Logical Reflection and Practical Insights

I genuinely contemplate these questions often. As Richie Norton wisely said, "Questions open a space in your mind that allow better answers to breathe." This reflects a common issue among goal-driven individuals: they often assess their plans without breaking them down logically.

Here’s a method I recommend: First, determine your current earnings from side-hustles. For example, I make approximately $3,000 from freelance copywriting. Next, evaluate the amount of time you currently allocate to achieve this income. In my case, it’s about three hours each evening, excluding weekends.

Now, calculate your hourly rate: for me, it’s $3,000 divided by (3 hours * 22 days), which equals roughly $45.50.

Next, set your target income. I aim for $6,000. Write this down. Using your earlier calculations, determine how much additional time you would need to reach that goal. In my case, it would require 132 hours, or about six hours every weekday evening. Pause and reflect on whether that’s feasible.

This exercise often leads to profound insights. Logical thought, especially when expressed mathematically, can illuminate our thinking processes.

For instance, my maximum capacity for side-hustling through copywriting is three hours in the evening. After a long day at work, my energy is depleted, making it challenging to write effectively over long periods.

If you doubt this, try composing several social media posts for an hour without a break—I assure you, fatigue will set in quickly.

Fatigue isn’t exclusive to copywriting; it affects all side-hustles. For example, my friend Joe, who trades options, limits himself to two hours of trading, as his focus diminishes after that point.

Another critical point is that time cannot be multiplied. Doubling your hours in hopes of doubling your income is an unrealistic expectation. Everyone has only 24 hours in a day. If you want to dedicate more time to side projects, something else will have to give. Will it be family time? Or risking your job by working during office hours?

For me, those aren’t viable options.

What Should You Do Instead?

First, assess how much time you have available for side-hustles. Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, "People sacrifice the present for the future. But life is available only in the present." Track how your day unfolds and quantify that time. For instance, my day job consumes around 12 hours, and I need eight hours of sleep, leaving me with four hours. I choose to allocate three hours for copywriting and reserve one hour for personal time.

Your numbers may differ, and that’s perfectly okay. However, identifying this time is crucial. You’ll soon realize that juggling multiple side-hustles often leads to exhaustion rather than increased income.

To truly earn, you need sufficient time to deliver quality work. My advice is to start with one side-hustle. Commit to it until you’re proficient enough to raise your rates.

Let’s revisit that mathematical framework. If you currently earn $50 per hour from your side-hustle, focus on increasing that rate before venturing into other opportunities. Exploration requires time, and beginners often spend more time learning than earning.

To boost your rates, consider these strategies:

• Seek clients who appreciate your work and will pay accordingly.
• Avoid low-paying clients who demand excessive work for minimal compensation.
• Expand your service offerings so clients engage with you for multiple needs; for instance, if you’re into copywriting, consider social media campaigns as an add-on.
• Prioritize existing clients over new ones, focusing on upselling during project delivery.

By doing so, you’ll enhance your time efficiency and increase earnings per client. Personally, I limit myself to five clients at a time to ensure I can provide quality service.

Concentrate your efforts to yield better results; spreading yourself too thin often isn’t worth the effort.

Conclusion

As Anuj Jasani aptly stated, "Having clarity about the destination makes the journey more beautiful."

I advocate for hustling, but it’s crucial to hustle with a clear objective in mind. Continuous, extreme hustling doesn’t equate to wealth; it simply leads to unnecessary busyness and fatigue. You’re already drained from your day job—there’s no need to overexert yourself further.

Instead, take a practical approach. Define your goals and determine how much time you are willing to allocate each day. With these insights, you can gradually build a successful side-hustle.

Step by step.

About the Author:

As a content creator, I share insights drawn from personal experiences and professional encounters. Our life journeys shape our unique perspectives. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter!