While COVID-19 (aka Dat Rona) may have us stuck in the house, randomly eating more snacks than normal, getting lit earlier in the day than usual, and binge watching Netflix like noneother, this is the perfect time to work on that business idea that you’ve been dreaming of.
After months (or even years) of having it as a side hustle, if Rona has taught you anything, it’s that life is too short to not pursue your dreams, and it’s time for you to turn your side hustle and hobby into a business.
Making the courageous decision to start your own business will be very exciting in the beginning, but let me be real with you, it will get so damn overwhelming – especially in these chaotic times. I’m sorry for the bad news but I have to keep it real with you. Starting a business can be exciting, hard, confusing, fun, rewarding, and overwhelming all in one. If you are starting a business while working full-time, it can be even more crazy. But sis/bruh, it’s the honest truth. Nonetheless, it doesn’t matter how crazy it can be, starting a business while working full-time (even while dealing with Rona) can be done if you have the right skills, confidence, and work ethic to see it through.
If you are building a biz while working a 9-5 in this time, here are 8 things you can do to remain sane and build your dream.
1. Set boundaries
The moment you decide you want to start a business, you will soon realize that in order for you to be successful, you’ll have to set boundaries and prioritize people and things in your life. This means, you will have to have the courage to tell your boo that you can’t Facetime on the phone all day and night, because you have to work on your biz. You’ll have to tell your friends that you can’t be at every virtual happy hour or Netflix binging session because the time spent doing that could be valuable time spent doing work. Setting boundaries also means that you cannot catch every show on Netflix and Hulu because time spent watching TV can be time working. Setting boundaries for people and things in your life will help you successfully prioritize and get more work done.
2. Set small goals
Having responsibilities at both a full-time job, your new business, and dealing with Rona’s craziness can be overwhelming.
In order to manage both responsibilities, some people would opt in for creating a long list of things to do, but I recommend creating that list, BUT breaking it down into chunks. Breaking down your goals will make your to-do list look less daunting and intimidating.
3. Set a schedule
Similar to tip #1, prioritizing is key. When you prioritize your life and set a schedule, it will help guide you to stay on track. Working a 9-5 and building your biz can be hectic, so that’s why I recommend to create a realistic schedule and stick to it. For instance, schedule yourself and stay focused during the day at your 9-5, so that you can log off on time, and switch tabs to work on your new biz.
4. Wake up early or stay up late(r)
As full-time employees and business owners, our time away from working on the clock is uber important. The time in the morning before work and in the evening after work can be utilized to work on your biz (if you are dedicated and strategic). I’ve always hated it when entrepreneurs bash people for not waking up early to do work because I believe that some people are just not morning people and they do their best work at other times of the day. For you, figure out what time of the day you work best at and utilize that time to work on your biz.
5. Automate & outsource
Want to know the best business resource that I’ve ever used?
Buffer is a social media scheduling tool and it helps you automate your social media content. With Buffer, I can plan out my posts for the week (or month if I’m being a badass), and while I’m working at my 9-5, my super bomb social media content is easily posting away (on its own). If you are not automating your content, get.into.it.
Next, having the courage to let someone else do work that you either can’t do or really don’t have time to do is one of the smartest decisions you’ll make. Nowadays, sites like Fiverr make it easy for small business to outsource work and focus on other business items.
6. Use your weekends and breaks wisely
Although catching your favorite show during your break or on a lazy Saturday sounds ideal, use that time to work on your business instead. If you are really serious about building your company, you should be working on it every free chance you get.
7. Stay healthy
Have you ever heard someone say that your diet affects your mood? Well, it’s true. When you eat a balanced meal, you’ll have more energy. Also, when you take care of your body and mind by exercising, it will give you energy and stimulate your mind. During the times when I’ve decided to eat junk food and skip my run outside, I noticed that I became super lazy in my work. But when I’ve opted in for healthier options and exercise, I have way more energy and confidence.
8. Schedule “me time”
Building a biz, working full-time, and dealing with the stress from Rona on top of all of that will pull you in all types of directions and can be overwhelming. At the end of the day, always remember to pour back into yourself and actively practice self-care. At least one time throughout the day, you should have “me time” where you can relax and unwind (and are not doing work).
