5 Ways To Fit Your Side Hustle Into Your Work Week
Your usual 9-5 has you wrapped up in a daily routine of wakeup, commute, work, commute, relax a little, sleep and repeat – over and over. You’re not really feeling it anymore, and in fact, you’ve had a brilliant idea for your own business for quite some time. However, you can’t even manage to find time to grocery shop or shower some days. How on earth would you ever fit in the necessary hours it takes to start a successful business?
Well, in truth, it is both possible and manageable to create your own side hustle, no matter what excuses naysayers or your own inner-self might give. All it takes is understanding the execution method of turning your idea or hobby into something lucrative.
You Don’t Have to Do Everything by Yourself
Paula Rizzo, who wrote Listful Thinking: Using Lists to Be More Productive, Successful and Less Stressed, wrote her book and maintained a blog all while working full-time. Her secret? Don’t try to do everything yourself. Look for ways to outsource and automate some of the tasks that will eat up your time uselessly for a side hustle.
For example, if you’re running a blog, look into paid tools like Co-Schedule or MailChimp to help streamline, schedule and share your content. It will help save you time and give you a leg up building your audience and supplementing your income, without burning you out.
Work Smarter
It will take you some time to figure out a routine that works to balance your normal work schedule, personal life and new hobby/enterprise. Don’t panic if in the very beginning it feels a little all over the place. Take a moment to figure out new ways to multitask. You can reserve the time you’re waiting for the laundry to finish as your side hustle correspondence time, or read up on new techniques during your commute if you’re on public transport.
Think about meal planning – this is not only good for your continued health, but it is a huge time saver when comes to your after-work evenings. Nuking some homemade dish keeps you eating well, but won’t cut into your valuable side-hustle building time. Consider listening to podcasts or audiobooks for hands-free options during a workout. There are loads of strategies you can implement to maximize results with minimum effort.
Be Accountable to Your Scheduled Appointments
By deliberately carving out time in your day and sticking to that appointment, you will create a habit of constantly working on your side business. It’s the same theory as forming good exercise habits. It will become second nature and an integral part of your routine. Plus, you have the bonus and incentive of generating more income for yourself.
One of the tricks to mastering your appointment schedule is having the right to-do list in front of you. There are a lot of apps out there that can help you organize and stay accountable. If you’re already envisioning growth opportunities, you might also consider using the time management app, Asana as well.
Think About Using the Pomodoro Technique
Essentially, Pomodoro it is a productivity/break technique that keeps you focused. This way, you don’t fall into a black hole of pushing yourself too hard to finish a project. You’ll be able to continue the balance of working smarter without burning out.
Don’t worry about it being difficult. There are great Pomodoro apps out there that will help you stay on task with scheduled times for work and breaks. It’s mindless, really. All you have to do is hit the start button and you’re on your way to maximizing your productivity.
Put Yourself in the Company of Like-Minded Individuals
Ever wonder why think tanks are so effective? It’s because being around other people that are as goal-driven and ambitious as you naturally creates a productive environment. Organize a weekly meetup with other young professionals that are working on their own side hustles. You can exchange ideas, get some much-needed socializing and remain accountable to your own goals. Plus, knowing there is motivation and encouragement waiting for you will be a huge tool to have in your arsenal when things get tough.
Remember, the overall goal of your side hustle isn’t to take up more time in your life. You’re doing this to give yourself more financial freedom. There is a great quote by Keith Springer that says, “Wealthy is the ability to do what you want to do – when you want to do it – and you don’t have to ask anyone’s permission.” Your side is more than just extra income, it’s a path toward your freedom.
