The 15 minutes waiting for your kid’s practice to end

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• The 30 minutes before bed when you’re “just checking Instagram real quick”

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• The 10-minute coffee break that somehow turns into 25

None of these feel “big enough” to count as productive time, so we ignore them.

And that right there? That’s the silent killer of side business growth.

Your Time Isn’t Missing—It’s Hiding in Plain Sight

The truth is, when I started my business, I was grinding constantly.

I was working all the time, trying strategy after strategy, often feeling invisible and like nothing was moving the needle despite all my effort.

What I discovered after all that struggle was something game-changing:

Those scattered time pockets throughout your day are your secret weapon when you’re building alongside other commitments.

You don’t have to follow my initial path of constant work with little return.

Instead, you can be strategic about those in-between moments that most people miss.

The Time Pocket Magic Formula

Here’s what can transform those random time slots into business progress:

First, the Time Pocket Audit

For one week, notice where you have consistent 10+ minute windows hiding in your schedule:

• Morning routine gaps
• Commute time (even if it’s just to your home office)
• Lunch breaks
• Meeting buffers
• Evening wind-down

Next, the Task-to-Time Matching

Not all tasks are created equal. The key is matching the right task to the right time pocket:

5-10 Minute Pockets:

• Engage with a potential client on social media

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• Send a follow-up email

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• Schedule your week’s posts

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• Review and approve something

15-20 Minute Pockets:

• Outline content

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• Record a quick video or voice note

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• Research competitors

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• Set up an automation

30+ Minute Pockets:

• Client calls or interviews

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• Batch create content

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• Deep strategic thinking

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• Analysis and improvements

Finally, the No-Excuse Setup

The reason most people don’t use these time pockets? They’re not prepared to use them.

Create a system where you can instantly access your prioritized task list from anywhere:

• Use a notes app synced across devices

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• Keep templates ready to go

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• Have your task list broken down by time requirement

Why This Approach Matters

I’m just starting to use this system, but it’s already changing things for me.

Now I have more time with my granddaughter (yes, I’m a Mimi although I look 25 💁🏾‍♀️), more time for things I enjoy, and I’ve found my love for my business again.

I’m not working from a place of panic anymore.

For you, this could help you:

• Get your stuck business moving again

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• Find clients without giving up your job or family time

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• Use those business tips you’ve learned but never had time to try

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• See real progress instead of feeling frustrated

This isn’t about working harder.

It’s about using your time in smarter ways.

Your 5-Minute Action Plan

Ready to make the most of those unused minutes?

Here’s what to do right now:

1. Find ONE 15-minute slot in your day that you could use better
2. Pick ONE small task you’ll do in that time tomorrow
3. Get everything ready TONIGHT so you can start right away

That’s it!

You don’t need a fancy system. You don’t need less sleep. You don’t need to feel bad.

Just one small change that adds up to big progress over time.

What’s Your Hidden Time Pocket?

Hit reply and tell me: Where do you think your biggest overlooked time pocket is hiding?

I read every response (usually during my own little time pockets!) and I’d love to help you maximize it.

Remember, building a side business doesn’t require massive time blocks—it just requires intentional use of the time you already have.

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To your “little-by-little” success,

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Yours truly, ​ ​ ​ Kristina Portella, Business Strategist Founder of Side Business Momentum​ Because once you have momentum, everything changes.

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P.S. Do you know someone who's always saying they don't have time for their side business? Forward this to them! Those 2 minutes you spend sharing might just change their entire business trajectory.​
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