Three Steps to Identifying a Side Hustle That Can Change Your Life

Let me tell you a quick story. A few years back, my friend Jason had a problem—a money problem. His job paid the bills, but that was it. No savings, no vacations, no real freedom. He wanted more. Maybe you can relate.

So one night, Jason and I sat down at his kitchen table with a notepad and a Diet Coke. He said, "Man, I need a side hustle, but I have no idea where to start."

I smiled and told him, "Alright, let’s break this down into three simple steps." And if you're in the same boat—wanting more income, more freedom, more opportunity—these same steps will help you find the perfect side hustle and start making real money.

Step 1: Uncover What You’re Good At

Now, Jason didn’t think he had any special skills. But as we talked, I realized something—he was fantastic at explaining things. He could take a complicated topic and make it sound simple. That’s a skill.

You have a skill too. Something you’re naturally good at. Maybe you’re great at fixing things. Maybe you’re an amazing writer. Maybe people come to you for advice, or you have a talent for making people laugh.

Think about the things people compliment you on. What do they always say you’re good at? What do people ask for your help with? That’s your starting point.

Step 2: Where Is That Talent Needed in the Marketplace?

Once Jason realized he was great at explaining things, we asked a simple question: Who needs this skill?

Well, guess what? There are millions of people online struggling to learn new things. And there are companies willing to pay good money for people who can teach them. So Jason started tutoring students in math and science, first online, then in person. Within a few months, he was making an extra $2,000 a month.

Now, your skill might be different, but the process is the same.

• If you’re good at organizing, people will pay you to organize their homes or digital files.
• If you’re a great writer, businesses need help with blogs, emails, and social media.
• If you’re an artist, there’s a market for custom illustrations, digital art, or even hand-painted sneakers.

The key is to match your skill with a problem people are willing to pay to solve.

Step 3: Take Immediate Action and Keep Evolving

Here’s the deal—overthinking kills dreams. You don’t need a perfect plan. You don’t need to spend months researching. You just need to take action!

Jason didn’t wait. He signed up on a tutoring website that same night and got his first client within a week. As he got better, he raised his prices. Then he created a course. Then he started a YouTube channel.

Your first step doesn’t have to be big. But it has to be now.

• If you want to start freelancing, sign up on Fiverr or Upwork.
• If you want to sell a product, sell the product first! then create a simple online store free at Shopify, Wix or Squarespace. Don't spend a minute on building a website until you're proven your product or service will sell!
• If you want to teach, start by making one short video or writing one free lesson. Those requesting your free lesson are the perfect candidates for an expanded version.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start. You’ll learn, adjust, and get better along the way.

Your Next Move

Look, if you want to make extra money and create new opportunities for yourself, you can’t wait for the perfect moment. The perfect moment is now.

Take a few minutes today and write down:
✔ What you’re naturally good at?
✔ Who needs that skill and is willing to pay for it?
✔ What is one simple action you can take today to get started?

Drop a comment below and tell me—what’s your side hustle idea?

If you found this helpful, hit that subscribe button and share this with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s start building something great—together.

About the Author

Jeff Hammer is a Mindset Architect and success strategist dedicated to helping individuals break through limiting beliefs, shift their mindset, and unlock their full potential. With decades of entrepreneurial experience, Jeff has built and sold successful businesses, proving firsthand the power of mindset in achieving extraordinary results.

As the founder of DominatingEdge.com, Jeff provides transformational insights, guiding people to reprogram their thinking, overcome self-doubt, and take bold action toward their dreams. His approach blends practical wisdom with high-performance strategies, empowering individuals to create lasting success in business, wealth, and personal growth.

Jeff’s mission is simple: help others master their mindset so they can master their lives.