“What can you do with 5 good minutes?” ⏲️ ~James Clear
make every minute count with the time pocket system (#395)
You know what’s wild? Sometimes, the hardest part of side hustling isn’t finding time (or energy, for that matter) - it’s knowing what to do when you actually have it! 🤯
I learned this lesson in an unexpected place: caregiver training. Last week, our facilitator asked us what we’d do if we suddenly got 15 minutes of free time to be used for self-care only, and most of us had a few ideas. (I said work on a jigsaw puzzle or read a few chapters of a book).
Then she said: What if you had an hour of free time? 3 hours? A day? A whole weekend?
That became our homework assignment. To make a list of what we’d do in each of those pockets of time if they became available.
Well, that got me thinking about my journey of juggling all the other things in my life, too, and I created what I’m calling the Side Hustler’s Time Pocket System:
Create three lists in your phone’s Notes app:
5-Minute Tasks:
Reply to one email
Schedule one social post
Outline new content
Update one template
Dance break
15-Minute Tasks:
Listen to 15 minutes of a business podcast
Review/update task list
Draft a section of this newsletter
Ask for a testimonial
Walk around the block
30-Minute Tasks:
Update your bio/about page
Record & edit a quick tutorial video
Prepare for an upcoming client call
Review income and expenses
Watch an episode of your favorite comedy
Now, when you find yourself with an available pocket of time, you’ll know exactly what to tackle.
I have to say I’m very excited about this system and creating my own lists. It reinforces an idea that has been so powerful in my own life:
Don’t underestimate the power of 15 minutes. 💫
The magic isn’t just in having the lists - it’s in the peace of mind of knowing that even tiny pockets of time can move your business forward.
Keep going (even if it’s 5 minutes at a time).
Your turn! What would you put on your 5-minute list? 🤓
On to the picks!
P.S. Speaking of making the most of your time, my Side Hustle Idea Kickstart training is designed in 5-minute chunks for busy folks like us. Check it out here if you're ready to turn those time pockets into progress!
Note: This email may contain affiliate links. If you click through my link and make a purchase, I may receive “thank you money” at no additional cost. I only recommend products that I use and love.
#love 😍
💌. Reading: A Letter from Your Calling. Found myself smiling as this letter came across my radar again. It was written by Tara Sophia Mohr as if she were your calling: “It’s me. The one who keeps talking to you about that thing. That project. That possibility.” What a wonderful reminder of the work we are meant to do.
#read
While we’re talking about making the most of small pockets of time, I had to share this article! Sarah’s approach is brilliantly simple: get the “must-do” work done as quickly as possible, then enjoy guilt-free free time.
“The system I developed is very, very simple. The object of the game is to get the “work” (i.e. the stuff that I have to do) finished as quickly as possible. And then I’m free to do whatever I want.”
During her short workdays, she made progress on 4-6 different projects by breaking them into 15-minute chunks. (Sound familiar with our Time Pocket System? 😉). She also made it a point to focus on fewer projects and only check email twice a day.
Most of the time, you’ll find (as I have) that once you start on a task, you’ll usually want to keep going! It’s all about taking that first step.
More proof that you don’t need huge blocks of time to move your side hustle forward. Sometimes less really is more. ✨
#icymi
😍. Last issue’s top pick: Celebrations!
🧘🏾♀️. Join me at the FutureU Self-Care Summit on Jan 7 in Chicago! It’s a one-day event focused on helping you step into the new year with clarity, confidence, and a self-care plan. I’m talking about side hustling without burning out. Early bird tickets available until Nov 15!
#classifieds 🗞
Give yourself permission to unwind & play! 🎨 Join Coaching with Clay in Chicago on 12/5 - the relaxing workshop you deserve. Perfect for busy professionals needing a break.
Need extra support post-election and for the holidays? 🤗 Turn your Big Thing from idea to reality with Laura’s Black Friday 1:1 coaching 4-pack at 80% off!
FREE: Give your courses the `wow factor` in 15 minutes! 4 simple ways to celebrate student progress, boost engagement & encourage referrals. 🎉 Perfect for side hustle course creators!
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#lifevibes
#supporters ☕️
Thank you, Kelly, Melinda, Tawanna, Gia, Lori, Ayana, Krista, Jessica, Annetta, Constance, Tunde, Jen, Michelle, Emile, Bex, Kim, Angela G., Lauren B., Chelsea, Amy, Ricky, Kirsten, Vin, Julie, Nicole, Hmza, Greg, Kristin, Kirstyn, Jess, Cheryl, Krysta, Adrena, Vidya, Kristyn, Danielle, Keyn, Terry, Vanessa, Meredith, Lauren, Meg, Maria J., Chivon, Kim, Luciano, Colie, Chasity, Laurie, Latienda, Collette, Anne, Kristen, Liz, Katherine, Monale, Betsy, Melissa, Lindsay, Jennifer, Kayla, Madison, Rae, Stephanie, Christine R., Christine M., Frances, Hannah, Chris, Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria K., Avery, Adam, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L’Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️
Found this content helpful?
Love it. I just made myself one of these lists the other day to keep in my planner.
I love it! I always keep in my Apple Reminders the list "quick wins". Things that take 5 min or less.