Not Enough Time or Impostor Syndrome?
Are you still struggling to post on Instagram stories? Just can’t fit it into your day? No time for talking on social media about what you sell in your side hustle? Making videos for reels just isn’t happening as your schedule doesn’t allow it? It all just feels too difficult, too time consuming and the truth is you’re not sure if anyone is actually interested in what you have to offer anyway so what’s the point.
Read that last line again, because that’s the important bit. If you’re not making any progress when it comes to your side hustle it might be that your thoughts about your new venture are holding you back. It’s often easier to tell yourself that you don’t have the time to do something as opposed to saying that you’re too scared to do it. You feel a fraud. You think that no one would be interested in what you have to say. This is impostor syndrome and everyone experiences it, no matter how successful they are. And this is the problem you need to overcome, not the time you have in your week for your side hustle. So let’s take a look at what impostor syndrome actually is and then ways that you can tackle it, so you’re no longer telling yourself you don’t have the time, whereas the truth is making a story for Facebook takes 30 seconds.
A Definition
According to the American Psychological Association (APA) impostor syndrome is “a pervasive feeling of self-doubt, insecurity, or fraudulence despite often overwhelming evidence to the contrary." It is especially common among those starting new ventures e.g. a side hustle (okay, that was my addition).
Impostor syndrome is a term that describes the nagging feeling that you’re not “good enough” to achieve your goals. It’s the voice in your head that tells you that everyone else knows more than you and makes you question why you should be the one to succeed.
You may be telling yourself that if you just had more time you could get things done in your side hustle, but the real problem is impostor syndrome. Stories on Instagram take one minute to record and who hasn’t got one minute. The truth is you are avoiding doing it as you don’t want to put yourself out there. You’re worried you’re going to fail, look stupid, that people will think you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Understand that Courage, Not Time, Will Move the Needle
Whilst finding the time to build a side hustle in amongst all of your other responsibilities can be a challenge, the limited hours you have each week is probably not the thing holding your back. It’s not having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and do something new. In fact probably lots of new things, often. That’s the nature of building a side hustle.
What you need to remember is that everyone starts by being a learner, no matter how much of an expert they are now. Whilst some of us have certain talents which can help when building a side hustle, there will always be parts of any new venture, no matter how much you love the idea of it, that you don’t want to do as it feels scary.
Start with Small Steps
I’m sorry to have to tell you, but you’re not going to be an overnight success. No one is despite what you may hear to the contrary. To build your confidence you need to take small steps. Then when you’ve done those small tasks celebrate. Reward yourself for being brave and putting yourself out there. So commit to doing one talking head reel a week or promoting your offer every Monday and Thursday, rather than daily. The more that you practise the easier it will get, I promise you. As time goes on you will show yourself that you can do this. That you are going to get there. That the world didn’t end because you were a bit rubbish when you went live on Facebook. We’re all rubbish at the beginning. In fact I’m still rubbish some of the time. That’s the journey.
Focus on Your Unique Value
One reason impostor syndrome can feel so real is the fear that you don’t have anything unique to offer. You are just saying the same as everyone else and there are loads of other people saying the same thing and making the same offers, but in a much more polished and professional-looking way. But what you need to remember is that no one else has your exact perspective, life experiences, or voice. How YOU do this will connect with members of your audience in a way that no one else has been able to achieve. So instead of comparing yourself to others have a think about what makes your work unique. No idea where to start? How about…
Your background and the way it effects your approach to your side hustle
Your personal story and why you’re passionate about this business
Your unique set of skills, strengths, and experiences that inform what you create
Expect Rejection—It’s Part of Growth
Being rejected and receiving criticism are tough, but they’re also a natural part of putting yourself out there. When you’re experiencing impostor syndrome it can make rejection feel personal. But if you expect that some people won’t connect with you and what you offer, and that’s perfectly okay, it can help reframe your expectations. You don’t like everyone you see on social media, you don’t like every brand on the market, every person you meet. That’s life. We’re all different. That’s how the world is.
Think about it this way: when you’re passionate about what you do, you’ll naturally attract people who resonate with your work. This is why courage is so essential. Having the bravery to show up consistently, despite fear of criticism, will allow you to reach those who genuinely appreciate and value your contribution.
Think of Setbacks as Learning Opportunities
Try not to see setbacks as confirmation that you’re rubbish at this, that no one is interested and you might as well give up. Regard them as opportunities to learn. Each problem or failure you experience provides a valuable lesson on what works and what doesn’t, helping you grow. By shifting your mindset from “I’m not good enough” to “I’m learning and improving,” you will create a more helpful narrative.
And remember, growth isn’t linear. You may have a great week where you feel like everything is going well, you’ve cracked and you’re going to achieve the success you’ve been craving for so long. You’re on a high. Then something happens which sets you back. Don’t let that small setback detract from the positive feeling you had a day or two earlier. In my experience starting and building a side hustle is a rollercoaster of emotions, that’s entirely normal.
To Sum Up
Impostor syndrome is a common, but very powerful situation. But now that you’re aware of what it is, try not to let it control your side hustle journey. It’s just a lack of self-confidence because you’ve been brave enough to try something new. But with each small step you take, each success you have, every lesson you will learn, you’ll strengthen your belief in what you have to offer. As you take these small steps, you’ll realize that your time isn’t holding you back—impostor syndrome is.
So ask yourself: what small, courageous action can you take today? Push through the fear, ignore the doubts, and go for it. You’re capable of more than you realise.
If you've enjoyed this post and would like more help with finding time for your side hustle grab your copy of my free guide ‘Five Simple Steps to Making Time For a Side Hustle’.