Hustle over Fear!

Make your hustle stronger than your fear!

Here we are in a new year, with fresh ideas and hopefully clear visions of what we want to see in 2026. Yet, we all know from personal experience how quickly a year can fly by. That's why I'm writing this blog. I want to remind you of a very important word that could change the course of your plans and dreams. Ready? The word I am talking about is 'focus.' I know it seems so simple but hear me out. When we are not focused on completing a task, we lose time, we lose enthusiasm, and before we know it, we have lost another year. I know this from personal experience and the feelings of failure and regret can really leave you deflated and with a negative mind set. I'd hate to see this happen to you. I hate that it happened to me.

I'm not a stranger to side hustles. Even when I was working full time, I thrived on spending my evenings and weekends working on my passion. As an artist, I have always loved creating things for people like, logos, greeting cards, cute stickers, and even licensing out my own illustrations for people to use commercially. This passion of mine always seemed to carry me through hard work days and moments when my 9 to 5 job was very stressful. Creating art was like a form of therapy for me. Plus, the fact that I was generating a side income from my creativity was an added perk.

Still, 2025 was one of those years where my focus was lost and my passion took a direct hit. Here's where that word, 'focus' comes into play. These days having a side hustle is practically a necessity just to make ends meet. With rent going up, gas prices and food budgets being blown out of the water, an extra $500 to $1000 dollars means the difference between putting food on the table or gas in your car. Honestly, in the richest country in the world, no one should have to choose between those two, necessities. However, all you have to do is look around at the rise in homelessness and you can't help but wonder how long it took that man on the streets to slowly lose everything. Okay, I never intended for the tone of this blog to be a downer. I just wanted to bring light to a common experience that I'm sure we all see everyday.

As I was saying earlier about 2025 being a year of wandering for me, I had taken my focus off of what was profiting me financially. Why, you might ask? Well, I simply allowed the grind to cause me to doubt myself. Now, as a rule, I've never been afraid of the grind. If anything, it's what has always fueled the fire in me to push harder. So what happened? Well, what has caused you to lose your focus in the past? Was it family drama or a change in income? Maybe, a slump in sales, where you were once bringing in $1000 extra a month from your side hustle....and yes, it is possible to achieve an extra $1000 + a month. The answer to my lose of focus was fear. I found myself in a position where I had put more faith in money than in my ability to earn money. Let me explain.

I was blessed to retire in 2024, at the age of 56, have a 'safe' amount of money tucked away in my savings account, and have very little debt. When 2020 invaded our world and we all were experiencing quarantine, rationing toilet paper, and so many uncertainties, I had decided that rather than depending on an economy and a job that was not a guarantee of financial security, I wanted to position myself financially to where the roof over my head, and the food on my table was never threatened. This mental decision led me to start paying off debts. I also requested an estimate letter from my retirement plan. Next, I put on paper what it would take for me to be able to live comfortably on my estimated, retirement budget. I retired six years later, at the age of 56 in 2024. Retirement freed up a lot of time for me to work on my side hustle. However, I wasn't prepared for the decline in sales from my commercial licensing, and creating logos for clients. Still, I was in a position thankfully, where I was financially fit with a nice savings account, and a monthly check from my retirement. So, why did I allow the drop in clients needing designs to put such fear into me? I simply started to doubt myself and that I could hustle with the best of them.

Side hustle.

In 2025, I learned how to live within my budget, and enjoy my family and my new found freedom. But the repeat customers had stopped coming, and the algorithms that once favored my online stores were seemingly punishing me with little to no views and even fewer sales. The fear this created caused me to doubt my ability to be successful at my creative hustle. After a much needed time of spiritual reflection, I had come to the conclusion that I had allowed fear to take my eyes off of my vision and that I was putting my faith in the money I had sitting in my checking and my savings accounts. I believe that the Bible calls that love of money, a spirit of mammon. I had forgotten Who was my source.

My artistic talent and drive to have a successful art licensing business came from my Creator, and it always has. When I started to depend more on what that talent produced and less on the source of my talent and strength, I lost more than my focus. I lost me. I stopped submitting my art portfolio to big brands. I stopped engaging in my art and business community. I shied away from that beautiful, addictive grind I once loved, which has led me to write this blog. 2025 was a year of entering a new and exciting season of retirement. Yet, it was also a year where instead of digging in to my design business, I allowed closed doors and ever-changing technology to make me question my ability to achieve success. Now, you and I have a new year and a new beginning. Do I have my fire back? Yes...at least I do today. More importantly, do I have my focus back? I'm working on it.

What ever your side hustle, I hope my experience reminds you of who you are in this world of uncertainty. Yes, these days most of us need side hustles to help cover the bills. Since retiring, every decision that I make, I weigh how it will effect my bank accounts and my budget. Not touching my savings is one of my non-negotiables! That's just good, ol' wisdom, as my dad would say. Also, our focus on our own self worth and ability needs to always be crystal clear. Years ago, one of my business mentors told me that my 'Why' had to be stronger than my hustle because during those times of struggle (the 'no thank you', and closed doors), the strength and resolve of my 'Why' will carry me through.

Turn your side hustle into fulltime income.

What is your 'Why?' Whether you are growing a small business, selling arts and crafts, tutoring, or door-dashing to pay off that school loan; what is your reason to stay focused? Once you can answer this question, you are already on the right track in 2026. If you don't have a side hustle or may be unaware of your talents and gifts, I encourage you to create a quiet place where you can honestly ask yourself and even ask God these soul searching questions, and then write down the answers that will come to you. I believe that we all were put on this earth with a purpose and a talent. I hope and pray that you realize this amazing discovery for yourself. Below, I have added some awesome side hustles just to spark that fire I know is already inside of you. As I had mentioned before, it is possible to generate an extra $1000 a month. With consistant, hard work and a strong 'why' you can even turn your side hustle into a fulltime income! Ofcourse, nothing is a guarantee without loving the hustle and most important, loving yourself!

So, lets FOCUS and dive right in!

Here are 12 side hustles that realistically have the potential to generate $1,000 a month or more:

1. Freelance Services (Writing, Design, Social Media, Tech)

If you already have a skill—even one you’ve learned informally—you’re closer than you think. Just 4–5 clients paying $200–$250 a month can get you to $1,000. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or direct outreach on LinkedIn make getting started easier than ever. Just one of my logo designs, gives me $250 to $500 per logo.

You don’t need to be perfect—just helpful.

2. Virtual Assistant (VA)

Businesses are overwhelmed and actively looking for support. Realistically, since COVID, many people still work from home. Tasks like email management, scheduling, customer service, or social media posting can add up quickly. Many VAs earn $25–$40 per hour, making $1,000 a month very achievable with part-time hours.

Your organization skills are more valuable than you realize.

Grow your online store with print-on-demand products from Printify and Printful.

3. Print-on-Demand Products

Here lies my bread and butter, as an artist! Create simple designs for t-shirts, mugs, journals, or tote bags using platforms like Etsy + Printify or Printful. You don’t need inventory or shipping logistics—just creativity and consistency. I might add that investing in Youtube university (watching videos and taking notes) in writing SEO will help you drive customers to your Etsy shop.

One good design that meets the 'needs' of your customer can sell again and again. First, know your customer and design specifically for them.

4. Digital Products (Templates, Planners, Guides)

If you’ve solved a problem for yourself, you can likely help someone else. Budget planners, meal planners, Notion templates, or short guides can sell repeatedly with no extra effort per sale. Canva offers excellent templates that you can re-design your way.

This is income that continues even when you’re offline.

5. Online Coaching or Consulting

Whether it’s career advice, fitness, mindset, business, or life organization—people pay for clarity. Just 10 clients at $100 a month puts you at your goal.

Your lived experience has real value.

6. Content Creation (Blog, YouTube, or Podcast)

This is a longer-term play, but many creators reach $1,000/month through ads, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, or their own products. The key is starting before you feel “ready.” This very blog that I have written is already generating income for me through Adsense. Write blogs from your heart, and watch your blog grow!

Progress beats perfection every time.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Recommend products or services you genuinely use through a blog, email list, or social media. With the right audience and consistency, commissions can stack quickly.

You’re simply sharing what already works for you.

8. Selling on Marketplaces (Etsy, Amazon, eBay)

Handmade goods, vintage finds, digital downloads, or even curated reselling can turn into steady income. Many sellers cross $1,000/month by focusing on one niche and improving listings over time.

Small improvements create big momentum.

Hint - Micro bakeries are on a huge rise! Moms and college students are baking homemade breads and pastries in their kitchen and selling in their neighborhoods and at marketplaces.

Micro bakeries are becoming very popular! Baking and selling goods from your home.

9. Tutoring or Teaching Online

If you’re strong in a subject, language, or test prep, people are willing to pay. Platforms like Wyzant, Preply, or private Zoom sessions make it accessible.

You don’t need to know everything—just a little more than your student.

10. Local Service-Based Hustles

Cleaning, lawn care, organizing, pet sitting, or mobile car detailing can scale surprisingly fast. A few recurring clients can quickly turn into reliable monthly income.

This is proof that simple doesn’t mean small.

11. Stock Photography or Video

If you enjoy taking photos or videos, uploading to stock platforms can generate ongoing royalties. It’s another example of effort once, income many times. Some great platforms include Creative Market, and Shutterstock.

Your creativity deserves to be seen—and paid for.

12. Managing Social Media for Small Businesses

Many small businesses know they need social media but don’t have the time or confidence to do it well. Charging $300–$500 per client means just a few clients can reach your goal.

You can grow while helping others grow.

You don’t have to leap—just take it step by step. Fear of failure fades when you replace it with action, even imperfect action. Most successes have come from mistakes. Just look at Edison. Your side hustle may not be an overnight success; but it’s about building confidence, skills, and momentum in an economy that rewards initiative.

You are more capable than you think—and $1,000 a month is closer than it feels.

I hope these twelve ideas have you thinking and planning for amazing financial success in 2026. Please don't allow the grind to overwhelm you with fear or self doubt. Discover your 'why' and let it be your motivating factor to keep pushing towards whatever goal you have set for yourself. Remember, I am on this journey too and taking the same sound advice that I've put into this blog. Okay, my fellow hustlers, let's focus forward, and make this our best year yet!

Sincerely,

Yoli