Last autumn I conducted a survey among small business owners to explore what (if anything) might be holding them back in their businesses. Almost one in three suggested that, when feeling at their most hesitant, their biggest concern was not having enough time to find success.
It's why I created the 20-Point Challenge - a low-cost tool that removes the clutter from your working week and help you focus on the actions that will add the most value to your business story.
Lack of time is a great goto response for when things feel slightly beyond us. Why? Because unlike the remaining Four Fears® it is not subject to emotional scrutiny. If you don't have time, you don't have time - simple as that.
Toxic Positivity of time management
The internet is, of course, quick to dismiss such 'excuses'. "Not enough time? (Insert celebrity name) has the same 24hrs in a day as you and look what they can achieve?"
"JFDI" is not a helpful piece of advice.
Neither is "Just focus on what is important and do that first".
Because it's not ACTUALLY about time
What if you DID have enough time?
Let's suggest that you had all the time on the world to do the things you should be doing. No other distractions or priorities - just the ideal to do list in front of you to make your big business wish come true.
How likely is it that there will be some things on that list that you still push to the back of the queue? A couple of tasks that appeal less than others. Time isn't the issue now... so what is?
Perfectionism can be a powerful delay tactic. You can't possibly start (or continue) that task because it isn't 'just right'...? When will it be 'good enough'? Well, it might never be as good as you'd ideally like plus you've seen other people do it better, so why would anyone want to wait and see what you're capable of... (Imposter Syndrome - another great delay tactic, eh)?
Embracing those emotional hesitations
You'll hear me talk alot about the 'body of evidence' that exists in your story so far, proving that you are ready and are good enough to acieve whatever it is you hope (and deserve) to do. The closer you come to embracing that evidence and the easier it becomes for you to default to the belief that you 'can' and the easier it becomes to make better use of the time you already have (notice I don't say 'find time' as the time ie already there - it's not even hidden).
Bulletproof habits
Working on your clarity and bravery:
What is it you REALLY want?
Why is that so important to you that you are prepared to take action in order to make it happen?
If you can answer the first question, then the 'action' comes more naturally.
Leaning into that 'evidence' and more regularly tackling the brave tasks - this is how you build the bulletproof habits that will keep you moving forward, even when those hesitations reappear from time to time (which they will).
Next steps
I'd love to have a conversation with you about how we can start introducing greater clarity and bravery into your working week. Let's have a digital cuppa and catch-up and talk about what 'not enough time' really looks like for you.
Thanks for reading.
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