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​ For women who’ve done the work, hit a wall, and are ready to build real momentum. ​ Not signed up yet? Click here to join! ​ Didn’t mean to sign up? You can unsubscribe below.

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It’s Wednesday at 9:13 PM.

You just put the kids to bed after a full day at work. You did dinner, helped with homework, and even got that smelly laundry done.

You grab your laptop to work on your business.

Then—boom! You get three new ideas:

• A new product you could sell
• A podcast you should start
• A person you could work with

You open tab after tab on your computer. You get excited. Then you look at the clock.

It’s 11:47 PM.

You spent your two hours of business time chasing new ideas instead of working on what really needed to get done.

Sound like you?

What saved me wasn’t working harder or finding more time. It was making a “Not Now” list.

TLDR

Your brain makes ideas—it’s not meant to store them. Don’t throw away your exciting new business ideas.

Put them on a “Not Now” list instead of your to-do list.

This simple trick will free up your brain, help you make better choices, and keep you focused—without feeling like you’re giving up on your dreams.

The Secret Problem Nobody Talks About

We all know the usual advice—make a to-do list, block off time, and avoid distractions....blah, blah, blah.

But there’s a sneakier problem most people miss: too many good ideas.

The problem isn’t having too much to do. It’s having too many paths we could take.

Every new idea feels like a chance that might go away if we don’t act fast. Each idea seems just as good as the others.

And when you’re running a side business with little time, the pressure to make the “right” choice becomes too much.

This leads to:

• Changing what you’re working on too often

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• Never finishing anything

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• Feeling always behind

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• Doubting your choices

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And worst of all? Wondering if you should even have a business at all.

This ‘Not Now’ List? It’s a Game-Changer for Staying Focused

Basically, giving yourself permission to skip the nonsense.

So freeing 🙌🏾

When you put something on your “Not Now” list, you’re not saying no forever—you’re just saying “not right now.”

This permission to focus on what truly matters without feeling guilty about other ideas is what makes a business effective .

You’re in control, deciding what deserves your limited time and energy.

How to Build Your “Not Now” System

First, Put It Somewhere Else

Don’t put your “Not Now” items on your regular to-do list.

They need their own space:

• A different notebook

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• A separate computer file

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• A special part of your notes app

I use a special section in Notion called “Ideas for Later” that’s completely separate from my current work.

Next, Make It a Habit

When a shiny new idea pops up:

1. Notice it (yes, it might be awesome!)
2. Write it down in detail (so you can truly let it go)
3. Tell yourself, “This is a great idea for the future, not for now.”
4. Go back to what you planned to do

The magic happens when you do this over and over.

You’re teaching your brain that ideas don’t have to be acted on right away to be valuable.

Check It Sometimes

The key to feeling good about your “Not Now” list is knowing you’ll look at it again.

Set a time every three months to:

• Read through your saved ideas

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• See if any fit with what you’re doing now

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• Move a few items to your active project list

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• Keep the rest stored for later

Why This Simple Tool Changes Everything

The true power of the “Not Now” list isn’t just about being organized—it’s about feeling free in your mind.

For me, this system has:

• Kept me focused. I stay on one project at a time.

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• Made decisions easier. I don’t waste energy choosing what to work on.

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• Stopped FOMO. I know no idea is getting lost forever.

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• Created real progress. I’m finally finishing projects instead of just starting them.

Most importantly, it’s brought back my sanity.

I’m no longer feeling pulled in a million directions. Especially as a solopreneur!

The Surprise Benefit No One Talks About

Here’s something surprising I found: many ideas that seemed super urgent in the moment didn’t seem so great after sitting on my “Not Now” list for a few weeks.

This natural filtering saves me from chasing ideas that would have taken time away from what really matters in my business.

Meanwhile, the ideas that still seem awesome after months on the list?

Those are the ones worth doing when the time is right.

Your 5-Minute Action Plan

Ready to feel sane again?

Here’s what to do right now:

1. Create your “Not Now” space (paper or digital)
2. Write down the top 3 distracting ideas in your head
3. Add “I’ll look at this again on [date 3 months from now]”
4. Put a reminder in your calendar for that date
5. Close that space and focus on your ONE main task

That’s it! You’ve just set up boundaries around your focus without killing your creativity.

What’s Stuck in Your Head?

Hit reply and tell me: What’s one idea you’re going to move to your “Not Now” list today?

I read every message and would love to hear what you’re choosing to save for later 🥳

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Remember, having a successful side business isn’t about chasing every good idea—it’s about finishing the right ones at the right time.

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Yours truly, ​ ​ ​ Kristina Portella Because once you have momentum, everything changes.

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Know someone struggling with their side business momentum? Forward this email to a friend who could use clarity in their business journey! 🙌🏾

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