For years I held myself back with a particular mindset issue: "I don't have time to build a side business." I come across this same issue regularly when talking to other people.

Here's the uncomfortable truth to face when we tell ourselves this: It's unlikely we have a time problem. It's more likely we have a different problem!

What I've learned is that you will find time for what you want to do! We humans are incredibly resourceful in finding time to do things when we really want to do them!

The Real Numbers Behind "No Time"

Here's what I realised:

The average person spends:

• 2.5 hours daily on social media (17.5 hours/week)
• 2.8 hours daily watching TV (19.6 hours/week)

That's 37 hours per week of discretionary time. Yet people still tell themselves they don't have time!

Now, these numbers might not reflect what you do with your time. But take an honest look - could you really not find 4 hours a week to do something that could change the financial situation for your family or others you support?

What's the Real Question?

Here's the mistake we make - we mask the real issue with the 'I don't have the time' statement.

So what's the real issue?

When we say we don't have time what we might mean is we don't 'have the emotional capacity to take on something new.' Ok - now that may be true. But it's a different question which has a different solution. It's then not about finding the time it's about how you can build emotional capacity.

But sometimes we're hiding behind other fears too:

"I don't have time" really means:

• "I'm scared it won't work and I'll waste my effort"
• "I don't know where to start so it feels overwhelming"
• "I'm comfortable with my current situation, even if it's not ideal"
• "I'm worried about what others will think if I try and fail"
• "I don't believe I have anything valuable enough to teach"
• "I can't see a way where it doesn't take more and more time"

These are all valid concerns. They need working through. But they are not the same as 'I don't have the time'.

Let me share some examples of what this looks like in practice:

Lou, the Worship Leader: "I don't have time" was code for "I'm already traveling constantly - how could I possibly add more to my plate?" But when she realized she could turn her existing travel and training into a scalable course that would mean she could be home more and impact more people it was a no-brainer. It did take time to build and run the pilot course but she found the time to for that and generated $7500+ in her first launch. She's now set to turn that course evergreen which will mix pre-recorded content with live group coaching and optional 1-1's for a fully scalable offer that will likely bring in a significant income each month.

Simon (me!), the Non-Profit Leader: "I don't have time" actually meant "I've tried side hustles before and realised that they could only scale with more time, so why would this be different?" When I found multiple examples of people who were running 5,6 and 7 figure businesses in 4-5 hours a week I knew I had to discover how it was done. The revelation that hit me when someone said to me "'Simon, don't say 'I can't.' Say 'How can I?'" This led me on the journey that's got me to where I am today.

The Real Solution: Start Where You Are

Here's what I've discovered works when we're honest about the real barriers:

If it's emotional capacity: Start with just 30 minutes a week. Not to build a business, but to explore the possibility. Read one article. Watch one video. Have one conversation. Build the emotional muscle gradually.

If it's fear of failure: Focus on validation first. Spend 2 hours talking to people about their problems. You'll either discover there's no market (saving you months of wasted effort) or confirm there's demand (giving you confidence to proceed).

If it's overwhelm: Follow a proven system. My clients work just 3-4 hours per week (and not even every week), taking one step forward at a time in a clearly laid out path.

If it's imposter syndrome: Remember that you don't need to be the world's expert. You just need to be a few steps ahead of the people you're helping.

The Compound Effect of Small Actions

Here's the truth about time and building assets: We're not just investing hours. We're creating things that work while we sleep.

My course content, created in those 4-hour weeks over the past year, has:

• Generated significant revenue every month often while I sleep.
• Given me the joy of helping other professionals launch their courses or publish their first book and find a community of like-minded people.

The Real Question Isn't "Do I Have Time?"

The real question is: "What's the cost of not making time?"

• How many more years will we trade time for money?
• What happens if our job disappears tomorrow?
• How much longer can we ignore the opportunity to create scalable income?
• What would change for our families or others that we want to help if we had an extra $2-5k per month?

Your Next Step

Time can be an excuse. Or time can be a tool.

If you're ready to discover how your expertise can become your income in just 4 hours per week, let's have an honest conversation about what's really holding you back. I'll help you validate your idea and create your 29-day roadmap to your first $1,000 online.

Because here's the truth: We don't need more time. We need a better system and the courage to start.

Check out Lou's testimonial here and sign up for your free Accelerator call.

Standing with you

Simon