Want to Side Hustle? Here Are 3 Ways to Get Yourself Motivated (and They Only Take 10 Minutes)

It seems that everyone I speak with these days has a side hustle or is interested in pursuing one. In fact, four out of every ten Americans are padding their pockets with side gigs and alternative income streams according to a report by Bankrate.

As of last month, I've now been working on my own side hustle for two years. My side hustle is an online store that generates a profit each month and helps me put cash back into my pocket. Many people would be surprised to learn that I only spend about 10 minutes a day working on it.

Here's how you too can start a lucrative side hustle by investing 10 minutes a day--starting today.

1. Actually do it.

I get dozens of emails each week asking me for assistance on starting a business. I'll often take a call or even meet up in person to chat about ideas over coffee. Out of the hundreds of people I've spoken with, a very small percentage of people actually start their side hustle. The hardest part about starting a side hustle is actually starting. Many people get caught up in the details or strive for perfection which then blocks them from making their ideas a reality.

The next time you're feeling roadblocked, ask yourself why you are really blocked. Are you scared of failure or are you truly blocked on the next step?  Having an honest conversation with yourself can help remove any barriers you might be feeling blocked by. Today, take 10 minutes to see what is preventing you from getting started. Then take 10 minutes tomorrow to start pushing through that barrier.

2. Make a commitment.

Have you ever been so excited to do something but when it came down to actually doing it you lost momentum? I have felt like this many times. And if this is you too, you're not alone.

I'm always excited when someone I know starts their own business or side hustle. I'm then sad to find out that they've abandoned their passion months or even just weeks later. When I was working on my store in the beginning, it was a complete failure. I only had about a sale a month until I hit month three. Three months in, I started to see an increase in sales and momentum for my store.

Whether you want to start an online store selling mugs or your passion is hand crafting salsa, you have to start somewhere. Start today with 10 minutes and put a daily calendar invite to remind you to make slow and steady progress for the weeks to come. By this time next year you'll be pleasantly surprised with what you created.

3. Surround yourself with cheerleaders.

"There can be a hundred people in the room, and 99 don't believe in you, but one does." As cliche as this Lady Gaga quote on her support from Bradly Cooper sounds, it's absolutely true. Any success I've found in life is a direct result of friends and family cheering me on. If you have one supporter cheering you on, it can make all the difference in whether or not you choose to pursue your passions.

I'm lucky to have friends that say "Yeah do it!" instead of "Why would you do that?" Take 10 minutes out of your day today to think long and hard about if the people around you are supporting you or bringing you down. Then use 10 minutes tomorrow to reach out to the supporters and tell them about your idea to gain initial enthusiasm.