When you think about pursuing a creative passion, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of balancing your art, your day job, and your personal life.
Cliff Beach, a musician, entrepreneur, and author, knows this challenge well—and his new audiobook, Shape Up!, offers a practical guide to navigating it.
→ (Jump to the interview here!)
Today, I’m thrilled to feature Cliff and his audiobook, which combines his personal journey with actionable advice to help creatives like us thrive in both our passions and our health.
In addition to asking Cliff questions about his creative journey in an author interview, I'll be spotlighting him and his newest project.
→ (Jump to the author and audiobook spotlights here!)
Let's get started!
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
I had the opportunity to chat with Cliff about his creative journey, his strategies for balancing passion projects with wellness, and his advice for fellow creatives. Here’s what he had to share:
Kaecey: Cliff, welcome! I’m thrilled to chat about your new project, Shape-Up. You reflect on a journey of balancing your passion projects with a day job. Can you tell us about a pivotal moment when you realized the importance of finding that balance? And what advice might you give creatives who feel overwhelmed by trying to do it all?
Cliff: The funny thing is, when I was working on my first book, Side Hustle & Flow, and now its follow-up, Shape Up, I often heard people talk about “work-life balance.” Only recently has the term evolved into “work-life integration,” and that’s a game-changer. Balance or flow comes from creating an ecosystem that works for you. No two people are alike, so why rely on one-size-fits-all approaches?
For me, the realization wasn’t a single moment but a series of building blocks. Maybe it started with releasing my first EP in 2013 or when I began interviewing successful people in 2014. By 2020, when I started writing Side Hustle & Flow, I had stumbled upon the secret: balance comes from running two parallel tracks—work and passion projects—without an all-or-nothing mindset.
The key is integration. It’s better to do something some of the time than nothing at all. Success isn’t just about accolades; it’s about effort. For those feeling overwhelmed, I say: underwhelm yourself. Start small, embrace the suck, and show up daily. Perseverance beats passion when the initial excitement fades. And remember, no one succeeds alone. Build your dream team.
"Balance comes from running two parallel tracks—work and passion projects—without an all-or-nothing mindset. The key is integration. It's better to do something some of the time than nothing all of the time."
Kaecey: "It's better to do something some of the time than nothing all of the time." That's so useful to remember when thinking of how to integrate different passions with balance. And speaking of balance, many creatives—myself included—rely on routines to stay inspired. In your workbook, you talk about planning ahead and setting goals. What does a typical day look like for you when you're juggling creativity, wellness, and productivity?
Cliff: I’ve been a student of goal-setting and achievement for years. Planning ahead—whether it’s meal prep or SMART goals—is crucial. Step one is defining and deciding exactly what you want and writing it down. Life is like a hallway of doors; you can only open one at a time. One small step forward eventually adds up to big wins.
As for my day, I don’t have a rigid routine, but I live and die by my calendar. If it’s scheduled, it happens. I work a 9-to-5, so I block out important calls and fit in creative projects during downtime or after hours. Mornings are for wellness—qi gong or tai chi a few times a week to set the tone. I also walk while on calls to multitask.
Someone once told me it was “nice” how everything aligned in my life. I corrected them: it wasn’t nice; it was by design. I optimized my schedule to work for me. Don’t let life happen to you—happen to life.
"Life is like a hallway of doors; you can only open one at a time."
Kaecey: That concept of only being able to open one door at a time is helping me so much right now! And I love your approach of taking “slow and strategic” steps toward success. For writers and artists tackling big, long-term projects, like completing a manuscript or an art series, how would you recommend breaking things down into manageable pieces?
Cliff: When I wrote my first book, outlining was my secret weapon. It broke down the process into bite-sized chunks—page by page, chapter by chapter. With music, I follow a similar system. For my radio show, for example, I first curate tracks, then record my talking segments, create a playlist, and upload. Breaking it into smaller steps makes the workload less overwhelming.
The magic happens when you create a system. Follow the same sequence every time, and it becomes second nature. Over time, you’ll get faster, and tasks that once took an hour will take half the time. I’m also a fan of scheduling posts, emails, and recordings in advance to free up time later. Set it and forget it.
Kaecey: Yes, the power of habit, right? In your work, you highlight the connection between physical health and creative success. For creatives who might struggle to prioritize their wellness, what’s one small but impactful change they could make to start building healthier habits?
Cliff: When I say “hustle harder, healthier,” I mean you can’t pour from an empty cup. Focusing on wellness might seem like it slows you down, but in the long run, it’s a fuel source that propels you further than you imagined.
As a singer, I didn’t realize how much being overweight affected my lung capacity. Similarly, when I gave up drinking, my mental clarity and focus skyrocketed. The smallest change—like swapping soda for water or committing to 10 minutes of exercise daily—can snowball into a lifestyle shift. You won’t know how much excess you’re carrying until you let it go. Once you do, it’s like experiencing weightlessness.
"Focusing on wellness might seem like it slows you down, but in the long run, it’s a fuel source that propels you further than you imagined. "
Kaecey: Love that advice, because it's manageable and actionable, like so much in Shape Up. And hearing your story is so inspiring—not just your achievements but also the way you’ve overcome challenges, like reversing type 2 diabetes and losing 50 pounds. How did this transformation influence your creativity and your ability to pursue your artistic goals?
Cliff: Thank you for saying “reversed”—it’s a word we don’t hear enough. Many challenges, like diabetes, are reversible with discipline and commitment. It’s all about direction: are you moving toward better results or away from them?
For me, discipline was the bridge between health and creativity. Losing weight and reclaiming my health taught me to embrace delayed gratification. Success is often delayed, filled with dead ends and discouragement before deliverance. Most people quit too soon.
"You have to push through the 'no' to reach your 'why"
When writing my first book, I faced 450 rejections before finding a publisher. It’s a similar journey with health, music, or any creative pursuit. You have to push through the “no” to reach your “why.”
Kaecey: I like the image of discipline as a bridge, as a way of getting through all those obstacles. Before I let you go, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their creative journey, whether they’re launching a side hustle, writing their first poem, or beginning a fitness plan?
Cliff: Start and finish. Too many people let fear or excuses keep them from starting. Of those who start, most don’t finish. I started writing a book in 2014 but shelved it until 2020. By 2022, it was published. Now, I’m releasing my second in 2025.
Whatever you do, don’t make “hard drive records”—projects that only live on your computer or in your head. Put your work out into the world. The graveyard is full of ideas that never saw the light of day. We need your book, song, or recipe. Don’t rob the world of your gift.
"Start and finish."
Kaecey: Cliff, thank you so much for taking the time to be here with me and my readers today. You've offered us so much rich food for thought. It’s been a real pleasure having you on the blog, and I'd love to have you back when your next project releases!
Cliff: Thank you, Kaecey! I love your blog.
To your readers: check out my blog at sidehustleandflow.net or reach me at cliff@sidehustleandflow.net. Remember: do you—no one can say you did it wrong. Do your best and forget the rest. We’re too blessed to be stressed. I’ll see you at the top—because it ain’t over until you win!
"Remember: do you—no one can say you did it wrong."
SPOTLIGHT ON THE AUTHOR
Here's a bit more about author Cliff Beach:
Musician and author Cliff Beach has been performing live for more than twenty years. His single “Confident” was featured on Spotify’s All Funked Up and Funk Drive playlists, with over 975,000 streams. He is the host of the Deeper Grooves Podcast and Deeper Grooves on 885FM.
Cliff is the author of the highly successful book Side Hustle & Flow (Black Spring Press Group/Eyewear Publishing), which chronicles his musical journey while still working a day job. He has written previously for Beautytap, Pepperdine, and Rock Star Life.
He is the winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize, two World Songwriting Awards, four Global Music Awards, and a California Music Video & Film Award. Cliff has also been nominated for four LA Music Awards, a Hollywood Music & Media Award, an Independent Music Award, and more.
His music has been featured on CNN, SYFY, CW, HBO MAX, and in a BMW spot. Cliff was nominated for a World Entertainment Award for his audiobook Side Hustle & Flow and has just released its follow-up, Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up, on Please and Funk You Publishing via Author's Republic.
Cliff is an award-winning Distinguished Toastmaster, VP of PR for Culver City Toastmasters, and a TedX presenter.
You can find the author online at:
SPOTLIGHT ON THE AUDIOBOOK
Here's a bit more information about Shape-Up!
→ (You can jump back up to the interview by clicking here!)
Shape Up! is the second book in Cliff Beach’s acclaimed series. Following the success of the book Side Hustle & Flow: 10 Principles to Live a More Productive Life in Less Time, nominated for a World Entertainment Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2024, Cliff Beach returns with a powerful guide to transforming your health and fitness journey.
Discover the seven essential steps to achieving a fitter, happier you:
The Deciding Factor: Uncover your personal motivations and use them to fuel your transformation.
Checking Your Numbers: Learn the importance of tracking key health metrics, with insights from dieticians and doctors.
Intermittent Fasting Tips and Tricks: Master intermittent fasting with practical advice on timing, hydration, and managing hunger.
Picking a Diet That Works for You: Find a diet plan that suits your lifestyle and health needs for sustainable eating habits.
Exercise: Make it Fun and Be Consistent: Incorporate fun and engaging activities into your routine to ensure consistency and enjoyment.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes You Can Stick With: Implement small, manageable changes for long-term success.
Get Into a Support Group Now!: Leverage the power of community and support groups to maintain motivation and accountability.
Shape Up! is more than just a fitness guide; it’s a call to action for a healthier, happier you. Cliff Beach’s practical advice and motivational style will inspire you to take control of your health and transform your life. Join Cliff on this transformative journey and take the first step towards a fitter, happier you today!
Publisher: Please and Funk You Publishing
ASIN: B0DKFZLY8T
Listening time: 3 hours 24 minutes
You can purchase a copy at Amazon, Audible, and Barnes and Noble And be sure to add Side Hustle & Flow to your GoodReads list!
READ MORE ABOUT CLIFF BEACH AND SIDE HUSTLE & FLOW: Shape Up! ON THE BLOG TOUR
Cliff Beach is currently on a blog tour for his audiobook Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up!. Along the way, he’s sharing excerpts, interviews, giveaways, and more.
Don’t miss the chance to dive deeper into his story and gain insight into balancing your creative passions with a healthier lifestyle.
Blog Tour Stops:
Make sure to check out these stops to explore Cliff’s inspiring journey further and discover tools that might just transform your own creative process.
Have you listened to Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up!? Or do you have thoughts on the interview? Let me know by sending me a message!
Happy reading and happy writing!
