As someone who is never content sitting still, coming up with side hustles has always been an exciting and rewarding journey for me.
I’ve run Etsy Stores, made e-books, and even ventured into affiliate marketing.
But there were certain lessons I wish I had known beforehand.
So here are 5 things that I know now that have helped me navigate the challenges of starting a side hustle.
Hopefully they can help you too!
1. Good Time Management Is Crucial
I underestimated the time management challenges that come with running a side hustle alongside my regular job and personal life.
It’s crucial to establish clear boundaries and allocate dedicated time for your new project.
Creating a schedule and prioritising tasks will help you stay organised and maximise productivity.
Remember to take breaks and practice self-care to avoid burnout (and if you do end up getting burned out, here are my tips on recovering from burnout).
2. Be Ready For Anything
Starting a side hustle can come with a lot of unexpected challenges.
From financial hurdles to surprise expenses or technical difficulties, it’s important to anticipate and plan for potential problems.
Make sure you do thorough research into your chosen project.
Build contingency plans, and remain flexible!
Being prepared will help you to navigate obstacles more effectively and minimise disruptions.
3. Don’t Expect Instant Results
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that results don’t always come quickly.
It takes time and effort to build a sustainable and profitable side hustle.
So it’s important to set realistic expectations and understand that progress may be gradual.
Celebrate small wins along the way and maintain focus on the long-term vision.
You will get there!
Consistent effort and dedication will ultimately lead to results.
4. Learn, Learn, Learn!
To succeed in my side hustles, I realised how important it is to keep learning and improving my skills.
The world of entrepreneurship is always changing, so it’s crucial to stay up-to-date.
Look for opportunities to learn more, gain new abilities, and stay connected with what’s happening in your industry.
Attend workshops, read books that are relevant to your work, and join online communities.
By investing in your personal and professional growth, you’ll increase your chances of being successful.
5. Don’t Go It Alone
Starting a side hustle can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely road.
I’ve learned that getting support from friends, family, and other entrepreneurs is incredibly valuable.
It’s been great for me to join communities and online groups where I can connect with like-minded people and swap ideas.
This has given me a fresh perspective, kept me accountable, and provided guidance when I needed it.
Collaborating with others has helped me overcome challenges and stay motivated.
Some Extra Tips
Embrace failure as a chance to learn:
Don’t get disheartened by setbacks.
See them as opportunities to grow and get better.
Take Care of Yourself:
Prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.
Consistency is Key:
Success in a side hustle often comes from consistent action.
Stay committed, even during challenging times, and remain focused on your goals.
Check out my Essential Printable Planner Bundle for everything you need to organise your side hustle, stay motivated and improve your well-being.
Embarking on my side hustle has changed my life in many ways.
I’ve learned how to manage my time better, anticipate possible challenges, stay patient for results, keep on learning, and seek support when needed.
It’s important to remember that running a side hustle requires dedication, resilience, and a mindset focused on growth.
Embrace these lessons, be adaptable to changes, and savour the satisfaction that comes with building your own business!
