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You Don't Need More Time - 5 Ways to Maximize The Time You Have

Mixed legos

Did you know old LEGO bricks sell for $12 a pound?


My son recently moved home after graduating from college, and we quickly realized that the room he left as an adolescent was not well suited for the space he needed as an adult. Updating furniture on his entry-level salary has taught him to maximize his resources and seek wealth internally rather than relying solely on salary.


Internal wealth-seeking is a brilliant strategy, and, once you get the hang of it, becomes almost a game. As an entrepreneur, I'm scrappy and resourceful, especially when it comes to conserving financial resources. I know that selling unused items, cutting unnecessary subscriptions, reconfiguring jobs, reducing shipping costs, and forming strategic partnerships are all small changes that add up. I even jokingly suggested at a recent family dinner that my whole family move into my parents' house and rent out our individual homes. (Don’t worry, Mom—I shall not be showing up at your door with my messy habits and a gassy, overgrown Collie.)


But recently, I’ve been applying this theory of maximizing resources to time, not just money—and it has changed my life.


Time to THRIVE

Early last year, I went through an extensive application and interview process for THRIVE, a prestigious Small Business Administration program designed to help established companies accelerate their growth. I didn't give much thought to how I would actually attend the program if I were accepted—I assumed my chances were slim and figured I would work that out later. If you’re an entrepreneur, you know that trope.


In early summer, I learned I had secured a coveted spot, and the commitment was substantial: one to two in-person meetings per month in Baltimore—an hour and a half from my home—plus 10 hours of remote coursework each week. And the first session was less than two weeks away.

Like all of us, I am busy. I run a thriving business, manage a deadline-driven portfolio of grants, author multiple books, speak at and attend conferences, network regularly, and am a daily gym rat. Committing to something that amounted to a part-time job seemed impossible.


I failed my first THRIVE assignment. The first meeting coincided with a speaking engagement I had already committed to, and I was embarrassed to miss the opening session.


But I showed up at the next meeting—sheepish, apologetic—and then I showed up for every session thereafter. What transpired was one of the most powerful experiences of my career.


Here are five principles that transformed the way I approach time and effected every other aspect of my life.


1. Time and Effort Are Not Free

While THRIVE had no monetary cost for participants, it was far from free. The time commitment alone was costly in terms of displaced work—not to mention travel expenses, gas, food, and city parking fees.


Seventeen entrepreneurs started the program. Only eight graduated. The ones who dropped out were those who took the program because it was "free" and failed to see its true value.


Time is not free. Time is an investment. We should be as intentional about spending and receiving time as we are about spending and receiving money. Money is replaceable. Time is not.


2. Spend Time Only with Those Who Enrich Your Life


THRIVE introduced me to a carefully curated group of entrepreneurs—diverse in background but aligned in ambition and growth, and in similar places of business development. Akin to adding the right mix of electrons and protons, the result was electric.  Every meeting left me sparked with new ideas, strategies, and confidence.


Now, I am far more discerning about who I spend time with. I intentionally surround myself with people who challenge, inspire, and energize me.


A group of entrepreneurs who are part of the SBA Thrive program posing for a group photo
Some of the inspiring members of my THRIVE cohort.

3. Dedicate Time to Problem-Solving


THRIVE gave me space to expose my weaknesses, acknowledge my failures, and own my mistakes. From a place of vulnerability and humility came intense growth and learning.


Now, at Ghost Writer, we schedule dedicated time for problem identification and solution-focused discussions. This has become an incredibly useful way to spend time because you can’t solve a problem if you don’t acknowledge it and dedicate time to fixing it.


4. Some People Take Time to Shine


Every entrepreneur in THRIVE was a rockstar, but some didn’t show it right away. Some walked into the room with confidence and charisma, while others revealed their genius slowly over time.


This is a powerful commentary on how we choose leaders. Some of the best minds with the most inspiring ideas don’t announce themselves loudly—they need time and space for their brand of thoughtful, meaningful contributions. Don’t assume the first voices you hear are the most valuable.


5. My Company Could Survive Without Me—At Least Some of the Time


During THRIVE meetings, I was unavailable to clients and my team for an entire day. At first, this felt risky. But it forced me to create boundaries and encouraged my team to share resources and become more independent. I reinforced our infrastructure, set realistic response expectations, and reserved my phone for true emergencies.


And guess what? Nothing catastrophic happened. No clients were lost. No disasters unfolded. In fact, some team members demonstrated they were ready for more leadership responsibility.


This lesson was the most transformative.


As Time Moves On


After THRIVE ended, I kept my Wednesdays blocked. With Fridays already reserved for business strategy, this means I now take meetings only three days per week.

Kirsten Hubbard, CEO of Ghost Writer posing with her award  from SBA THRIVE
Me with my THRIVE graduation award!

By condensing my availability and empowering my team, I created more time—time that contributes to both my personal and professional well-being. Because I have reserved time to focus on the challenges and opportunities identified in THRIVE, my business is stronger, more prepared, and more sustainable.


On Wednesdays I prioritize family, writing, and self-care. I finally schedule overdue dental appointments, spend quality time with dear friends, and—yes—help my son sort through old LEGOs.


My time feels more curated. My life feels more purposeful. I am doing more of what is important to my company and myself and doing it with more peace and intention. You can do it, too.


I promise, if I can find $550 worth of LEGOs in an old chest, you can find the time to create more time.

 

  

 

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