Finding Your ‘Reason for Being’
Are you looking for new ways to increase your income?
I’m sure many of you would say—even if you aren’t actively looking—you would probably be interested in hearing if there was an easy way to increase your monthly income. Who wouldn’t, right?
I have worked with many clients who thought the best way to earn more was to start a small business on the side, separate from their full-time job, selling products or services that usually aligned with a current hobby or skill they had. Today, we would call these extra businesses a “side hustle”.
The problem that many people fall into is the impulsivity most-often associated with starting a side hustle. I like the way the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce chose to define a side hustle:
“SIDE HUSTLE – a quasi-, pseudo- small business conceived in a garage, or around a kitchen table, or while sitting on the back porch enjoying a beverage, with the hopes of making “a little extra cash” to get through the month.”
Make Mindful Decisions
The allure of turning a passion into profit can be tempting, but if you allow your impulsivity to make your decisions for you, you may find yourself with extra regret each month, instead of extra income.
That’s why it’s important to approach any new business or side hustle with mindfulness. One great technique for mindfulness in this area is a Japanese technique called Ikigai.
What is Ikigai?
Ikigai (pronounced ee-kee-guy) is a Japanese mindfulness technique that can be translated as “a reason for being.”
Ikigai is usually represented as a Venn diagram with four intersecting circles. This diagram represents the intersection of four key elements of yourself:
What you love (your passion)
What you’re good at (your vocation)
What the world needs (your mission)
What you can be paid for (your profession)
Image credit: Pinterest - Milana | The Medical Wellness Space
According to this Japanese technique, finding your Ikigai can lead to a fulfilling life and career. This mindfulness technique of self-reflection can be used in many different scenarios, including when you feel like it’s time to start a side hustle.
Reflecting Beyond Ikigai
I believe there is a good framework in the Ikigai diagram model, but I feel like it only starts to help you evaluate whether or not a side hustle is a promising idea worth pursuing.
There are many other things to consider before you decide to jump in to a new venture—especially if you live with ADHD.
Many sites and influencers across the internet will try to tell you that their particular side hustle is “so easy” and you can “set it and forget it” while watching your bank account grow. Unfortunately, this is not the case—I’ve never seen anyone discover a real way to make “easy money”. That’s why it’s so important to explore all the angles before making a decision about creating an extra, part-time business.
You will want to decide whether you have the skills, time, energy, start-up funds, and many more factors before you make any final decisions.
The Importance of Reflection
While side hustles can provide an avenue for creativity and additional income, they also require careful consideration and planning, especially for those living with ADHD.
Remember, it’s perfectly okay to pause, pivot, or even pack away an idea if it no longer serves you. Protect your joy, and let your passions guide you wisely!
Thank you for your time and attention,
Nikki