Most people don’t fail at side hustles because they’re lazy or unmotivated. They fail because they choose the wrong thing for the wrong reasons.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a side hustle, or you’ve tried one (or more) that fizzled out, here are a few common mistakes I see over and over again.

1. Expecting clarity before taking action​
Most people tell themselves, “Once I have clarity, I’ll get started.” They want to see how things will unfold before they begin the journey. But clarity almost never comes first. It shows up after you take action through small, imperfect steps. Action produces feedback, which creates clarity. Waiting to feel ready just keeps you stuck.

2. Making money the number one goal​
Ironically, focusing on money too early makes it harder to earn any. The better question is: "Who can I help, and what problem can I solve?" Money follows value, not the other way around. I learned this the hard way. Before I landed on freelance writing, I started a couple of side hustles because I thought they could be lucrative.

I didn't realize I lacked the skills to solve the problems effectively. As a result, my potential market was almost non-existent, and I was ineffective at delivering the work I did produce. I landed a few gigs, but my effective hourly rate wasn't much more than minimum wage.

3. Choosing something that isn’t scalable​
Some side hustles are fine for quick cash, but they can never replace your 9-5. Think gig economy - driving for Uber, dog walking, tutoring. If your income is permanently tied to hours worked, you’re just creating a second job. That doesn’t mean everything needs to scale massively, but you need to see a path to growth.

4. Relying on “build it, and they will come.”
​I see this one all the time with software developers, and it trips up many smart people. They spend months building websites, or the next big app, or other digital product… without talking to anyone. Attention is not automatic. In these types of businesses, marketing and distribution matter just as much as the idea itself. You can have the best product in the world, but if you can't find a way for people to see it, you've wasted a lot of time.

5. Skipping validation​
This one's closely related to #4. Too many people fall in love with an idea before confirming that anyone actually wants it. Validation doesn’t have to be fancy. Conversations, pre-sales, waiting lists, small experiments... all of these beat guessing.

6. Believing in passive income​
Everyone wants to make money while they sleep. But I'm here to tell you, there’s no such thing as truly passive income when it comes to entrepreneurship, especially at the beginning. Every income stream requires effort, learning, and maintenance. The goal isn’t “passive.” It’s more control and better optionality over time.

There you have it...6 common mistakes I see budding entrepreneurs make all the time. I've made a few of them myself.

But here's the good news? Every one of these mistakes is fixable.

You don’t need the perfect idea. You need momentum, feedback, and a smarter way to think about what you’re building, while you still have the safety of a 9-5.

If you’re thinking about starting a side hustle but don’t want to waste months going down the wrong path, I offer a FREE 30-minute side hustle clarity call where we’ll identify your biggest challenge and make sure you’re not falling into any of the six traps above.
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If that sounds helpful, you can book a consult here.

I look forward to chatting!

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Best,

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Colin

💡Resources

FREE! 2-Minute Side Hustle Quiz​
Not sure what kind of business or side hustle is right for you? Take my 2-minute Side Hustle Quiz to discover your side hustle personality, with personalized ideas and guidance on how to start building something that fits your strengths and goals.
👉 Take the Side Hustle Quiz​

FREE! 7-Day 9-5 Escape Roadmap Video Course​
If you’re dreaming of leaving the 9-5 but don’t know where to start, this free 7-day video course walks you step-by-step through the mindset, planning, and strategy you need to build your exit plan with confidence. Short, practical videos delivered daily to help you gain clarity and momentum.
👉 Start the Roadmap Video Course​

30-Day Launch Playbook — Freelancer Edition​
Ready to stop thinking about freelancing and actually start? My 30-Day Launch Playbook will provide you with a simple, actionable week-by-week plan that will help you assess your skills, choose your niche, create your offer, find clients, and build real momentum in just one month.​
👉 Get the Playbook​

Free 30-Minute Side Hustle Clarity Call​
Feeling stuck, scattered, or unsure if your side hustle idea actually makes sense? Book a free 30-minute coaching call with me, and we'll cut through the noise. I’ll help you clarify your idea, spot the real opportunities (and risks), and figure out your next best step — plus, we’ll see if ongoing coaching is a good fit for you.

👉 Book your free clarity call​