You donât have to keep every idea you try.
Hey there fellow side hustler!
At this point in your side hustle journey, youâve probably tried a few things.
Some felt good.
Some felt⊠not so good.
And thatâs a winâeven if it doesnât feel like one yet.
Exploration isnât about keeping every idea.
Itâs about learning which pieces are worth carrying forwardâand which ones you can gently set down.
đ§ Step 1:
Separate the Idea from the Experience
When something doesnât work, itâs tempting to label the entire idea a failure.
Instead, ask:
Was it the idea that didnât fit?
Or the way I tried it?
Or the timing, energy level, or format?
Sometimes you donât need to drop the ideaâyou just need to adjust how youâre approaching it.
đ§ Step 2:
Keep the Parts That Feel Right
Most experiments arenât all good or all bad.
Look for pieces you enjoyed:
A task that felt natural
A topic you liked talking about
A format youâd try again
A type of interaction you enjoyed
These pieces can be reused, remixed, or stacked into something new later.
Nothing is wasted.
đ§ Step 3:
Release What Drains You
Letting go isnât quittingâitâs choosing alignment.
Pay attention to:
Tasks you consistently avoid
Work that feels heavy or exhausting
Activities that donât match your lifestyle or energy
Dropping what drains you creates space for what energizes you.
đŹ A Mindset Reframe
Refinement is not rejection.
Itâs clarity in action.
Every ânoâ you discover makes your eventual âyesâ stronger and more intentional.
â Your Tiny Action Step
Review your recent experiments or ideas.
Write down:
One thing you want to keep
One thing you want to change
One thing youâre ready to let go of
Thatâs progressâeven if it feels subtle.
đ« See Whatâs Possible!
The path forward gets clearer when you choose alignment over attachment. By keeping what works and releasing what doesnât, youâre shaping a side hustle that fits you better with every step.
đ For inspiration on how ideas evolve and refine over time, explore the Side Hustle Mash-Up and Made For This Hustle series in the archives. They show how small adjustments often lead to unexpected, better-fitting opportunities.
Side Hustle Quest
Your guide to low-cost, high-impact side hustle strategies