​

​ Welcome to Side Business Momentum! The newsletter for ambitious women ready to make the most of their weekends and build a side business—without the burnout. Not signed up yet? Click here to join! ​ Didn’t mean to sign up? You can unsubscribe below.

​

Remember when you had that closet full of half-finished projects?

The planner you swore you’d use daily—abandoned after two weeks.

The workout routine you were so excited about—for exactly five days.

The books you promised yourself you’d read—collecting dust on the shelf.

It wasn’t that you didn’t care or weren’t motivated. Every time you tried to build momentum, something else got in the way.

A notification would pop up. You’d remember another task. Or you’d convince yourself you’d start tomorrow.

And suddenly, weeks would pass, and you’d be right where you started.

Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever felt like your side business is moving at a snail’s pace—not because you’re not trying, but because distractions keep pulling you in every direction—you’re not alone.

But here’s the thing: Momentum isn’t about doing more. It’s about focusing on the right things, at the right time.

This weekend, let’s make sure your side business actually moves forward—without you feeling pulled in a hundred directions.

Here’s how.

1. Pick ONE Focus (Because Multitasking Is a Trap)

Trying to do too many things at once is the fastest way to get nowhere.

Instead, each weekend, pick one thing to finish—not just work on, but actually finish.

Ask yourself:

What’s the ONE thing I can complete this weekend that will move my side business forward?

• Set up a simple landing page
• Write your first email
• Map out a basic offer

Right now, grab a piece of paper.

Write down your one priority for the weekend.

That’s your focus.

2. The 20-Minute Rule

Waiting for a big block of time?

It’s never going to happen.

Instead, try the 20-Minute Rule:

• Set a timer for 20 minutes.
• Start working—no distractions, no overthinking.
• When the timer goes off, decide: Keep going or stop?

Most of the time, you’ll keep going—because once you start, it’s easier to keep moving.

Try it now: Set a timer for 20 minutes and work on your ONE priority. See how much you can get done.

3. Create a “Later List”

A new idea pops into your head, and suddenly, you’re Googling business names instead of finishing what you started.

Sound familiar?

Instead of letting every random idea steal your focus, create a “Later List.”

This is where you drop every new idea so you don’t forget it, but also don’t get distracted by it.

Open your notes app, title it “Later List,” and start adding ideas that pop up. Then get back to work.

4. A “Start Here” Routine

Ever sit down to work on your side business… and spend 30 minutes figuring out what to do?

That’s why you need a “Start Here” Routine—a simple habit that tells your brain, it’s time to focus.

Here’s an easy one:

• Make coffee or tea.
• Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and move it out of sight.
• Review your ONE priority.
• Set a 20-minute timer and start working.

The goal? Make it as easy as possible to start.

Write down your own “Start Here Routine” and test it this weekend.

5. Set a Hard Stop (So Your Side Business Doesn’t Take Over Your Whole Weekend)

Big mistake? Saying “I’ll work on my business whenever I have time.”

That’s how you end up working all weekend… or not at all.

Instead, give yourself a work window. For example:

“I’ll work on my side business Saturday from 10 AM–12 PM. After that, I’m done.”

When time is limited, you focus harder—and you still get time to relax.

Decide now when you’ll work on your side business this weekend. Put it in your calendar.

How to Make This Work for You

Here’s how to actually stick with this plan and make real progress:

1. Protect your time. Block it off just like you would for an important appointment.
2. Set your phone to Do Not Disturb. No notifications, no distractions.
3. Tell someone your plan. Accountability makes a difference.
4. Track what works. Pay attention to when you focus best and adjust if needed.

The Game Plan for This Weekend

Distractions won’t disappear. The trick is knowing how to stay focused anyway.

Here’s what to do:

👉🏾 Pick ONE priority (write it down now).

​
👉🏾 Set a 20-minute timer and just start.

​
👉🏾 Keep a “Later List” so new ideas don’t derail you.

​
👉🏾 Follow your “Start Here” Routine to make working easier.

​
👉🏾 Set a clear work window (and actually stop when it’s over).

Your time is limited. But your progress starts with one simple decision.

Now tell me—what’s your ONE priority for this weekend?

P.S. If distractions keep pulling you away from your side business, these two books are worth checking out.

Indistractable by Nir Eyal helped me understand why I kept getting sidetracked and how to actually stay focused—without feeling like I had to fight my own brain.

Deep Work by Cal Newport showed me what a difference it makes to carve out distraction-free time, even in small chunks.

Both gave me a new way to think about focus, and I figured they might be helpful for you too!

​

Yours truly, ​ ​ ​ Kristina Portella From Blank Page to Side Business Plan in a Weekend ​ ​Website | Join the Side Business Sprint Waitlist​

​

​
​