How to Find Time to Start a Side Hustle

It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day of life. Sometimes it seems like there’s never enough time to do everything we need to do. But if you’re determined to create multiple streams of income, or if you’re hoping to leave your 9-5 to become an entrepreneur – this blog is for you!

Plan it, Schedule it, and block out the time

The first step to starting a side hustle is to plan it, schedule it and block out the time. If you’re going to commit yourself to building a side hustle, get your calendar out and write down the days that you’ll be working on this project. Having time blocked out makes the commitment more real and you’re likely to take the side hustle more seriously.

It’s also good to take this time to figure out why you want to start a side hustle, and what exactly you would want to do as a side hustle.

Figure Out Your Ideal Schedule

The next step is being honest with yourself about what you can realistically do with each day of your week. Sure, it would be great if we had 40 hours in a day so we could spend more time working on our business or crafting jewelry on Etsy, but most of us don’t have that luxury!

I like to plan by the week so that there’s a routine, and also because every day of the week is different. For example, I meet my church friends for Life Group/Cell Group every Wednesday evening – so I wouldn’t put my side hustle plans on that day. I also make it a point to have a rest day. For me, that day is Saturday – the Sabbath. Burning out is a real concern, so it’s best to pace yourself. If a business is a machine, the mechanic has to be in the best shape to do his or her best work!

Know Where You’re Wasting Time

Once you’ve set aside some regular blocks of free time for your side hustle (maybe Monday through Thursday from 9am-12pm), it’s important not to let other things creep into those slots. I’m guilty of spending too much time on social media sometimes. With my side hustle in content creation and managing social media accounts, it’s difficult to draw the line at times.

Also, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is a real phenomenon. But too much time spent on other activities means less time on your side hustle.

Remove Distractions

It’s one thing to know where you’re wasting time – it’s another to intentionally remove those distractions. Be it in the form of social interactions or social media, it’s important to prioritise and say no when you have to.

When it comes to social media, what I see some do is set time limits to their accounts. Time limits don’t have to just apply to digital apps – it can also apply to activities offline. That’s why it’s important to schedule your time (and make to-do lists) so you know what you have to do for your side hustle during that time.

When it comes to meeting friends and loved ones, explain what you’re trying to achieve. However, there’s also a need to emphasise that starting and growing a side hustle requires sacrifice. One sacrifice is in the form of time spent with loved ones. While people who love you will understand and respect your hustle, it’s important to not lose sight of the things that truly matter in life as well. But if you feel like you’d like some time to work on your side hustle, tell them: “I’m so sorry but I’m going to have take a pass on this.” It’s okay to say no with confidence!

Accept that you have different limits from other people and set your own boundaries.

This is a painful but very valuable piece of advice which I had to deeply reflect on and internalise. Sometimes I would wonder how Elon Musk is able to wake up at the crack of dawn and work 16 hours daily. But it boils down to a statement that rings true: he’s built different. The truth is, we all are! And our differences should be embraced. Society just elevates and values certain traits over others – but we are all fearfully and wonderfully made – and we’re special in our own way.

I’ve learned that it’s important to know your own purpose and calling. So that you won’t get envious or swayed by what others are doing or able to do.

You will get behind sometimes, but that’s okay! It’s not a straight line to success.

Don’ let a few bad days throw you off track. I used to think that a bad day was the end of my good steak – that I would suddenly have to start from zero again, but that’s not true! I can get back up and continue where I left off from the previous day! This quote is useful to keep in mind: Learn to rest, not quit.

You can find or make the time for your side hustle by planning and prioritizing!

There are a few simple things you can do to make time for your side hustle.

• Make a schedule and stick to it.
• Don’t let distractions get in the way.
• Don’t get sucked into lists on the internet about “the best” way for everyone else’s side hustle success stories when you’re trying to focus on your own goals/needs/wants/feelings about what works for YOU!

I hope that this post has given you a better understanding of what it takes to start a side hustle. If you want to find out more about how to start freelancing from scratch, check out this article. Now that you’re armed with the knowledge from above, go forth and hustle – without losing your soul!