Image by Daniel Chrisman from Pixabay
Starting a side hustle can feel exciting, overwhelming, and honestly, a little scary. Whether you’re chasing a dream, building a backup plan, or just looking to bring in some extra income, the journey is full of lessons. If I were talking to someone starting out today, here’s exactly what I’d tell them.
Start Before You Think You’re Ready
Waiting until everything is “perfect” will leave you stuck. Most people delay because they think they need a website, a logo, a brand, or even a big audience. Truth is, you don’t need any of that to begin.
Just start. You learn so much more by taking action than by sitting on the sidelines planning. Whether it’s selling handmade goods, offering a service, or launching digital content, done is better than perfect.
Don’t Spend a Bunch of Money Upfront
You don’t need a big budget to get started. Use what you have. Your phone, internet, and social media accounts can go a long way.
There are free and low-cost tools like Canva, Google Docs, and email platforms that help you build as you go. Focus on delivering value instead of trying to look like a polished brand from day one. That part can come later.
Stop Worrying About What People Think
One of the biggest things that holds folks back is fear—especially fear of judgment. You might wonder what your friends, family, or coworkers will say. Here’s a secret: most people are too wrapped up in their own lives to dwell on what you’re doing.
If they do judge you, that says more about them than it does about you. The people who matter will cheer you on. The rest? Let ‘em watch.
You’ll Learn More By Doing
You don’t need to be an expert to get started. You’ll figure things out as you go. It’s okay to make mistakes—they’re part of the process.
Sure, listen to podcasts or take a short course if you want to—but don’t let “learning” become a way to avoid action. Take messy steps forward. That’s how real progress happens.
Be Consistent Even When It’s Slow
The beginning can feel like a grind. You might post content and hear crickets. You may make zero sales in your first week. That’s normal.
The difference between people who succeed and people who quit is simple—consistency. Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep adjusting. Results compound over time, but only if you stay in the game long enough to see them.
Protect Your Time and Energy
Balancing a side hustle with your regular life is no joke. You’ve got to be intentional with your time. Block out hours in your week just for your hustle. Treat it like an appointment.
And don’t forget to take breaks. Burnout won’t help you hit your goals any faster. You’re in this for the long haul.
Be Willing to Pivot
Sometimes the thing you start with won’t be the thing you stick with—and that’s okay. You might launch one product and realize your audience wants something slightly different. Or maybe you discover you enjoy one part of your hustle more than another.
Pivoting is smart, not shameful. Let the data and your gut guide you. It’s your business—build it in a way that works for you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about starting a side hustle, don’t overthink it—just start. Take the leap, even if it’s small. Use what you have. Ignore the noise. Be consistent. And know that success rarely shows up overnight.
But if you stick with it, adjust as needed, and keep learning—you’ll be amazed at what you can build.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.