The information to Win in Business, the information to Win in Life, all wrapped up in one winning, weekly email. Winformation Weekly.

My 14 years’ experience of growing a business from £0-£100m as well as the life that goes with it.

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Simon Says

Winformation This Week...

In 2025 almost 30% of you have a side hustle business. That’s mad. And the vast majority of you are doing it the right way, building the business up with the safety net of full or part time employment. Big up for that by the way. I wish I could say we did the same, we didn’t and it was hell. But that’s a story for another day.  

The thing is, you haven’t come this far to only go this far. So below, in today’s One Idea to Win in Business we’re running the playbook on exactly how to turn your side hustle into a full-time business empire, the smart way, without the added stress. 

Maybe I’m getting older, maybe its the nights getting darker, or maybe it’s the new sofa I just bought...I’m not sure - but I’m turning down more and more event invites, awards ceremonies and things that take me away from “resting” and it’s doing me the world of good. In today’s One Idea to Win in Life we look at how micro-recovery can keep you sharp, sane, and out of burnout mode.

One Idea to Win in Business

Something to Help Take the Leap

From Evenings and Weekends to All-In: The Smart Way to Go Full-Time with Your Side Hustle

Often, side hustles are steeped in individuals’ passions and interests and therefore more appealing as a career. The challenge many have is being too reliant on the income from their main job to be able to take the plunge and make their side hustle a full-time career. Here are my 5 steps to turn your side hustle into your full-time business without adding to the stress levels!

1. Know your numbers like your life depends on it. Before you do anything bold, you need to know exactly what your life costs. It’s likely you will bootstrap this thing, so you must get a firm grip on your expenditure. If you don’t know already, find out what your monthly outgoings are – not a rough estimate, know them right down to the last penny. Then with a list of those costs, cross off and cancel any luxuries. You only need to cover your basic human needs. And don’t lose heart. I did it for four years in my £200 car without holidays.

2. Protect what matters (especially your kids). If you have children, the process mentioned in the step above isn’t for them, it’s just for you. So, if they have their own regular activities, like swimming lessons, martial arts, or dancing, keep budgeting for it. This is your sacrifice, not theirs.

3. Build a cushion before you jump. Once you’ve got your expenses nailed down, you’ll know what you can realistically save. The goal: three months of living costs tucked away somewhere you won’t be tempted to touch.

   Think of it as your safety net. It’s there so you can take the leap with confidence instead of fear.

4. Master your time. Your side hustle only becomes your main income when it gets treated like one. That means structure, priorities, and consistency. Plan your week, set deadlines, and keep yourself accountable.

   Momentum is everything at this stage, so act like the boss you’re becoming, not the employee you’re leaving behind.

5. Time to make the leap. When should you go all in? A good rule of thumb is when your side hustle is consistently bringing in around 80% of your monthly costs. That would be my signal, but it depends on your attitude to risk. Some will want the full 100% covered, and that’s cool too. But, again, back yourself. You’ve built most of that 80% in evenings and weekends. Imagine what you’ll achieve with all your time focused on it. The sooner and smarter you can make that switch, the faster you’ll grow.

6. What’s the worst that can happen? It’s a big step, a brave one. But tell yourself, if it all goes wrong, and everything stops, the business crashes with no further sales. What’s the worst that will happen. You go and get another job. If you were happy in your current one, then why were you considering leaving and starting a business anyway. But...that won’t happen, you will make it a success. Back yourself!

One Idea to Win in Life

Something to Keep You Sharp

Micro Recovery: The 5-Minute Habit That Keeps Top Performers Sharp All Day

If top performing athletes prioritise rest, then anyone pursuing the ultra-marathon of running and growing your own business needs to follow suit. You won’t always have the luxury of going on a 2 week all inclusive. But all around us are mini opportunities to rest in small ways. This is called micro-recovery.

Here are some tips on how micro recovery can give you a quick reset, help you rest and avoid the dreaded burn out.

1. The five-minute rule. Although incredibly simple the vast majority of people don’t do this. All it requires is for five minutes every hour to get up. If you work sitting down, stretch your legs, maybe even go crazy and go outside. You might think the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health sound like the fun police, but it was their idea. They found people who took micro breaks generally have lower heart rates.

2. Time to check-in. You can set out with very clear positive intentions in the morning, but by the time you’ve arrived at work someone has cut you up at the traffic lights and spilt coffee down your top. Gratitude isn’t just something to think about once a day. The authors of the study the Grateful Workplace say a gratitude mindset can lead to a growth mindset. You can think about what you are grateful for, for only for two minutes to take your mind back to your vision. This reminds you of why you are doing what you are doing.

3. Hydration and nutrition breaks. Basically, don’t forget to eat and drink. And if possible, please don’t each your lunch at your desk. We’ve spoke about this before, it’s bad for your digestion. There’s nothing wrong with a chocolate bar as a snack from time to time but try avoiding hitting up the vending machine. Instead, try nuts or bananas and stay fueled.

4. Stand tall. Sitting at a desk can create all sorts of issues if you have bad posture. How you are physically has great influence on how you are emotionally. Stand up and put your shoulders back. Then lift your chin. Some call this the power pose. Try holding it for 90 seconds. Studies show this brief reset can increase confidence, so go get ‘em, tiger!

5. Reframe and reset. Not everything is always going to go how you want it. If that happens, try visualisation. Let your imagination conjure vivid images of you successfully dealing with whatever you are faced with. This primes your brain for a positive outcome. You can also reframe whatever challenge you have. Ask yourself what you can learn and improve on from the experience.

Win or Wonder?

Ask Me a Question…

No matter where you are on this mad journey. Starting out, scaling up, or somewhere in the messy middle feel free to ask me anything.

Business, life or mindset, I read and reply to every question. The best ones will get featured in future editions of Winformation, with your permission of course!

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Until next week! 

Let’s win, together!