I'm thrilled to connect with you once again through our little slice of inbox heaven. If you've been noodling on the idea of a side hustle but are tangled up in guilt and uncertainty, you're in for a treat. Our latest podcast episode features an amazing chat with Stacy Ogden, who has navigated her own winding road from teaching full-time to mastering the side hustle game like a pro.

Here are some golden nuggets from our conversation with Stacy that I just HAD to share with you. Trust me, if you're on the fence about starting or continuing your side hustle journey, these takeaways might just nudge you in the right direction.

1. Permission to Prioritize Yourself

Ladies, let's get real. We're often wearing a zillion hats—mom, teacher, businesswoman, you name it. And somewhere in there, guilt sneaks in, whispering that if we spend time on our side hustle, we're taking it away from our family or primary job. Stacy makes a brilliant point: enriching your own life will ultimately enrich those around you. When you're thriving, your energy cascades into all areas of life. So give yourself permission to prioritize your dreams and passions. It's not selfish; it's necessary.

2. Combatting the 'I'm Just A...' Mindset

Ever caught yourself saying, "I'm just a teacher?" or "I'm just a mom?" Let's flip that script. Stacy and I talked about how every role we play equips us with a treasure trove of skills and strengths. Teachers, moms, accountants—you name it—you're multi-tasking maestros! Recognize that the skills you already possess can be the foundation of an amazing side hustle. So go ahead, flaunt those skills, and use them to build your dream venture.

3. Why Did You Start in the First Place?

Stacy swears by Simon Sinek's principle—Start with Why. It doesn't matter if your 'why' is extra income, a passion project, or offering value to others. What's crucial is that you hold onto that why. It will steer you through the foggy days and keep you on the path when the going gets tough. And who knows, your why might even inspire those around you. Imagine your kids imitating you, recording their own mini-podcasts, just like Stacy's daughter does. How adorable is that?