3 Traps When Starting A Side Hustle

Have you ever thought about turning that buzzy idea in your head into a side hustle? On this episode of the Dyslexic Entrepreneur podcast, Stephen Martin shares how starting a part-time venture can be thrilling yet tricky. If you’re dyslexic, ADHD, or just easily distracted, you’ll recognise that juggling a new project alongside everything else takes strategy.

This conversation dives into why projects always overshoot the time we set aside and why passion is the secret sauce for long-term success. Stephen shares stories that highlight common pitfalls, along with tips on delegation, motivation, and sticking with your idea when challenges arise.

Why Slower is Sometimes Faster

Ever dived into a new project and expected it to be done in a week? It’s so easy to underestimate the time something needs. Dyslexics are especially prone to seeing bright ideas without accounting for the hidden steps involved.

During the episode, Stephen says that it’s normal to underestimate how long things will take. In fact, he advises multiplying your timeline by three. That may sound like a lot, but buffering your schedule frees you to handle the inevitable obstacles that pop up.

“It always takes longer than you think. Don’t assume it’ll be easy just because the idea popped into your head.”

This approach encourages you to be patient with yourself and your business. Backing out too soon can mean leaving a brilliant idea unfulfilled. By planning for extra time up front, you protect your energy and keep your head in the game.

Pick a Business You Love

Next, Stephen is a big believer in choosing an idea you’ll still be excited about after the honeymoon phase ends. According to him, chasing money as the only motivator is a recipe for burnout. Doing something that brings genuine joy can make a huge difference in how you handle setbacks.

He suggests asking yourself one key question before you invest your time. Would you still want to do this if it took longer or made less profit than expected? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track. You’ll stick with it when the going gets tough.

For those of us with brains that spark one idea after another, focusing on what we find genuinely interesting is half the battle. If you’re going to invest precious hours into a project, make sure it feeds your curiosity. Passion can carry you over hurdles that might trip others up.

The Power of Delegation and Hands-On Learning

Wearing all hats at once feels heroic, but Stephen warns it can turn quickly into exhaustion. Dyslexic entrepreneurs are often great at starting a project, but we can get stuck if we try to manage everything alone.

He suggests finding ways to delegate tasks that drain your spark. That could mean hiring a virtual assistant, swapping favours with a friend, or using smart tools. The end goal is to preserve your energy for tasks where your strengths shine.

Stephen also reminds listeners that the best way to learn is by doing. You might pick up some tips from a book or a course, but you won’t truly understand the twists and turns until you get your hands dirty. There’s no shame in making mistakes. What matters is how you bounce back and keep moving.

If you want to avoid ending up with a business that drains you, pay close attention to your true strengths. Outsource or offload the rest. This gives you headspace to guide the venture forward and focus on the creative side that drew you in originally.

Swipe these Key Takeaways

• Recognise that projects often exceed your original timeline, especially for dyslexic entrepreneurs.
• Be sure you’re passionate about your business idea or you’ll risk losing motivation.
• Prioritise joy in the process, not just money in the bank.
• Delegate before you burn out, even if it feels more comfortable doing it all yourself.
• Hurdles are normal, and you learn by facing them head-on and moving forward.

When you’re honest about what energises you, it becomes easier to commit and push through rough patches. Stubbornly sticking to a draining project can do more harm than good. Stephen believes you should build a business you look forward to waking up to, not one that leaves you wanting to hide under the covers.

• Set realistic timelines (and triple them!).
• Stay with your idea long enough to see results.
• Lean on others for tasks that aren’t your strengths.
• Expect real-world challenges and adapt.
• Remember that it’s all part of the learning curve.

Ready to hear all the stories, insights, and laughs from Stephen? Listen to the full episode above and discover how to build a side hustle that suits your unique brain wiring.

Before you go, here’s a reminder of some useful resources:

• Join the club for fresh ideas: rightbrainresetters.com
• Get 20% off your first order: addednutrition.com
• Want more dyslexia strategies and support? Visit: truthaboutdyslexia.com
• Join our thriving community: facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia

It’s always good to connect with others on this journey. Tune in to the podcast above for the full scoop and take your dreams from idea to reality.