Start a side hustle without overthinking it
You’re craving something more. Something that’s yours.
Stop thinking about it and start building something of your own
You don’t want another meaningless project or a padded job title. You want something that’s yours. Something that feels like it matters.
You’re ready for something real. Something meaningful. Something that doesn’t make you want to curl up in the breakroom and scream into your lunch.
You’ve got ideas. Maybe too many. But every time you try to start, you stall out. “What if I choose the wrong one?” “What if it’s a waste of time?” “How do I even begin?”
You don’t need a perfect plan. You need a first step.
This guide is designed to help you:
Figure out what kind of side hustle would actually work for you
Take small, low-risk steps to test your ideas
Use practical tools to stop spinning your wheels
Get deeper support when you’re ready to make real progress
Step 1: Reflect on whether a side hustle is actually right for you
Before you jump into researching business names or setting up a TikTok account, let’s pause. You don’t need to commit to anything just yet. But if the idea of a side hustle keeps tugging at you, that’s worth listening to.
Sometimes, we get caught up in the pressure to “do more” without asking why we want it or what it might take from us. This step is your chance to check in with yourself before you build something that doesn’t actually fit your life.
Reflection activity
Use these journal prompts to explore what’s pulling you toward a side hustle:
What am I hoping a side hustle will give me? (Money, freedom, creative energy, a backup plan?)
Which parts of my current life feel stagnant, frustrating, or unfulfilling?
What would success look like to me in six months if I started something small right now?
What would I regret not trying?
How much time do I have available to pour into a side hustle?
Would I be doing it for me or for someone else?
Am I just looking for a way to earn more money?
There’s no “right” direction here, just your honest answers. If, after answering these questions, you think starting a side hustle is for you, you might be ready for step 2.
Articles to help you explore the idea of a side hustle
Step 2: Take action and start a side hustle
Want a side hustle but not sure what it should be?
This FREE eBook provides 50 clear and practical side hustle ideas to help you brainstorm your next move. Whether you're looking to earn extra income, explore a passion, or start something of your own, these prompts are designed to get you thinking in new ways.
Download the free eBook and start exploring what could work for you.
Books to spark action or deeper thinking
These aren’t all traditional “business” books. I chose them because they support creativity, courage, and starting small. And because they inspired me to start this website.
*The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
Real-life stories of people who started small and made it work. Encouraging, accessible, and focused on using what you already have.
*Company of One by Paul Jarvis
Great for people who don’t want to grow a huge business but do want to build something sustainable on their own terms.
*Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
Not business-specific, but a fantastic mindset book for anyone feeling stuck. Helps dismantle “I don’t know where to start” thinking. By the way, Marie’s B-School? I’m a huge fan.
*Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
If you have a creative soul who’s afraid to take action, this is like a pep talk in book form. Beautifully written, with just enough weird to be fun.
*Heads-up: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I genuinely believe are helpful. Thank you for supporting the work I do here.
Take a baby step
The best way to beat overthinking? Do something. Not everything. Just one thing.
Try one of these:
Tell one trusted person about your idea and ask them to check in on you next week.
Choose one idea and run it through a quick filter: Does it excite you? Is there a small way to test it?
Draft a mini action plan with just 3 steps (no business plan required).
If taking a baby step didn’t kill you, and it empowered you to think you can do this, step 3 offers a guided journey to developing your side hustle step-by-step.
Articles to help you with your side hustle
Step 3: Get serious. Follow a blueprint.
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This blueprint is 20% OFF for the month of July.
A discount will automatically be applied when you check out.
Turn your idea into income is a self-paced guide that helps you move from idea to action. You’ll follow a clear, step-by-step plan to explore your idea, set up the basics, and start putting your side hustle into motion without spending weeks figuring it out on your own.
You don’t have to hate your job to feel stuck. Sometimes, the problem isn’t your 9-to-5, it’s that your creative self has been neglected for too long. This article explores why creative boredom shows up, how to recognize it, and what to do about it (without quitting your job or starting over).