In a world where side hustles are the new trend, staying motivated can feel like trying to drink coffee with a fork—messy and frustrating. Whether you’re selling colouring books, starting a blog, selling custom crochet koala hats on Etsy, or attempting to become the next TikTok sensation, keeping the hustle alive isn’t always easy. But don’t worry- I’ve got some tips to help you stay motivated while juggling your 9-to-5 and your sanity.

1. Set Goals… But Make Them Fun

Sure, everyone tells you to set goals, but let’s add some spice. Instead of “Make $500 this month,” try “Earn enough to fund my next coffee addiction or my next Sephora purchase”. Small, tangible rewards make it feel less like work and more like a game. Bonus tip: Avoid goals like “Become a millionaire by next week”. Unless you’re planning to sell an island, it’s better to keep your goals realistic.

2. Create a Work Schedule That Works (For You)

Some people love waking up at 5am to work on their side hustle. Others see 5am as a time that only exists for insomniacs and airport runs. Find the schedule that fits your energy levels and stick to it. If you’re a night owl, embrace the midnight hustle. If you’re a morning person, congrats—you probably have your life together already.

Consistency beats intensity, so even if you only have 30 minutes a day, use that time wisely. And yes, that means no “quick TikTok breaks” unless you want to wake up two hours later in a rabbit hole of howling huskies.

3. Embrace the Power of Tiny Wins

Do you know what’s more satisfying than hitting a big milestone? Literally anything else when you’re burnt out. Celebrate the little victories: your first Pinterest save, your first sale, your first positive review, or even just updating your website without accidentally deleting everything.

Here’s the trick: small wins create momentum. Momentum keeps you going. And before you know it, you’re unstoppable—or at least mildly productive.

4. Remember Why You Started

Why are you hustling on the side? Is it for financial freedom, creative expression, or simply to avoid awkward small talk at parties? Write it down and stick it somewhere visible, like your fridge or your bathroom mirror. When you’re tempted to quit, a reminder of your “why” can pull you back from the edge.

But hey, if your reason is “to buy an absurdly fancy espresso machine,” that’s valid too. Dreams come in all shapes and caffeine levels.

5. Don’t Compare Your Hustle to Someone Else’s Highlight Reel

The internet is full of people who seem to be crushing their side hustles. Sophia from Instagram just bought a Tesla with her dog-sitting business, and David’s TikTok side gig got him a brand deal with a cereal company. Meanwhile, you’re over here debating whether you want to subscribe to Canva Pro.

Here’s the deal: people post their wins, not their struggles. Stay focused on your journey. Sophia doesn’t show all her sleepless nights, and David probably cried into a bowl of (free) cereal last week.

6. Outsource What You Hate (or Aren’t Good At)

If designing a logo makes you want to throw your laptop out the window, outsource it. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork exist for a reason. Spending $20 on a task you despise is cheaper than the therapy you’ll need after trying to DIY everything.

Remember, your time is valuable. If you’re better at the creative or strategic side of your hustle, focus on that and let someone else handle the boring (or brain-breaking) stuff.

7. Find Your Tribe

No one understands the pain of juggling a side hustle quite like other side hustlers. Join Facebook groups, attend networking events, or start a group chat with like-minded people. Bonus points if they’re hilarious and send memes when you’re spiralling.

Having a support system can make all the difference. They’ll celebrate your wins, commiserate over your losses, and remind you that you’re not alone when your latest idea flops harder than a bad dad joke.

8. Take Breaks Before You Break

Burnout isn’t a badge of honour; it’s a recipe for disaster. Schedule regular breaks to recharge, even if it’s just an afternoon binge-watching your favourite show or a guilt-free nap. Remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup—or hustle with an empty energy tank.

And yes, this means you should probably stop checking emails at 2am. The hustle will still be there tomorrow.

9. Learn to Laugh at Your Mistakes

You’re going to mess up. Maybe you’ll ship the wrong order, launch a product no one buys, or accidentally post something cringe on social media. It happens to the best of us. The key is to laugh about it, learn from it, and move on.

Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re just expensive lessons you’ll probably turn into a funny story someday. And if nothing else, they’re great content for your “relatable entrepreneur” persona.

10. Reward Yourself Like a Boss (Because You Are One)

You’ve put in the work, so don’t forget to celebrate your milestones, big or small. Did you hit a revenue goal? Treat yourself to something you’ve been eyeing. Did you survive a particularly rough week? Pop open some champagne—or Diet Coke if that’s more your vibe.

Rewards keep you motivated. Plus, they make the hustle feel worth it. After all, isn’t the whole point of this side gig to build a life you enjoy?

11. Stay Curious and Keep Learning

Side hustles evolve, and so should you. Whether it’s reading a book, taking an online course, or watching a YouTube tutorial, keep expanding your skills. It keeps things fresh and prevents you from feeling stuck in a rut.

Also, who knows? The skill you learn today might just become your next revenue stream tomorrow. Or at least give you an excuse to procrastinate productively.

12. Accept That Motivation Comes and Goes

Here’s the brutal truth: motivation isn’t constant. Some days you’ll feel unstoppable, and others, you’ll feel like a soggy burrito. On those soggy burrito days, rely on discipline, routine, and sheer stubbornness.

Motivation is great, but habits are better. Build a system that keeps you on track, even when you’re tempted to quit.

Your side hustle isn’t just about making extra money—it’s about pursuing something you’re passionate about, challenging yourself, and building a life you love. Sure, it’s not always easy, but with the right mindset (and a sense of humour), you can stay motivated and crush it.

So go forth, hustle hero, and remember, when in doubt, take a break, laugh it off, and come back stronger. After all, even side hustlers deserve a little Netflix.