Life is busy—we all feel it. Between work, family, and a million little things, squeezing in time for a side hustle feels impossible. But here’s the thing: it’s not about finding more time. It’s about using the time you already have better.
Fun fact: We actually have more free time now than people did in the 1960s. But somehow, we still feel like we’re always running out of it. So where’s all that extra time going, and how can you grab some of it for your side hustle?
The Free Time Mystery
Sounds wild, right? How can we have more free time than people back in the day but still feel so swamped? Simple—we’re filling it with things that don’t always feel like “free time.”
Take TV, for example. Almost half of our free time goes to binge-watching shows. That’s hours we could use to build something that makes money. And chores? They take way less time now thanks to modern appliances, yet we’re still always “too busy.” The real culprit? Phones, social media, and distractions that suck up time without us even noticing.
👉 Need ideas for side hustles that don’t eat up your whole day? Check out this list of easy online side hustles.
Why We Feel So Busy
Even with all this extra time, most of us feel overwhelmed. It’s not just about having time—it’s about controlling it. Studies show that working parents, especially moms, feel like they’re constantly racing against the clock.
So, what’s the fix? First, figure out where your time is actually going.
How to Track Your Time
Tracking your time might sound like a hassle, but trust me, it’s eye-opening. Just jot down what you do throughout the day—use a notebook or an app. You might think you only check Instagram for “a few minutes,” but at the end of the week, those “few minutes” add up to hours.
The goal isn’t to micromanage every second—it’s just to see where time is disappearing. Once you spot the leaks, you can start patching them up.
👉 If you’re serious about making extra cash, knowing how to turn your free time into profit is key.
Where’s Your Missing Time?
If you want a side hustle but think you don’t have time, dig a little deeper. The time is probably there—you just aren’t seeing it.
For example:
- If you watch TV for two hours every night, cutting that to one hour gives you seven extra hours a week. That’s basically a whole workday for your hustle.
- Slow mornings, messy schedules, and procrastination also eat up time. Fixing these little habits can unlock hours without adding stress.
Choose What’s Important
Time is like money—if you don’t tell it where to go, it disappears.
Want an extra hour a day for your hustle? Try:
- Waking up 30 minutes earlier.
- Cutting back on social media at night.
- Listening to business podcasts during your commute.
And most importantly, treat your side hustle like an actual job. If you wouldn’t skip a work meeting, don’t skip your hustle time either.
Say “No” More
Making time for your goals means saying “no” to the stuff that doesn’t matter. That includes distractions, unnecessary obligations, and even people who drain your time. Every time you say “yes” to something that doesn’t move you forward, you’re saying “no” to your goals.
Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s smart.
👉 If you’re new to side hustling, check out this guide on getting started.
Stop Letting Your Phone Steal Your Time
Phones are great for business, but let’s be real—they’re also the biggest time-wasters. Notifications, emails, endless scrolling—it all adds up.
Try this:
- Turn off notifications for non-important apps.
- Set specific times to check messages instead of responding all day.
- Use apps that block distractions when you’re working.
Your phone should work for you, not against you.
Small Changes, Big Results
You don’t need to overhaul your whole life overnight. Just start small.
- Track your time.
- Make tiny adjustments.
- Keep what works.
Little changes add up fast. And before you know it, your side hustle won’t just be an idea—it’ll be something real, growing, and putting money in your pocket.
👉 Want to know how people are turning small hustles into big money? Check out this Wikipedia page on entrepreneurship.
