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Let me guess… you’ve got about 20 minutes today.
- Maybe it’s between back-to-back shifts.
- Maybe you’re stealing a pocket of quiet before the evening chaos.
- Maybe it’s after your last Zoom call or while someone else finally took over care duty.
- Or maybe it is during nap time or a drive across town.
Either way, you’re grabbing 20 precious minutes to yourself. And you’re wondering: “What can I actually do in this tiny window that will move the needle in my business?”
I know you’re wondering that, because I asked you.
Recently, I popped a question up on The Goal Digger Podcast Instagram: “How much time do you really have to work on your business each day?”
And overwhelmingly, the answer wasn’t “all day” or “as long as I want.”
It was: small pockets. Limited time. But still… big dreams.
Here’s the truth that no one’s saying loud enough: 20 minutes isn’t a limitation, it’s a launchpad.
When you learn how to use those short pockets of time well, they don’t just “count”, they compound.
Lately, I’ve been in so many conversations with women who feel stuck — not because they lack ideas, or passion, or even ambition — but because they lack hours.
These aren’t fluff; they’re the exact kinds of micro-moves I made when I was starting out… And honestly, they’re still the ones I come back to now, between mom-ing, meetings, and trying to potty train our dog Hank!
Remember: progress doesn’t require perfection, a packed calendar, or even a full day to yourself. It starts with the 20 minutes you have today, and the drive to stay consistent one day at a time. Let’s dive in!
Phase 1: Clarity Tasks: Get Clear Before You Take Action
This phase is all about the “pre-work”: the kind that won’t show up in a highlight reel, but unlocks everything else. These tasks help you get clear on your direction so you can take aligned action.
1. Brain Dump Your Dream Business Ideas
Set a timer and pour it all out; no overthinking, no editing. Ask yourself: What do I want to create? Who do I want to serve? How do I want it to feel to do this work? You don’t need a formal business plan — you need permission to think freely.
2. Write Down 3 Things You Could Talk About Forever
These are your content anchors. They’re more than social media topics, they’re the foundation of your brand, your offers, your message, and your niche. If you’re multi-passionate, this task helps reveal the thread that ties it all together.
3. Voice Memo a Mini Rant
Grab your phone, open the voice memo app, and go off about something you wish people understood. It could be a frustration in your industry or a misconception in your space. That fire in your voice? That’s keynote energy and content gold.
Phase 2: Visibility and Validation: Show Up and Get Feedback
Once you’re clear on what you’re building, the next step is to start showing up, even if it’s imperfect, even if it’s quiet. These tasks help you build confidence, consistency, and connection.
4. Post a One-Line Truth or Story on Instagram
Forget the fancy Canva graphics. Share one sentence that’s honest and real. Example prompts:
- “Here’s what I wish more people understood about [topic]…”
- “This is the biggest mistake I made when I started…”
- “What I tell my clients all the time is…”
- “You’re not behind. You’re just building differently, like…”
Reminder: it’s not about being polished. It’s about being present.
5. Pin 1–3 Past Posts to Pinterest
Take content you’ve already created and make it work harder. Pinterest doesn’t require daily engagement, just consistency. One pin can bring traffic for months.
Take my free Pinterest class here to learn how to extend your content’s lifespan!
6. Ask One Simple Question in Your Stories or Email
“What are you struggling with right now when it comes to [your niche]?”
This is research gold. Use the answers to shape your offers, posts, and products. It’s insight — not guesswork.
Pro Tip: I use an app called Clearspace to limit distractions and focus during these short work bursts. It’s changed the way I use my phone and protected my precious minutes of creative time!
Click here to take control of your digital habits with thoughtful screen time controls!
Phase 3: Tactical and Growth Tasks: Build Systems that Scale
You’ve got clarity. You’ve been showing up. Now it’s time to build momentum with systems that actually move the needle.
7. Sketch a Freebie Based on FAQs
The best ideas don’t come from brainstorming, they come from listening. Check your DMs, your comments, your client questions: What are people already struggling with? Now sketch out something that solves one piece of that puzzle.
Keep it light and fast:
- A one-page checklist
- A simple how-to
- A script they can copy
- A voice memo with 3 steps
The goal isn’t to blow them away, it’s to give them a quick win. It’s a filter that helps the right people find you and take the next step!
8. Write One Email Subject and Three Sentences
Think of one person on your list and write like you’re talking directly to them. Keep it lo-fi and personal.
Try starting with:
- “Here’s one thing I wish I knew sooner…”
- “Something happened this week that reminded me…”
- “If you’re in this season, this is for you…”
You’re not writing for clicks. You’re writing for connection. And if you do it consistently, people will start to feel like they know you… because they do.
9. Schedule 3 Posts or Pins Using a Template
If I could give business owners ONE piece of advice, it would be this: Stop creating content on a treadmill and start building a rhythm that works with your life, not against it.
Reuse what you’ve already created. Drop a quote into a graphic, turn a lesson into a pin, or schedule a simple post. These are not throwaway tasks, they’re breadcrumbs that help people find you.
Want to learn more about Pinterest? Sign up for my free class, Create Once, Traffic For Months!
Final Thoughts
If you’re building your dream in short pockets of time — between diaper changes, client calls, commutes, or long shifts — I see you. I’ve been you, and I still operate this way most days.
Twenty minutes of intentional work is not small, it’s strategy, it’s momentum, and it’s proof that you’re honoring your real life while building something that matters.
You don’t need to wait for more time. You need the confidence to use the time you already have. And the dream inside of you? It deserves space… even if that space is just 20 minutes a day!
Keep stacking your small wins. Keep choosing progress over pressure. You’re not behind, you’re building something beautifully sustainable… And that’s something to be proud of, Goal Digger!
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