Motivation is key to anything you want to achieve in life and in this article, we are looking at 5 tips for for motivation when starting a side hustle in South Africa

See, starting a side hustle in South Africa can be a great way to earn extra income and pursue your passions. However, staying motivated can be a challenge, especially when faced with setbacks or obstacles. Here are five tips to help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. ( And if you are unsure what to start we have a host of information on this site for example our 50 side hustle ideas you can start right now. Click here)

Set clear goals and track your progress.

One of the best ways to keep motivation when starting a side hustle in South Africa is to set clear goals and track your progress. This will help you stay focused on what you want to achieve and give you a sense of accomplishment as you make progress toward your goals.

Start by setting specific, measurable, and achievable goals for your side hustle, such as earning a certain amount of money or acquiring a certain number of clients.

Then, track your progress regularly and celebrate your successes along the way. This will help you stay motivated and inspired to keep pushing forward.

Now, here’s where the fun comes in. Instead of just tracking your progress on a boring spreadsheet, why not make it fun and creative? Use colorful stickers, drawings, or emojis to mark your milestones. Take a selfie each time you reach a goal and post it on social media with a witty caption. Get creative and have fun with it!

For example, if your side hustle involves baking cakes, you can track your progress by drawing a cute cupcake for each cake you sell. Or, if you’re a freelance writer, you can use funny memes to track your word count. The possibilities are endless!

But wait, there’s more! To really stay motivated, why not make a game out of it? Set up a point system for each goal you reach and challenge yourself to reach a certain number of points each week or month. Then, reward yourself with a prize, like a fancy coffee or a new book, once you reach your target.

Remember, tracking your progress doesn’t have to be a boring task. Inject some humor and creativity into it and watch how much more motivated you become to reach your goals!

Of course, if you need a step-by-step guide on how to get started with your side hustle – just check out this article

Surround yourself with supportive people.

Starting a side hustle can be a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can help you stay motivated and inspired. Seek out friends, family members, or colleagues who believe in your vision and are willing to offer encouragement and support. it is a win-win to keep motivation when starting a side hustle.

You can also join online communities or networking groups related to your side hustle to connect with like-minded individuals who can offer advice and support.

Having a support system can make all the difference when it comes to staying motivated and achieving your goals.

But be careful, not all support groups are created equal. Some are filled with negative Nancys who will drag you down faster than a speeding ticket on the N1 highway. So, make sure to find groups with positive and like-minded individuals who share your goals and aspirations.

One great way to find supportive people is through social media. Yes, I know, social media can be a rabbit hole of memes and cat videos, but it can also be a powerful tool for connecting with others. Follow influencers or other entrepreneurs in your field and engage with them. You never know, they might just become your biggest cheerleaders.

And if all else fails, there’s always man’s best friend, the dog. They’re always there to offer a friendly paw, a lick on the face, and some much-needed emotional support. Plus, they never judge you for eating ice cream straight out of the tub while watching Netflix in your pajamas.

Surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial for staying motivated and inspired. They can lift you up when you’re feeling down and push you to achieve your goals. So, don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with others who share your passion.

Take breaks and prioritize self-care.

Starting a side hustle can be both exciting and exhausting. You’re passionate about your new venture and want to see it succeed, but it’s important not to neglect your own well-being in the process. That’s where self-care comes in.

Firstly, make sure you’re taking breaks throughout the day. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of running a side hustle, but taking some time to recharge can actually help you be more productive and focused when you come back to your work. Whether it’s going for a walk, doing a quick yoga session, or just taking a power nap, find something that helps you relax and take your mind off your work for a little while.

Secondly, prioritize getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly. It may sound cliché, but these basic self-care habits are essential for keeping your mind and body in top shape. Without them, you may find yourself feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and even sick.

And finally, remember that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s not a luxury or an indulgence. It’s a necessity. Taking care of yourself is just as important as working hard on your side hustle. After all, if you’re not feeling your best, how can you expect to give your best to your business?

So, take those breaks, eat those healthy meals, and get those Zzz’s. Your side hustle will thank you for it. And if anyone tries to tell you that you’re being lazy or not working hard enough, just remind them that self-care is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Celebrate small wins along the way.

Starting a side hustle is a lot like running a marathon – it takes time, dedication, and a lot of sweat and tears. And just like in a marathon, it’s essential to celebrate the small wins along the way.

For example, let’s say you’re a freelance writer, and you’ve been working hard to land your first client. Finally, you get an email from someone interested in your services! Instead of downplaying this achievement and brushing it off as just a small step, take the time to celebrate. Pop open a bottle of bubbly, dance around your living room, or treat yourself to a fancy coffee – whatever makes you feel happy and proud of yourself.

Celebrating small wins doesn’t just make you feel good; it also helps you stay motivated and focused on your goals. It’s like fuel for your entrepreneurial fire! So, set small milestones and reward yourself each time you achieve them. Not only will this help you stay on track, but it will also make the journey a lot more fun and enjoyable.

Plus, celebrating small wins doesn’t have to break the bank. You don’t need to buy a fancy car or a luxurious vacation to celebrate. It can be something as simple as taking a day off to relax, indulging in your favorite dessert, or treating yourself to a new book or movie. Remember, the point is to acknowledge your progress and reward yourself for your hard work.

In short, celebrating small wins is an essential part of any side hustle journey. It helps you stay motivated, focused, and happy. So, go ahead and treat yourself to that ice cream cone or that new pair of shoes. You deserve it!

And if you are s student you know how to celebrate! We sure did, yes the Coupania dudes were students once. Check out this article on how to balance student life with a side hustle. 

Stay focused on your why and the bigger picture.

Starting a side hustle can be like a roller coaster ride. There will be highs and lows, twists and turns, and moments of exhilaration and fear. But just like on a roller coaster, it’s important to keep your eyes on the horizon and stay focused on your why and the bigger picture.

Your why is your purpose, your reason for starting the side hustle. Perhaps you wanted to make some extra cash, turn a hobby into a business, or fulfill a lifelong dream. Whatever your why may be, it’s important to keep it at the forefront of your mind. Write it down, put it on a post-it note, or tattoo it on your arm if you must (just kidding, please don’t do that). When you remember why you started, it’s easier to stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Speaking of goals, it’s crucial to have a clear vision of the bigger picture. What do you hope to achieve in the long-term with your side hustle? Maybe you want to quit your day job and work on your side hustle full-time, or perhaps you want to build a brand that stands the test of time. Whatever your vision may be, keep it in sight. You can create a vision board or write down your goals and put them somewhere visible, like on your fridge or above your workspace.

Inevitably, there will be challenges and setbacks along the way. You may encounter difficult customers, experience cash flow problems, or feel like you’re not making progress. During these times, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture and feel discouraged. However, if you stay focused on your why and your long-term goals, it’s easier to navigate these challenges and keep moving forward.

Hopefully, this article gave you the tips you needed to keep your motivation when starting a side hustle.

Till next time.

PS: leyt us know in the comments below your tips for motivation when starting a side hustle right here in South Africa!