Today we welcome back our normal Tuesday contributor, Catherine Alford!
Side hustling is a very popular topic in the personal finance blog kingdom (blogdom?). Whether you wash cars, tutor high school kids, or contribute articles for your fellow bloggers like yours truly, it seems like everyone these days works a little on the side to make some extra cash.
While making extra money is certainly the biggest pro for starting a side hustle, the main challenge that most people face is burnout.
I admit that coming home and writing after working 8 hours is not easy. Some days, I’m well rested and excited about a project, and other days, I can barely keep my eyes open as I type. One way I am currently trying to combat this is waking up very early and working on posts before heading to work. I’ve never been a morning person, but I think it might work out better for me in the long run. Switching up a routine like this is a great way to ensure your business maintains some longevity.
I can’t be the only one who needs a little motivation every now and then, so if you’re searching for a reason to keep up your side hustle, below are some quick tips.
Remember Why You Started!
Most of us start a side hustle with a goal in mind. Whether you want to make double payments on your student loans or kick your credit card debt in the face, there has to be some reason why you wanted to make extra money. You might have also considered bigger goals like quitting your day job to pursue your passion! (Psst: That’s my dream!)
So, every time you are tired and you’d rather veg out in front of the TV (which you know I’m against), keep that goal front and center. Remember the reason why you started!
Celebrate Small Victories
It’s really important to give yourself some credit when it comes to side hustling. Even if you have a very small success, bust out a dance move! Did you make your first $100? Did you have your first lunch with a potential client? Did you get an e-mail from someone saying they loved your product? If so, enjoy it!
Nothing gives us motivation better than someone appreciating what we’ve done.
Surround Yourself With Inspiration
I am a very visual person, so it helps me to have a lot of inspiration all around me. If you could see my desk right now, you’d witness a lot of sticky notes with inspirational quotes on them. I also have a big dry erase board that has goals listed on it. Whenever I meet one, I cross it out to show how far I’ve come.
Visual reminders like these are a great way to pick you up when you’re down. Every time I am running low on fuel, I just look up at all my fun quotes, and I’m able to refocus and push myself further than even I thought possible.
Of course, these aren’t the only ways to stay motivated when it comes to keeping up a side business. If you have other great ideas, please share them in the comments below!
Christina @ Easy Financial Tips says
December 2, 2013 at 1:06 pmIt’s easy to think that you “don’t really NEED” to continue your side hustle, because it is just that; something you do on the side. These are great tips to stay motivated, and hang in there!
Carrie says
June 10, 2013 at 2:18 pmI love the idea of surrounding yourself with inspiration! That’s what I did (along with keeping a certain goal in mind) when I started my side-hustle. Which of course turned into quitting my job and becoming my full-time passion. I can’t wait to see you hit your goal of being your own boss. Thanks for the great tips Cat!
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
June 10, 2013 at 7:46 pmThanks so much Carrie!
[email protected] says
June 7, 2013 at 6:30 pmCat, your hustling is my inspiration! I agree with 100% about working early in the morning. It is hard to do, especially every day. But if I can get myself physically out of bed, I can get more, better quality work done in the 5 AM hour than I ever can after a long day at the office.
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
June 10, 2013 at 7:59 pmWow, thanks Blaire! That’s such a big compliment! 🙂 Still working on getting up early haha!
Thomas says
June 5, 2013 at 11:07 amGreat post, and you’re rioght everyone is working on the side these days, some to save up some cash, or some simply to make ends meet. This is a result of the recession if you ask me.
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
June 10, 2013 at 8:00 pmIt is the result of the recession, I agree but wow, I’m so glad. I don’t know if I’d have the courage to break out on my own and work for myself. Side hustling has shown me that it’s possible!
Latusha says
June 4, 2013 at 2:19 pmLoved the tip about surrounding yourself with your motivations. I def need to spruce up my cubicle with these.
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
June 10, 2013 at 8:02 pmOh for sure! Spruce up that cublicle!!!
Kyle @ Debt Free Diaries says
June 4, 2013 at 10:14 amHaving a vision of what you are working towards is huge when it comes to staying motivated. A mentor of mine always says “action precedes motivation, not the other way around” so Leslie and I always try to keep moving forward. The motivation almost always follows.
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
June 10, 2013 at 8:01 pmLove the quote!
krantcents says
June 4, 2013 at 9:56 amI am more self motivated and I find motivation everywhere. It helps that I am doing my side business for other than money.
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
June 10, 2013 at 8:01 pmThat’s awesome!
Thomas | Your Daily Finance says
June 4, 2013 at 9:47 amWhen its a side hustle its just that! You already have so many other things on your plate and if something can go its going to be the first to go. I focused on that end goal and set a date with little mini goals much like you mentioned. Now I am doing it full time and its less hustle and more business.
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
June 4, 2013 at 9:53 amLove it! Sounds like you really have it figured out!
Sean @ One Smart Dollar says
June 4, 2013 at 9:33 amMoney is the ultimate motivation for me.
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
June 4, 2013 at 9:52 amHaha yes, I really like it when I get paid for all the hustling too!
John S @ Frugal Rules says
June 4, 2013 at 9:15 amGreat tips Cat! I find that it really comes down to focus for me and having those goals I want to achieve in front of me. That’s what helps me keep on when I might be tempted not to.
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
June 4, 2013 at 9:52 amThanks John! Staying focused is a great tip!
Michelle says
June 4, 2013 at 7:31 amGreat tips! I like to keep thinking of my main goal – which is to make the switch to full-time self employment. It helps keep me motivated!
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
June 4, 2013 at 9:51 amWell you know I love your goal. 😉
KK @ Student Debt Survivor says
June 4, 2013 at 7:20 amFor me the side hustle means helping out my grandparents and saving for a downpayment on a rental property we hope to buy. Both keep me motivated, so so far it’s been easy to stay motivated.
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
June 4, 2013 at 9:51 amThat’s awesome. Great goals are the perfect motivators.
[email protected] says
June 4, 2013 at 6:42 amGood tips Cat! It is tough to stay continually motivated to work on that side hustle. I’m going through a little burnout myself right now. However, if you can keep your focus, it can really pay off in the end!
Cat Alford (@BudgetBlonde) says
June 4, 2013 at 8:09 amAh it happens to the best of us! Hopefully with Holly at home now, y’all can get on a good schedule!