The biggest objection I hear when I suggest that people pursue a side hustle or develop new sources of income is that they don’t have the time. The brutal truth is that others have overcome what you are facing. Many successful entrepreneurs and investors create their businesses while working a day job. These same people have spouses, hobbies, children, and other time commitments that you likely have.

The #1 Predictor of Success

The most likely predictor of success in anything is perseverance and delayed gratification. Persevering in the absence of immediate results requires self-discipline. Self-discipline is vital if you want to be successful in pursuing a side hustle. It can be easy to get sidetracked and discouraged when pursuing a side hustle, but if you are self-disciplined, you will be more likely to persevere and see success.

There are a few things you can do to help you maintain self-discipline when pursuing a side hustle:

1. Set realistic goals for yourself and your side hustle. Having attainable goals will help you stay focused and motivated.
2. Make a plan of action and stick to it. Having a plan will help you stay organized and on track.
3. Be prepared for setbacks and bumps in the road.

Pursuing a side hustle is not always easy, but if you are prepared for setbacks, you will be more likely to overcome them and continue moving forward. Revisiting your goals daily or weekly can help you stick with them. 

Self-discipline requires that you be organized and focused in your pursuits. This means setting aside time each day to work on your side hustle and then sticking to that schedule. It also means being willing to say “no” to other commitments that would interfere with your side hustle and being able to focus on your work even when distractions abound. You likely can’t say no to certain responsibilities like your job and family. You do have the power to manage your schedule and make time for your income-generating endeavors. Understand your time limitations, but don’t make them an excuse. 

Use Time Leverage to Achieve Your Goals

Aside from the discipline to create a schedule and stick to it, you can also use other people’s time to advance your goals. When I started my t-shirt side business, I hesitated to outsource design creation. It cost money, and I was worried I would not recoup what I spent. In retrospect, that was an incredibly short-sided viewpoint. When I outsourced my designs, my net profits significantly increased. 

If you’re interested in how I generate semi-passive income every month, check out these previous articles that I wrote…

Military Veteran Finds Success Telling T-Shirts Online: https://www.jpcashflow.com/military-veteran-finds-success-in-online-business/

Make $1000 a Month Outsourcing T-Shirt Designs: https://www.jpcashflow.com/penji-review-make-1000-a-month-outsourcing-t-shirt-designs/

Similarly, we can leverage information and technology to maximize our time. In my t-shirt business, for instance, I found a newsletter that gives me fresh design ideas each week. Instead of pouring through research data, I review a single newsletter and cherry-pick the best ideas I like. This has proven to be a powerful time-saving combination combined with outsourcing my designs. 

If you’re also pursuing a t-shirt business and are interested in the newsletter I use, you can see my review of it here: https://www.jpcashflow.com/merch-momentum-review-an-insider-look-at-michael-essanys-merch-by-amazon-research-newsletter/

In terms of using technology to manage your own time, don’t overlook things you already have access to. Your phone can be a powerful personal assistant. Use a calendar or scheduling app to keep track of deadlines, appointments, and to-dos for your side business. This will help you stay organized and on track. Set aside a specific time each week to work on your side business. Whether it’s two hours on Tuesday nights or all day Saturday, treat your side business like a part-time job and give it the attention it deserves.

Perseverance Beats Genius

Are you already working on a side business but not seeing the desired results? Don’t give up! Here are some tips on persevering: 

1. Remember your “Why”: It’s essential to keep your goals in mind when you’re working on a side business. You started down this path for a reason. Remembering that can motivate you to continue even when the results aren’t immediate. 

2. Stay positive: Getting discouraged is easy when you do not see results immediately. But it’s important to stay positive and believe in yourself. Remember, it takes time to build a successful business. Rome was not built in a day. Stay focused and keep working hard; you’ll eventually see the results you’re hoping for. Celebrate every win. Even if it’s just a single sale, realize that indicates you are on the right path. 

3. Persevere: The most important thing is never to give up. It’s not always easy, but it’s important to persevere. If you give up, you’ll never achieve your goals. So keep going, even when it’s tough. Believe in yourself and your business, and you’ll eventually find success. 

Case Study in Perseverance 

There is a historical story that always inspires me on this topic of not giving up. 

Thomas Edison, one of the most famous and successful inventors of all time, is a perfect example of entrepreneurial perseverance. He is best known for inventing the light bulb, but many people don’t realize that it took him years of trial and error before he finally got it right. 

Edison began working on the light bulb in 1878, and it took him until 1879 to create a prototype that worked. But even then, it was far from perfect. Edison’s light bulb was inefficient and only lasted a few minutes before burning out. 

Undeterred, Edison continued working on the light bulb, making hundreds of prototypes and testing them repeatedly. Finally, in 1881, he created a light bulb that was much more efficient and lasted much longer. The success of the light bulb made Edison one of the most famous men in the world, and it cemented his reputation as a genius inventor. But it is important to remember that even geniuses sometimes have to try again and again before they finally succeed.

When a reporter asked, “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” 

Success Leaves Clues

When we set out to succeed in any endeavor, it’s helpful to consider what successful people do and model it. Having studied many successful people in many industries, I have found some commonalities in their habits. 

Here are ten habits that successful people tend to share:

1. They get up early

The most successful people are typically the ones who get up early. They use the early hours of the day to get a head start on their work, and they’re usually more productive and energetic in the morning.

2. They exercise

Exercise is important for both physical and mental health, and it’s something that successful people make time for in their daily routines. Exercise can help improve energy levels, mood, and focus, which can help achieve success.

3. They eat healthily

What we eat significantly impacts our energy levels, mood, and overall health, so it’s no surprise that successful people prioritize healthy eating. Eating nutritious foods can help improve focus and concentration and give you the energy you need to power through your day.

4. They stay organized

Organization is key to success in any area of life, and successful people tend to be very organized. They keep track of their goals, schedule their time wisely, and know how to prioritize their tasks. This helps them to stay on track and make the most of their time.

5. They set goals

Setting goals is necessary to achieve success, and successful people are typically very goal-oriented. They have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and always working towards meeting their goals.

6. They’re persistent

Successful people are usually the ones who are willing to keep going even when things get tough. They’re persistent in the face of setbacks and never give up on their goals. This determination is a crucial ingredient in achieving success.

7. They’re always learning

Successful people know that learning is a lifelong process, and they never stop learning. They’re constantly expanding their knowledge and skills and always looking for new ways to improve. This continuous learning helps them stay ahead of the curve and succeed.

8. They’re good at networking

Networking is important in any field, and successful people are usually very good at it. They make connections and build relationships, which can help them to advance in their careers. They know how to network effectively and always look for new opportunities.

9. They’re positive

Successful people tend to have a positive outlook on life and are usually optimistic about their chances of success. They believe in themselves and their abilities and always look for the silver lining in every situation. This positive attitude is a significant asset in achieving success.

10. They take time for themselves

Despite their busy schedules, successful people always make time for themselves. They know how important it is to care for their bodies and minds, and they make sure to schedule time for relaxation and fun. This helps them to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy balance in their lives.

Conclusion

Perseverance, combined with self-discipline, will give you the life you desire. Learn to manage your time effectively and leverage other people’s time to speed up your results. Model successful habits that other high achievers have used to achieve their dreams. If you follow this playbook, anything and everything is possible. 

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