Let’s be real—most goals fall apart by week two.
You get a burst of motivation, scribble down a bunch of stuff you want to achieve, maybe even slap it on the fridge… Then life happens. Work runs late, the kids are sick, you’re knackered, and before you know it, your big plans for that side hustle? Collecting dust with the treadmill and that juicer you used once.
So here’s the thing: If you want to actually stick to your side hustle goals, you need to set them differently. No fluff. No vision boards or fancy planners required. Just some practical steps that work in the real world—even when you’re juggling a full-time job, fatigue, or just the chaos of everyday life.
Let’s break it down.
1. Set “Small, Bloody Achievable” Goals First.
Forget big lofty dreams for a minute. You’re not trying to build the next Uber—you’re just trying to earn a few extra bucks or build something steady on the side.
Start by asking:
- What can I realistically do this week, not “someday”?
- What fits into my actual schedule—not my imaginary ideal one?
Example:
Instead of “Start a dog walking business,” try “Create a basic flyer and pin it on three local noticeboards by Saturday.” That’s something you can actually tick off.
Why it works:
Small wins keep you moving. And once you get a few of those under your belt, momentum kicks in. It’s like laying bricks—one at a time, mate.
2. Use the “Smoko Rule” to Test Your Time Commitments.
This one’s dead simple: If your goal takes longer than a smoko (10–20 minutes), break it down.
Trying to write a full business plan? Too big.
Trying to jot down your rates and services in a notebook over lunch? That’s manageable.
Time is tight when you’re working full-time or raising a family, so be smart with your pockets of spare time. Ten minutes here and there adds up.
3. Tie Each Goal to a Payoff You Care About.
Let’s be honest—no one gets excited about “just working harder.” What matters is what it gets you.
Ask yourself:
What’s this hustle going to help you pay for?
What freedom will it buy?
Write that down. Put it somewhere visible.
Examples:
“Extra $300/month = power bill + phone bill, sorted.”
“If I sell 2 Facebook Marketplace flips a week, I can afford a family weekend away every month.”
Goals with a payoff attached keep you going when you’d rather be on the couch with a cold one.
4. Track Progress the Old-Fashioned Way.
You don’t need an app or spreadsheet—a notebook or calendar will do.
Each time you complete a task, cross it off. Weekly review? Quick glance. Done anything that moved your hustle forward? Good. Keep it up.
If a week goes by with nothing crossed off, don’t beat yourself up—just ask why.
Too tired? Adjust the goal size.
Forgot? Put reminders in your phone.
Didn’t care enough? Maybe that goal doesn’t matter to you. Bin it and try something else.
Progress doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to keep showing up.
5. Use a “Two-Goal Max” Rule.
Chasing ten goals at once is how most folks burn out. You’ll end up spinning your wheels and feeling like you’re not getting anywhere.
So keep it simple:
One money goal (like “earn $150 from gigs this week”).
One setup goal (like “build a basic website” or “sign up on TaskRabbit”).
That’s it. Anything else is a bonus.
Why this works:
Focus = results. Plus, hitting two clear goals each week is way more satisfying than half-doing ten things and getting nowhere.
6. Don’t Copy Other People’s Hustle Goals.
What works for your mate might not work for you. Maybe they’re single with weekends free—you’ve got school runs, split shifts, and a dodgy back.
That’s alright. Set goals based on your situation, not Instagram advice.
- Can’t do early mornings? Don’t.
- Hate social media? Skip it.
- Only got Sunday afternoons free? Build around that.
Your hustle, your rules. That’s the whole point.
7. Set “Stop Dates” So You Can Review or Reset.
Most people set goals with a start date, but no end date. That’s how things drift along and never get done.
- Set a 30-day check-in.
- Mark a date in your phone: “Review side hustle.” Then ask:
- Did I actually do anything?
- What worked? What flopped?
- Do I want to keep going or tweak it?
You don’t have to keep flogging a dead horse. Give yourself permission to pivot or start fresh.
8. Build Your Hustle Into Real Life, Not Around It.
Don’t treat your hustle like a separate secret life. Blend it into your day-to-day as much as possible.
Examples:
- If you’re already doing yard work at home, offer to mow a few neighbors’ lawns while you’re at it.
- Got a knack for baking? Turn that weekend batch into $5 snack boxes for the local soccer club.
- Walking your own dog anyway? Offer a cheap second-dog deal.
Work with the flow of your life, not against it.
9. Use Accountability the Low-Stress Way.
You don’t need to post everything online or start a YouTube channel to stay accountable.
Just tell one mate.
Text a friend and say, “Oi, I’m going to try and make $200 this month flipping stuff. Ask me how I’m going in two weeks.”
That’s it. Doesn’t need to be formal. But knowing someone might check in? Keeps you on your toes.
10. Have a Goal-Free Week Every Now and Then.
Sounds backward, right? But sometimes, you just need to step back and do… nothing side-hustle related.
No goals. No pressure. Let your brain chill. This isn’t lazy—it’s maintenance. Like giving a car a rest so you don’t cook the engine.
You’ll come back fresher, clearer, and usually with a better idea of what’s actually worth chasing.
Final Thought: You’re Not Behind—You’re Building.
If you’re only just getting started, or if it feels like things are going slow—that’s normal. Most people never even try to set real hustle goals, let alone stick to them.
You’re having a crack. That counts for something.
So pick one or two things from this list. Set a goal you can actually stick to, track it somewhere simple, and get on with it.
You don’t need perfect plans. You just need progress.
Catch you at the next smoko.
Kim
Founder, SideHustleQuest.com
