Hey, it's Rachel—

If you missed it, I've been surveying you (my audience) to learn what you need and how I can help.

A common theme in my survey responses is people's uncertainty about where to start (they lack the right direction and guidance on how to find/observe opportunities).

So, today, I'm going to address that question.

If you want to be successful in any endeavor (whether that's starting a business or achieving a big goal), I think the best place to start is by researching people who have successfully achieved what you want to achieve.

Success clue 1: Success leaves clues.

Success clue 2: Don't reinvent the wheel.

Now, when it comes to starting a business, you also need to focus on solving real problems.

Problems that people are willing to pay for you to solve.

Success clue 3: The best way to figure out people's problems is to ask them.

Send out surveys (like I've been doing, hint, hint).

Get them on the phone.

Go join groups (Facebook groups, mastermind groups, niche subreddits) and pay attention to the conversations and pain points people consistently bring up.

Take notes, and then reflect on common themes.

This is where you start: By doing the research and asking questions.

This can save you time and money (and headache) because once you do your research, you'll know if what you thought was a huge opportunity really is.

My advice: I'd love for you to take my survey, but at the very least, you should go through it to see what questions I'm asking and even take notes of how I'm doing this (success leaves clues, remember?).

P.S. This is the last week I'm doing the survey- prizes will be announced on May 16th!

In today's email:

• Idea of the Week
• Resources of the Week
• Advice Corner

Idea of the Week

Top 10 Free Resources for Side Hustlers You Need to Know About

Starting a side hustle can be an exhilarating step toward achieving financial independence and professional fulfillment.

However, the journey often involves a steep learning curve, especially when resources are limited.

Fortunately, the internet is teeming with free tools and resources to help side hustlers start their businesses and thrive.

​Continue reading...​

Resources of the Week

• Something to Inspire You: Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams​
• Something to Make You Laugh: These always get me. Always. I'm seriously snorting over here.
• Something to Talk About: What is your go-to movie when you need a mood boost? (hit reply and let me know, pleeeeaaaasseee)

This Week's Email is Sponsored By:

Meme

Comfort Zones

Source: @_workchronicles​

Something New

Advice Corner

Q: When things get hard, or I'm not seeing results, I always second-guess myself on whether my plan is right to begin with. How do you decide whether to keep taking action until you get results or recognize that your idea may not be so great (or not a good fit for you) and you need to move on to something else?

A: This is a great question that so many people deal with. Here's what I would suggest:

1. Personal reflection: Start by asking yourself if it's not a good fit or if you're just saying that because it's hard. Sometimes, our goals shift, and what we thought we wanted is no longer what we want, and that's okay. If that's the case, move on. However, if you still want that thing but you're giving up because it's "too hard," you may just need to keep pushing through.
2. Evaluate the Foundation of Your Plan: Revisit the reasons why you chose your current plan. Was it based on sound research and planning? If not, it's never too late to do your research. You may just get the valuable data that you've been missing, which will help you move forward.
3. Set Clear, Measurable Milestones: Break down your plan into smaller, manageable milestones. This not only makes the plan easier to follow but also provides specific points to assess your progress. If you're consistently missing milestones despite your best efforts, it might be a sign to reassess your approach.
4. Gather Feedback: Sometimes, being too close to a project can cloud your judgment. Seek external feedback from trusted mentors, colleagues, or a coach. They can provide objective insights on whether your struggles are a normal part of the process or indicative of a deeper mismatch.
5. Analyze Your Efforts: Are the challenges because of external factors, or are they within your control? Evaluate the quality and quantity of your efforts. Sometimes, a plan needs more time or a different approach rather than a complete overhaul.
6. Check Your Resources: Consider whether you have the necessary resources (time, money, skills) to continue pursuing this plan. If not, maybe you need to start by addressing those foundational issues. Ask yourself how you can find more money or time to invest in your project. Ask yourself what skills you need to develop to be successful.
7. Flexibility Is Key: Recognize that all plans may require adjustments. Be open to tweaking your approach rather than abandoning it altogether. Small, strategic changes can sometimes yield better results than starting over.
8. Use a Decision-Making Framework: Tools like a cost-benefit analysis or the decision matrix can help you visualize the trade-offs and potential benefits of continuing versus pivoting. Listing the pros and cons and weighing them can clarify your thoughts.
9. Listen to Your Intuition: Sometimes, you need to trust your gut. If something consistently feels off, even if everything looks good on paper, it might be worth exploring other options.
10. Set a Time Limit: Give yourself a deadline to decide. This can help you focus on gathering the necessary data and making a decision without lingering in indecision.

Do you have a burning question about passive income, personal finance, or positive psychology that you need answered? If so, hit reply and send me an email with your question. If you're lucky, I'll answer it in this section of the next newsletter.