168 Hours a Week: Why You DO Have Time to Grow Your Business

The Myth of 'No Time' in Business Growth

We all get 168 hours a week. Beyoncé gets 168. The Managing Director of your Direct Selling Company gets 168. And yes, YOU get 168 too.

So why does it feel like you never have enough time?

Here’s the truth:

You don’t need more time. You need better priorities.

At the height of my business, I worked just 22 hours a week; less during school holidays. It wasn’t about having time; it was about using it wisely.

The 9-Square Grid: Where Is Your Time Really Going?

Most people think they’re too busy, but let’s break it down:

• Sleep – 56 hours

• Work – 40 hours

• Family & Household – 35 hours

• Exercise, Hobbies, & Self-Care – 20 hours

That still leaves… 17+ hours!

The problem? Self-care and your business are the first things to go when life gets busy.

The 9-Square Grid helps you see where your time goes.

List out your commitments in nine blocks:

Family, Work, Self-Care, Hobbies, Housework, Exercise, Studying/Friends, Fun, and Your Business (you get to choose what goes in your 9 squares).

What square do you drop when things get busy? I bet it's either 'Self-Care' or Your Business!

How to Reclaim Your Time (Fast)

✅ Track Your Time for 3 Days: write down EVERYTHING you do.

✅ Be Honest: scrolling social media counts.

✅ Swap a Square: replace a wasted block with business-building time.

Top 3 Time-Wasters in Direct Sales (and How to Fix Them)

🚫 Scrolling Instead of Selling: set a 15-minute timer for focused engagement.

🚫 Preparing Instead of Producing: follow the 80/20 rule: 80% action, 20% prep.

🚫 Prioritizing Comfort Over Progress: growth happens outside your comfort zone.

CEO-Level Time Management (Even in a Side Gig)

• Identify Your ‘Prime Time’ – When are customers most responsive? Prioritize those hours.

• Batch Your Tasks – Avoid task-switching; group similar activities together and get into flow quicker.

• Swap a Square – Reclaim time from low-value tasks like watching Netflix.

Final Thought: You 'Do' Have the Time—Use It Wisely

If you’re saying, "I don’t have time for my business," ask yourself:

"I don’t have time," or "I’m choosing something else instead"?

Your Challenge: Track your time, swap a wasted square, and see what changes!

Sue