Childcare, Main Job, Side Hustle... What is the '1-Hour-a-Day Rule' I Keep Up While Doing It All?
Introduction
“I started a side hustle, but I can't keep it up...”
Have you ever felt that way?
You have the motivation, but you can't find the time.
Even when you finally have time, you're too tired to move.
I've felt that way many times, too...
Even so, it has now become a habit for me to sit at my desk every night for an hour and write articles.
This time, I would like to talk about how I“became able to keep it up”that way.
Me when I couldn't keep it up
When I first started my side hustle, even if I knew what I wanted to write, I couldn't get myself to start...
My child wouldn't go to sleep, or when I finally had some free time, I'd just mindlessly scroll on my phone...
“I guess I don't have to do it today.”
Those feelings piled up, and there were times when I went a week or two without doing anything.
“Doing it because I have time” didn't work
That's when I realized that if I only try to do it when I feel motivated, Iend up not doing it at all.
So, I changed my mindset.
“I willmake the timebecause I am doing it.”
By switching to this mindset, my side hustle gradually became something I could “keep up”!
3 tips that helped me keep it up
1. Make your work time “fixed”
In my case, I set 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM every night as my side hustle time.
Even if my child doesn't go to sleep, I sit at my desk for at least 10 minutes.
This “do at least a little bit every day” rule was very effective!
2. Lower the “hurdle” to start writing
If you decide what you're going to do during your work time, like “just decide on the title” or “just write the introduction” during your spare time, you can start working without hesitation.
Sometimes I take notes while doing housework...
If you can't find a block of time, cherish the small moments!
3. Use ChatGPT to create the structure
Instead of writing from scratch, I have AI create the structure and then flesh it out with my own words.
This is a huge help for me since my time is limited.
If I didn't have this, I wouldn't have been able to do a side hustle...
For me, ChatGPT is an indispensable partner!
As you keep going, the “motivation” will follow
Strangely enough, once writing becomes a part of your life, the feeling of “not being motivated” fades away.
Rather,
I feel uneasy if I don't write
I feel good if I make even a little progress
I feel energized when I get comments or reactions
In that way, my side hustle time becamea little “reward time”for me.
“If you do it, you'll get motivated!”Click here for the article I wrote about work excitement! ⤵️
Conclusion
I am not naturally a stoic person.
I am the type of person who wants to sleep when tired and easily puts things off if I'm not in the mood (blush).
However, through a few small adjustments and the accumulation of habits, 'working on my side hustle for one hour every day' has now become a completely normal part of my daily life.
I don't have time.
I have children.
I can't concentrate.
I would be happy if this could serve as a small hint for those who are thinking, 'I want to try it' or 'I want to keep going,' even amidst those challenges.