For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the idea of building something of my own. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly to support our family, and while they found security in their jobs, they often talked about the dreams they set aside. That idea—that building something from a passion could offer not only independence but a sense of purpose—has stuck with me ever since. But like many of you, I’ve faced the reality of balancing work with life’s other commitments, wondering if it’s possible to carve out the time for something meaningful.
In my journey, I’ve balanced the demands of a full-time job while slowly nurturing a side project that, at first, felt more like a distant dream. There were times I questioned whether the long nights, the persistent learning curve, and the sacrifices were worth it. But I found a sense of fulfillment in these small steps forward, an energy that often reignited my motivation when the challenges loomed large. Along the way, I began to learn that balancing a extra business with a full-time career isn’t about “doing it all”; it’s about focusing on the small actions that build up over time, the moments that add depth to our lives beyond our day jobs.
For anyone who has felt the weight of juggling a passion project with a full-time role, my hope is that you’ll walk away not only with practical tips but also with a renewed sense of possibility and courage to take that next step, even if it’s just one hour each week.
Energy: Pushing Through and Finding Flow
After a day filled with back-to-back meetings, emails, and the demands of a 9-to-5, summoning the energy for a side project is often the biggest hurdle. It’s natural to feel drained, tempted to unwind with passive entertainment instead of diving into more work. But there’s an important psychological concept to leverage here: flow. Achieving a “flow state” happens when you’re fully absorbed in an activity, and it’s often accompanied by feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment. Activities that bring personal meaning and excitement can naturally put you into this state, which in turn replenishes your energy rather than depleting it.
The first step to getting there is to push through the initial 10-15 minutes. Like working out at the gym, it’s usually that first stretch that feels the hardest. But once you’re in motion, you might find that you’re far more engaged than expected. To foster this entry into flow, consider setting up small rituals to signal to your brain that it’s time for focused work. For example, playing a specific playlist or working in a dedicated space for your second job can help cue your mind to shift from “day job” mode to “passion project” mode.
Focus: Prioritizing the One Thing That Matters
When building a business on limited time, focus is your most critical asset. It’s easy to get lost in the details, especially when you’re trying to build something from scratch. But progress doesn’t require perfection; it requires intentional action. Reid Hoffman often emphasizes the idea of prioritization—identifying the “one thing” that will move the needle most significantly. This is as true for extra projects as it is for scaling a startup.
Here’s a simple framework for focusing your efforts:
- Set a Single, Impactful Goal: What do you hope to achieve in six months? Maybe it’s reaching a particular customer base, developing a minimum viable product (MVP), or creating brand recognition in your niche. The key is to define one clear goal with a timeline that’s both realistic and ambitious.
- Break It Down into Micro-Actions: Once you’ve identified your goal, break it into smaller, manageable steps. These micro-actions should be specific and easily executable within your limited time. If your goal is to build a brand on social media, start with researching and understanding the content that resonates within your chosen niche. Spend one hour each week analyzing successful content and brainstorming ways to make it your own.
- Repeat and Refine: Focus on repeating one key action until you’ve mastered it. For instance, if you’re analyzing competitors’ content, continue doing this for several weeks, tweaking your insights and deepening your understanding with each session. Once you feel confident, move on to content creation with a well-informed strategy. This iterative approach allows you to make meaningful progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Consistency: Building a Sustainable Habit
Consistency is what will ultimately separate those who succeed from those who lose steam. But consistency isn’t just about discipline; it’s about creating a process that aligns with your life and brings you joy. Too often, aspiring entrepreneurs approach their side company with a rigidity that leads to burnout. True consistency arises when your work doesn’t feel like a grueling chore but rather a natural extension of your interests and goals.
Ask yourself, “How can I make this more enjoyable?” The answer might involve tweaking your process or the content you’re working on. For instance, if the logistics of filming and editing content drains you, experiment with formats that require less production time or try to outsource the most time-consuming parts. A friend who found herself overwhelmed by the editing process decided to delegate it to a freelancer, allowing her to focus on the part she enjoyed most—creating content.
When building a business in tandem with a demanding career, it’s essential to design your work in a way that genuinely excites you. Consistency is a natural byproduct of enjoyment. If you look forward to your hustle because it energizes and fulfills you, you’re far more likely to maintain it over the long term.
The Power of Micro-Commitments: Leveraging Small Wins
Building a side business can often feel like a marathon, and staying motivated through the small, unglamorous tasks is no easy feat. This is where micro-commitments come into play. Reid Hoffman talks about the importance of incremental progress—the idea that big wins are the result of consistent small victories. A few hours each week may not seem like much, but over time, those hours compound.
Set yourself small, achievable goals every week that ladder up to your broader goal. If you’re building a content-based business, set a target to produce one piece of content weekly. If you’re developing a product, aim to tackle one design or feature each week. Each small win adds up, contributing to a sense of forward momentum that will keep you engaged in the process.
The Art of Saying “No” (Even to Good Ideas)
As your side business grows, you’ll encounter countless ideas, opportunities, and distractions that seem appealing. But to maximize your limited time, you must learn the art of saying “no”—even to good ideas. Reid Hoffman often advises entrepreneurs to focus on a “laser beam” strategy: choose a single direction and invest deeply in it. When you’re building a business on the side, diluting your efforts across too many activities can be a recipe for burnout and ineffective progress.
Instead, ask yourself: Is this action directly moving me toward my goal? If it’s not, or if it’s something that can wait, let it go. This discipline allows you to channel your energy into the most impactful work, accelerating your path to success.
Designing an Accountability System: Staying on Track
Building a successful business on the side isn’t just a solo journey; it benefits immensely from accountability. Many successful entrepreneurs use accountability partners or mentors to keep themselves on track. Find someone who understands your goals and can provide objective feedback on your progress. Whether it’s a friend, colleague, or someone in your network, a regular check-in—even just once a month—can provide clarity and motivation.
Consider creating a shared document or board where you track your progress toward specific goals, milestones, and deadlines. By making your intentions visible, you hold yourself accountable and create a structure that reinforces commitment.
Resilience and Adaptability: Embracing the Journey
If there’s one universal truth in entrepreneurship, it’s this: the journey will challenge you in unexpected ways. Balancing a side business with a full-time job means you’ll encounter days (or weeks) when progress feels slow or non-existent. You may even question whether it’s worth the effort. This is where resilience—the grit to keep going—and adaptability—the ability to pivot when needed—become your greatest assets.
The most successful side hustles often start as simple ideas, but they evolve based on feedback, market dynamics, and personal growth. Reid Hoffman has famously said, “If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.” Allow yourself to start imperfectly and iterate as you go. Flexibility is a strength, not a liability, and it will empower you to adapt to whatever challenges arise.
Personal Conclusion
As you set out to build your own side business, remember that this path is as much about personal growth as it is about creating something new. Starting small and working consistently—especially when time is scarce—may feel slow at first, but it’s in these steady, repeated actions that real progress happens. Each small win, every hour you carve out for your passion, is an investment in both your future business and in yourself. Over time, you’ll see these small efforts add up, giving you not only the skills to grow but also the confidence to keep moving forward.
There will be moments when the journey feels overwhelming, where you might wonder if the time, energy, and sacrifices are worth it. During these times, reconnect with the “why” behind your project. Reflect on what drew you to this work in the first place, and lean into the aspects that bring you joy. The beauty of a supplemental business is that it often aligns with your deepest interests—those things that make you feel more like yourself. Cultivate that sense of joy and curiosity, and it will help you weather the inevitable challenges along the way.
Above all, remember that your alternate business is uniquely yours. There’s no “perfect” way to build it; it’s about finding a balance that works for your life, your goals, and your values. Celebrate your progress, however small, and let it serve as a reminder of the possibilities that come from investing in yourself. Building a business on the side isn’t just about financial independence or future career options—it’s about the empowerment that comes from knowing you can shape your path.
So, as you move forward, take pride in every step you take. Know that each one brings you closer to a vision of a life that feels more aligned with who you are and who you want to become. This journey may not always be easy, but it will be worth it—because it’s yours, and you’re creating it on your terms.
