Ah, midlife. That glorious stage where you finally have it all figured out—until you don’t. Suddenly, the career that once seemed like a golden path to retirement now feels more like a treadmill to nowhere. Your kids (if you have them) are growing up, your parents (if you’re lucky enough to still have them) are slowing down, and you’re stuck somewhere in between, wondering what on earth comes next. Enter the side hustle, that magical blend of passion and profit that promises to fill both your wallet and your soul. But how do you make sure it’s not just another distraction, but a real boost to your standard of living? That’s where the Academy of Life Planning’s GAME Plan comes in.
Let’s face it, everyone’s got a side hustle these days. From dog breeding to divorce coaching, it seems like there’s no end to the creative ways people are squeezing a bit of extra cash out of their lives. But while most of these endeavours are long on enthusiasm and short on planning, the GAME Plan—Goals, Actions, Means, Execution—offers a more structured approach. And let’s be honest, who couldn’t use a bit more structure at this stage of life?
G: Goals—Because Wandering Aimlessly Never Made Anyone Rich
First things first, you need to know what you’re aiming for. And no, “making a bit of extra money” doesn’t count as a goal. You need something specific, something that will get you out of bed in the morning (or keep you up late at night) when the excitement of your new venture starts to wear off. Are you looking to fund a dream holiday? Boost your retirement savings? Pay off that lingering mortgage? Whatever it is, get crystal clear on it. Not only will this help you stay focused, but it will also make it easier to measure your success—or failure, because, let’s face it, not every side hustle is going to be a winner.
A: Actions—Because Daydreaming Doesn’t Pay the Bills
Once you’ve got your goals in place, it’s time to break them down into actionable steps. This is where most people fall off the wagon. They get so caught up in the excitement of their new venture that they forget that, like any business, a side hustle requires real work. Whether it’s setting up a website, learning the basics of digital marketing, or simply making time in your already busy schedule, every goal needs a plan of action. And don’t forget to account for the boring bits—taxes, legalities, and all the other admin that makes running a business feel like, well, running a business.
M: Means—Because You Need More Than Good Intentions
Next, consider your resources. What do you already have at your disposal, and what will you need to acquire? This could be anything from skills and experience to cold, hard cash. Maybe you’ve got a knack for photography but need to invest in some decent equipment. Or perhaps you’ve got the equipment but lack the know-how to market your services. Whatever it is, make sure you’ve got everything in place before you dive in headfirst. There’s nothing worse than realising halfway through that you’re out of your depth.
E: Execution—Because Ideas Are Cheap, Execution Is Everything
Finally, it’s time to put your plan into action. This is where the rubber meets the road, and where most people start to panic. But fear not, because this is where the GAME Plan really shines. By breaking everything down into manageable steps, you’ll be able to execute your side hustle with confidence and clarity. And if things don’t go exactly to plan (because when do they ever?), you’ll be able to pivot, adjust, and keep moving forward.
Dropping Earnings into Lifetime Cashflow Forecasts—Because You’re Playing the Long Game
Now, here’s the part most people overlook: what to do with the money once you’ve made it. Sure, you could blow it all on a fancy holiday or a new car, but if you’re serious about improving your standard of living, you’ll want to take a more strategic approach. By integrating your side hustle earnings into a lifetime cashflow forecast, you can ensure that every pound you make is working towards your long-term goals. This isn’t just about making money—it’s about making your money work for you.
The Final Word—Because You Deserve More Than Just a Pat on the Back
So, there you have it—the Academy of Life Planning’s GAME Plan for designing a midlife side hustle that actually makes a difference. Whether you’re breeding puppies, coaching divorcees, or pressing flowers, this simple framework can help you turn your passion into profit and your profit into long-term financial security. Because at the end of the day, isn’t that what we’re all after? Well, that and a bit of fun along the way.
So, what’s your side hustle going to be? And more importantly, how are you going to make it count? The Academy of Life Planning is here to help you figure it out, one goal, one action, one pound at a time.
Academy of Life Planning 