How Do I Find Time to Start My Own Business?

We all say we don’t have time—but is that really true? In this blog post, I confess to avoiding a training program I say is important to me, using “busy” as my go-to excuse. Sound familiar? Whether it's launching a business or leveling up your skills, lack of time is often a mask for deeper fears, vague goals, perfectionism, or misaligned priorities. I break down what “I don’t have time” usually means and share how coaches help clients uncover the real blocks standing in their way. Spoiler alert: the solution isn’t more time—it’s more clarity. I committed to starting my training next week. What’s your first step?

Let me tell you a little secret. I’ve been “meaning” to complete some extra training to sharpen my coaching skills—for over a year. It’s excellent training. It’s directly related to my work. It’s... still sitting there, haunting me like a gym membership on January 20th.

So what happened?

I got “busy.” You know—writing blog posts, refreshing my inbox for the 47th time, reorganizing my spice drawer in alphabetical order. (Cumin is having a moment.)

But the truth is: I have plenty of time. I’m just choosing not to use it for that training. Why? Because I’m scared? Because it’s uncomfortable? Because it might show me something I don’t want to see about my current skills? And because sometimes pretending you're too busy is more comforting than admitting you're avoiding something.

Now, if this sounds familiar, it’s because it is.

🚀 “How do I find time to start my own business?”

This is a top question people ask me when they come to coaching. Right after “Is it normal to feel like I have no idea what I’m doing?” (Yes, yes it is.)

They’ll say things like:

• “I work full time.”

• “I’m raising kids.”

• “I’m caring for a parent.”

• “I just...have a lot going on.”

All valid. Life is full. But full doesn’t always mean aligned. And just like my training, their dream of launching a business gets pushed further and further down the to-do list until it quietly disappears beneath a pile of Amazon returns and PTA emails.

But here’s the thing: time isn’t usually the real problem.

🧠 What “I Don’t Have Time” Could Actually Mean

When someone says they don’t have time, what they might mean is:

• I’m afraid I’ll fail. (Totally normal. But let’s name it.)

• It’s not actually a priority. (Which is fine! Just own it.)

• I don’t know what I want yet. (That makes it hard to get started.)

• I need it to be perfect. (Perfection: the brilliant saboteur.)

• I feel like I need to learn everything first. (Spoiler: you never will.)

• It doesn’t align with my values. (Security > Risk right now? That’s okay.)

• I’m truly maxed out. (Let’s check if that’s chronic or seasonal.)

🛠️ What I’d Do as a Coach (and what you can try too)

If you’re asking "How can I make time to start a business?" (or, say, finish a coaching certification…), I’d suggest starting here:

1. Get clear on what you really want. Vision it. Feel it. Get honest about what’s in it for you.

2. Name your distractions. What’s pulling you off course? Fear? Guilt? Lack of boundaries? Netflix? (likely a symptom, not the problem)

3. Calculate the cost of avoidance. What does not doing this mean for your growth, happiness, or wallet?

4. Examine your thoughts. Are you telling yourself you’re not ready? That others are better? That the time has to be perfect? What runs through your mind when you put off working on this task?

5. Check your priorities and values. Are you saying yes to other things because they’re urgent—or because they’re easier? Does this task align with your values?

6. Reframe the resistance.

• Instead of “I have to be perfect,” try “Done is better than perfect.”

• Instead of “I’m scared,” try “This means something to me.

• Instead of “What if I fail”,” try “I am going to learn a lot.”

7. Take one small step. You don’t have to launch an LLC this weekend. Maybe you just block 30 minutes and brainstorm a name. Progress over perfection, always.

🧹 Here’s What I’m Doing About It

I’m blocking time this week to start that training. No more excuses. No more "just after I…" tasks. It’s on my calendar. Weekly. With reminders. And possibly rewards involving chocolate and wine.

Because just like you, I want to grow. I want to get better. And I want to stop ghosting my potential.

🔑 The Real Takeaway

We all tell ourselves stories about why we “don’t have time”—and they feel real. But when we dig into our fears, values, perfectionism, or emotional roadblocks, we often find time was never the true villain. It’s the excuse our scared self tells our ambitious self to keep it comfortable.

So I’ll ask you:

What’s the story you’re telling yourself about why you haven’t started yet?

And more importantly…

What’s one tiny step you could take this week to start writing a different one?

If you want help unearthing what’s really holding you back—and how to finally move forward—I’m here for that. And no, I won’t judge your spice drawer.