7 Best Ways to Start a Side Project for Busy Professional

Juggling a demanding career and a personal passion project can feel like a juggling act with flaming pins. But it can be done.

I have been building side projects while having a full-time job.

I have been able to build a TikTok channel with 30K+ followers, a Facebook account with 19K+ followers, a blog with 8K+ pageviews per month, a YouTube channel with 1K+ subscribers, and mobile & web apps.

Here are 7 actionable ways to launch your side project without sacrificing your sanity and still working a full-time job:

1. DEFINE YOUR “WHY” AND CHOOSE WISELY

Before diving in, ask yourself: What ignites my passion? 

What skills do I want to develop? 

Does this project align with my long-term goals? 

Then narrow your focus to something you genuinely care about and can realistically manage alongside your day job.

It can also be helpful to build a side project that is similar to what you do at your full-time job.

If you use a lot of Excel at work, you may consider an Excel side project such as Part-time Excel training, an Excel-centered blog, a YouTube channel, etc.

This can help you to already use your existing skills as a side project without investing extra time in acquiring new skills.

2. EMBRACE SMALL, ACHIEVABLE STEPS

Don’t try to build Rome in a day! Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and break them down into bite-sized tasks. 

Aim for 15-30 minute sprints to avoid overwhelm. The key is being consistent.

If you work on your side project for 20 minutes a day, you would have invested 10 hours in a month building your project. This is a billion times better than saying “I do not have time.”

3. LEVERAGE “DEAD TIME” LIKE A NINJA

Identify your “micro-moments” – commutes, lunch breaks, evenings after the kids are asleep, waiting times at offices, etc. 

Utilize these pockets of time for focused work on your project. Pack your laptop, download podcasts/audiobooks, or use mobile apps for on-the-go progress.

For example, if you are working on a novel as a side project, you can use these pockets of time to write a few words. It is always better than nothing.

4. BATCH SIMILAR TASKS FOR EFFICIENCY

Group similar activities together. Schedule dedicated “research hours” or “content creation days” to maximize your output. 

Batching reduces context switching and boosts your focus. For example, you may set Monday for research, Tuesday for shooting videos, another day for editing, and so on.

5. OUTSOURCE, DELEGATE, AND AUTOMATE

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Hire virtual assistants for administrative tasks, find collaborators for specific areas, or utilize project management tools for automation. 

Identify tasks that can be automated using tools or software to streamline your workflow and save time.

Delegate what you can to free up your time for core project activities.

6. EMBRACE THE POWER OF “NO”

Saying no to additional commitments protects your precious time and energy. Learn to politely decline requests that don’t align with your priorities and side hustle goals.

7. FIND YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM

Connect with other side hustlers! Join online communities, find a local mastermind group or partner with a friend who shares your passion. 

Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes can boost motivation and accountability.

Find an accountability partner or mentor who can provide guidance, feedback, and motivation to help you stay on track with your goals.

Participate in industry-specific subreddits, Facebook groups, or Slack channels where you can ask questions, share resources, and receive encouragement from peers and experts.

Bonus Tip: Track your progress! Celebrate milestones, no matter how small, to stay motivated and see your project evolve.

Remember, consistency is key, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Start small, be strategic, and enjoy the journey!

Quick Examples:

Project: Writing a novel

Action: Write 500 words during your lunch break or commute, 3 times a week.

Project: Building a website

Action: Dedicate 30 minutes each evening to learning web development through online courses.

Project: Creating a podcast

Action: Record a 10-minute episode on your phone during your morning walk, once a week.

By following these tips and tailoring them to your specific project and schedule, you can turn your side hustle dream into a fulfilling reality, even with a busy professional life.