It’s been a week since I went on a holiday break.
And whenever I slow down, I notice the same thing I’ve seen for years working with founders. The ones who care deeply. Those who try to do things properly. Who doesn’t cut corners.
They don’t fail because they’re lazy or incapable.
They fail because they try to carry it all themselves.
Which brings me to this story.
This one will be uncomfortable for some, but it’s important.
Justine tried to self-implement long before she reached out. She did everything in good faith.
She read the books.
She worked through the tools.
She filled in the templates.
She had two very productive days.
Then nothing changed.
She described it honestly: “I didn’t have the bandwidth or the expertise. I saw what it could do, but I couldn’t do it by myself.”
This is what most self-implementation looks like.
A great start. A fast decline.
A quiet sense of frustration.
Then a return to the old habits.
Why It Fails
Here’s the truth.
Self-implementation fails because founders are too close to their own issues.
You can’t see the blind spots.
You can’t hold yourself accountable for the work you’re already avoiding.
You can’t run your own Level 10 objectively.
You can’t facilitate a People Analyser on your own team without emotion getting in the way.
You can’t dig through IDS without skipping to the easy answers.
It’s not that you lack intelligence.
It’s that you’re human.
What Changed When Justine Stopped Trying to DIY It
The minute we worked together, things shifted:
Self-implementation never would have got her there.
Her words: “It was like building my own website versus hiring an expert. You can do it yourself, but it will never work as well.”
What You Can Do Right Now (Even if You Continue to DIY)
Let’s keep this practical.
If you’re self-implementing, here are a few ways to improve your odds:
1. Get someone external to run your Level 10 for a few weeks
You’ll finally see where your blind spots are.
2. Ask your team privately where they feel stuck
Their answers will reveal the issues you’ve been unconsciously ignoring.
3. Use IDS slowly, not quickly
Force yourself to ask five whys. The real issue is rarely your first answer.
4. Take a clarity break every fortnight
This alone will stop you from losing yourself in the business.
5. Review your Accountability Chart honestly
If your name is in multiple seats, that’s your ceiling.
6. Get help sooner rather than later, even if it’s small
Even a peer to keep you accountable.
Anything is better than doing it alone.
Self-implementation isn’t wrong.
It’s just rare that it works properly.
Justine wasn’t weak for getting help. She was smart.
And the results speak for themselves.
This section gives you quick access to 3 links - to articles, blogs, podcasts & stuff that will help you to create a better business & lead a better life.
Avoid these costly mistakes when you’re self-implementing.
Apply EOS with discipline to achieve clarity and traction.
Check in on your wellbeing during the holiday stress.
I came across something recently that made me stop scrolling & think, well… that’s clever.
It’s the B AiR Kitchen by Moley Robotics.
At first glance, it’s a beautiful, modern kitchen. Then you realise it’s hiding robotic tech that can cook using chef-designed recipes with incredible precision.
Yes – a robot that can actually make dinner.
And let’s be honest… in the week before Christmas, that feels like a gift in itself.
What I like is that it’s not some over-the-top, sci-fi concept. It’s designed for real homes – compact, wall-mounted, & surprisingly practical.
Is it for everyone? Definitely not. It’s premium, high-end & very much an investment.
But at this time of year – when everyone’s tired, over-catered, & wondering how many more meals they have to think about – it’s a fun glimpse into where smart systems & thoughtful design are heading.
Less effort, more ease & better use of our time.
I won’t be installing one this Christmas… but it’s firmly on my watch list.
We are here to help you live a better life by creating a better business. We are real-life business owners with years of experience & a strong desire to make a huge difference to the lives of entrepreneurs.
If anything here resonates with you or you would like our help, then please get in contact. Just reply to this newsletter & let us know who you would like to speak to…. Or visit our webpage & contact any of our team from their own pages.
If you know someone who would benefit from reading this, then please forward it onto them. 💖
If you’d like to learn more about any of these tools or would like to find out how I can help you achieve a better life through creating a better business, then book a free Discovery Call with me.
We’ll talk about what you want to get from your business & your life & come up with a plan to do that!
Debra Chantry-Taylor
Certified EOS Implementer | Accredited Family Business Advisor | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Speaker & Workshop Facilitator
