How to stop planning and actually start a side hustle

Hey zxcv, it’s Mark.

Now we are 6 months into 2026, do you remember the message I sent you at the end of last year?

Let me jog your memory… I asked you what your 2026 goals were.

I loved reading your replies, the most common one BY FAR was ‘I want to finally start my side hustle.’

So I want to check in and actually see if you’ve done it, because most people who set this goal actually end up still stuck in the ‘planning’ phase, 6 months into the new year.

So if this sounds like you, here are three tips to get you out of the planning stage and get started with your side hustle:

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Tip One: Don’t Fear Failure

This might be the biggest thing stopping you from launching your side hustle.

I’ve spoken to so many young people who have big dreams but are too scared to take a risk and step out of the norm, because they’re just so paralysed by fear.

Sometimes, you just have to go for it.

Not taking opportunities can lead to regret, and you may find yourself wondering how your life could have been different.

Don’t let the ‘what if’ factor hold you back!

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Tip Two: Beat Your Obstacles

There’s a great quote by Jim Rohn that goes like this - “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”

You will face some obstacles when you start a side hustle. But you must make it your mission to overcome them in order to achieve your dreams.

If you don’t, then those obstacles become the excuses that block the path to your dreams. Then you’re just left staring at your biggest excuses, with your dreams out of sight.

You’ll never practice the skill of overcoming these obstacles if you spend all your time planning out the best side hustle strategy instead of just trying one and pivoting later.

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Tip Three: Stop Waiting To Be Inspired, and Just Get On With It

Inspiration can be pretty hard to come by sometimes, or you might be brimming with it.

But sitting around waiting for that “aha” moment, or not doing anything with that inspiration can really slow you down.

Instead, just start taking small steps toward what you want to do.

You’ll probably be surprised.

Once you dive in, a small bit of progress will foster new motivation and make things flow.

So, don’t overthink it, just get going and see what happens!

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zxcv, if you started a side hustle this year, how are you getting on? I’d love to know, so hit reply to this email. As you know by now, I read every response.

All the best,

Mark Tilbury