This One Goes Out to the Side-Hustling Creative Entrepreneurs

I’m a big believer in fate and live by the saying, “everything happens for a reason.” So I’m taking this hot mess of a week, turning it into some valuable lessons learned, and sharing the encouragement with you!

But First, Story Time

I took “the leap” and left my corporate job back in May of 201X. However, I transitioned right into part-time, seasonal work doing social media for a local small business.

Because the work was seasonal, I went through weeks and months where they needed a lot more help from me, so I’d be there all day, every day, which had me remembering what it’s like to be in that hectic, pre-leap, side-hustle stage.

As you probably know from experience, it’s exhausting and mentally straining!

Lesson 01: You Are Not Alone

I feel your pain. I hear your struggle. You are not alone.

Your ideas are just as valuable as someone else running their business full-time.

The world needs to hear your ideas, tips, struggles, triumphs, and stories. Keep going! You can do this. 

Lesson 02: take a break

Listen to your body and your mind. If you need a break, take a break!

What’s going to help you more when you’re on the verge of a breakdown? Taking 15 minutes to do some yoga or spending 15 minutes flustered and freaking out? Opt for the yoga, my friend.

Lesson 03: Do what you can with the time you have

When 8-10 hours of your day are dedicated elsewhere, you are simply not going to be able to do everything a full-time business owner can with a full day.

And if you're trying to keep up by working 8-10 hours on your business on top of your already 8-10 hour day—yes, I see you—stop. Please. That is so so unhealthy. Which leads perfectly into my next lesson...

Lesson 04: Take care of you

When you don’t take care of yourself, it’s going to be hard for you to take care of others and offer them your true value. I encourage you to stop giving yourself unrealistic deadlines. 

If it takes you an extra day or two to get that blog post published or that newsletter sent, it's okay. You are still doing great things and your people will still love you. They might even love you more if you take extra time to get your thoughts together and produce an epically helpful post.

Lesson 05: Take a step back

When it all just seems like too much and you’re asking yourself, “What’s the point?” Take a step back. Take some deep breaths. And remember why you started it all in the first place.

You were put on this earth for a reason. You are valuable. You have something to offer that no one else can. Remember your purpose. Remember your values. Remember your why.