What a week this has been.
I want to celebrate something big with you: this newsletter now has over 1,000 readers.
This is my 16th issue – and I had no idea how to write newsletters when I started. I also didn’t have “the time” to write one.
Just like I didn’t have the time to create content every week, or grow to 3,000 followers on Instagram and 19,000 on Threads.
But here we are. Because I found the time anyway.
One of the biggest lies we tell ourselves?
“I don’t have time to start a business right now.”
Let me lovingly (but firmly) call BS.
If you’ve got time to scroll, binge-watch, or say yes to stuff you hate doing – you’ve got time to build a business.
What you don’t have?
- A system.
- A structure.
- A way to protect your focus like your life depends on it.
This week, we’re talking about how to build your business while still working full-time – without burning out or losing your mind.
Quote of the Week
“You can do anything, but not everything.”
David Allen
The Cost of Pretending You Can Do It All
Most women in midlife already feel like they’re juggling knives. Add a business on top? Feels impossible.
But the real reason people stay stuck isn’t lack of time – it’s lack of clarity and boundaries.
Here’s what actually happens:
- You treat your business like an afterthought, not a priority.
- You try to squeeze it into leftover time – usually after everyone else is taken care of.
- You keep waiting for “free time” to magically appear (spoiler: it never does).
Let me be clear: building a business while working full-time is 100% doable.
But you’ve got to stop trying to be Superwoman.
You need to get ruthless with your priorities.
The Focus Pie: You Only Get 100%
I’m all for making any pie bigger – but this one? Not happening.
You only get 100% of your energy and attention. That’s it.
Let’s say your current “focus slices” include:
- Family
- Work
- Sleep
- Friends
- Exercise
- Hobbies
- House admin
- Personal growth
- Community obligations
- Netflix (yep, be honest)
Now you want to add “Start a business”?
Something’s gotta give.
You’re not sacrificing joy – you’re owning your priorities.
I recommend stripping your pie down to just 3–4 focus areas and moving everything else into your “do not do” list – at least temporarily.
You’re only human. You’re not a bot.
The 6-Step Framework: How to Build a Business While Working Full-Time
Let’s make this real and doable – even on your busiest week.
Step 1: Start With the End in Mind
Audit your week.
What can you drop? What are you unwilling to drop?
Now build a realistic weekly time budget for your business.
Then? Calculate how long it will take to launch at that pace.
This gives you clarity – and protects you from spiraling into imposter syndrome when things feel slow.
Let the hustle bros do 5am cold plunges. You? You’re walking your path. That’s the whole point.
Step 2: Build Weekly Systems (Not Daily Chaos)
You don’t need to work on your business every day.
You need 2–3 focused time blocks per week – booked in like unmissable meetings.
✔ Choose 2 evenings or one weekend morning
✔ Set boundaries around those times
✔ Let your family know they’re sacred
Even 5 hours a week compounds fast when you’re focused.
Step 3: Pick One Goal Per Month
You’re not launching a Fortune 500 company – yet.
Give each month a single, clear objective:
- Month 1: Validate your offer
- Month 2: Book 3 calls
- Month 3: Build a landing page
- Month 4: Deliver your first session
One goal. Full focus. Massive progress.
Step 4: Ruthlessly Reclaim Your Time
Audit your schedule like a CFO audits cash.
✔ Where are you overgiving with zero ROI?
✔ Where are you leaking time or saying yes out of guilt?
✔ What can you drop, delay, delegate, or delete?
You don’t have to be the “yes” woman.
You don’t have to keep the calendar full just because you always have.
You don’t have to explain.
If your business matters, give it the time it deserves.
Step 5: Prime Your Environment for Success
Environment beats willpower – every time.
You need to design your space to support focus.
That means fewer distractions. Clearer physical and mental boundaries.
In my case? I have an office space at home – away from the fridge, coffee machine, and the kids. Cats allowed (they don’t argue and always agree with my ideas).
If I really need to get something done, I wake up early, grab 3 coffees, and power through from 5 to 8am.
I only do that 4 times a year – but when I do, it works.
Step 6: Define What “Support” Looks Like Now
Support isn’t just about emotional cheerleaders (though we love those too).
Support = anything that helps you preserve energy and focus.
- Meal kits
- Grocery deliveries
- Cleaner every 2 weeks
- Asking your partner to take the kids 2 mornings per week
- Letting the laundry pile up without shame
Building something new means letting go of something old – at least temporarily.
This is how we grow.
This Week’s Action Plan: Reclaim Your Time Like a CEO
Here’s what to do:
- Audit Your Pie – Write down your 10 current areas of focus. Then cut to 3–4.
- Reallocate 10% of that energy to your business – for the next 30 days.
- Pick 1 Business Goal – and commit to 2 weekly time blocks to work on it.
- Have 1 Honest Conversation – With your partner or family about what’s shifting and what you’ll need.
- Drop One Task That Doesn’t Serve You – This week. No guilt.
Closing Thought
You’re not too busy.
You’re just trying to give 100% to things that don’t all deserve it.
Pick your top 3.
Build from there.
You’ve got this. Let’s make it count.
Claudia
