You can learn endlessly — but if you never act, nothing changes.
Some years ago, I enrolled on a course to learn how to build a property business. Spoiler alert — I never did anything in property. But I did take away a few golden nuggets of wisdom that still apply to this day, particularly in business and mindset.
Multitasking Isn’t a Badge of Honour – It’s a Recipe for Failure
One memorable exercise from that course was designed to prove that multitasking simply doesn’t work. First, we were told to write out the alphabet from A to Z, followed by the numbers 1 to 26 in sequence — easy enough.
Then we had to do the same tasks again, but in a multitasking format: write one letter, then its corresponding number (A1, B2, C3…) all the way through. Unsurprisingly, we were all significantly slower the second time.
Multitasking doesn’t just slow you down — it increases errors, drains your mental energy, and prevents deep focus.
Focus isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Especially if you’re serious about building a coaching franchise that thrives.
Everything in Your Life Is Already Taking Up Space
That course trainer said something I’ve never forgotten:
“You are already using every available hour in your day — even if it’s just to lounge around. So if you’re going to succeed at something new, you’ll need to give something else up.”
Let that land for a moment.
Maybe it’s your Friday night pub trip. Maybe it’s your Sunday morning lie-in. Maybe it’s scrolling on your phone during TV adverts. But you are going to have to sacrifice something.
And many people never do. They want change without challenge. They want growth without giving anything up. They want success in their coaching franchise without sacrificing the old routines that are keeping them stuck.
That’s why they stay broke — not because they aren’t capable, but because they’re not available. They haven’t made space for success.
If you’re not willing to let something go, you’re not ready to take something better on.
The Lie That Keeps Many Broke
“I just need to juggle things better — then I’ll make it work…”
That sounds logical. But it’s one of the most dangerous lies in business.
We convince ourselves we can “squeeze it all in” — start a new business while still holding onto every convenience and comfort of our old life. But the truth is, task switching (even between small things) is just as damaging as multitasking.
Psychologists have shown that switching focus between tasks can reduce productivity by as much as 40% — not because you’re lazy, but because your brain has to reset every time.
Want your coaching franchise to grow? Then close the tabs — in your mind, your browser, and your daily schedule. Focus like it matters, because it does.
Decide What You’re Willing to Trade
Here’s what this all boils down to:
✔ Success is not just about working harder — it’s about choosing better.
✔ Make space for your business, or it won’t grow.
✔ Trade comfort now for freedom later.
Some of the most successful people I know sacrificed weekends, social lives, and even relationships in order to build something lasting. You don’t need to go to extremes — but you do need to go with intention.
And above all else — act. Not perfectly. Not with all the answers. Just act. Because clarity comes from doing, not thinking.
by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai)
