Deadlines: A professional approach to the Side-Hustle

We have focused a lot on the fun part of a side-hustle.  The goal is to enjoy our work as we pour more effort into our success.  On the other hand, we need to have a professional approach to the side-hustle.  It is not enough to say we are working on a side project.  There has to be some effort, dare I say "hustle," that is included in your march to success.

Deadlines, Not Soft Dates

You have spent time and effort on planning out your side-hustle.  This might include statements or promises made to a client.  That makes those dates you set as part of the plan deadlines.  These are dates where you must deliver what you said you would.  Even though the side-hustle is not your primary job, it still needs to be treated with the same respect and seriousness. What does this mean?  This charge implies that excuses are not an option.  You set a date, and that needs to be met unless you have a strong reason to slip the target.  To be clear, a "strong reason" is not a new release of World of Warcraft nor is it even a date night with your spouse.  All of those things need to be taken into consideration when you set your dates.  Rather than slip a schedule, you should find a way to bring things back on track.  When you do this, you will see success follows.

Personal Dates

You may think that this insistence on hitting dates only applies to those shared with a customer.  I argue that it is just as important with dates you set for yourself.  You created a schedule.  Thus, you have only yourself to blame if you fall short.  This is where a mastermind group, a mentor, or just sharing your dates with others becomes most valuable.  When you share those dates, you create accountability.  the people you share with will hopefully remind you of dates and ask how things are going. This is probably not going to be as bad as when your boss asks you why a project is late.  However, there should be some sort of negative feeling you encounter, so you have a reason to hit those dates.  The reason can be as simple as bragging rights.  It does not matter.  The goal here is to achieve your objectives on schedule.  This result will add a lot to your likelihood of overall success.  When you consistently hit your dates, you have a good chance of spinning a side-hustle into a career.