Get out of the DIY conundrum

Get out of the DIY conundrum

Let’s talk about a trap I see far too often in the world of small and medium-sized business owners, what I call the DIY conundrum.

It’s the belief that if you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself. Many business owners fall into this mindset, convinced no-one can match their skills or commitment. And while that may feel true, it’s a costly miscalculation.

The truth is, trying to do it all alone doesn’t lead to success, it leads to burnout.

We’ve inherited a hustle-and-grind culture that glorifies doing everything yourself. But the real secret of success isn’t grinding – it’s designing. It’s not about working harder; it’s about working smarter. The smartest leaders don’t do everything themselves. They build teams. They delegate. They systemise. They free themselves to focus on what matters most.

Think of it like this: just as you wouldn’t ask a doctor to become a plumber, or vice versa, you shouldn’t try to wear every hat in your business. Let professionals excel in their area of expertise. That’s what drives sustainable growth.

And look, I get it. As a business owner, you’ve poured your heart, soul, and savings into your business. You’ve taken the risks. You’ve made the sacrifices. Your dedication is unquestioned.

But let me ask you, have you crossed the line from dedicated to drained? From driven to depleted? If so, you might be stuck in the DIY trap.

There are five clear signs that you’re overworking and what you can do to change course.

1. The 24/7 mentality

Are you always “on”? Even when you’re out to dinner with your family or walking in the bush, are you still mentally clocked into work?

Action step: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Create a shutdown ritual, a consistent end-of-day routine. Plan tomorrow today. Use a tool like the “Frog Sheet” (Brian Tracy’s idea: “eat that frog”) to identify your top task, so when you finish the day, you’ve closed the loop. Turn off email notifications. Score your day out of 5. Then switch off – mentally and digitally.

2. The “I’ll do it myself” trap

Do you struggle to delegate? Do you believe no-one else can do it as well as you?

Action step: Start small. Delegate one low-risk task. Build from there. Remember: true leadership is about influencing outcomes through others, not doing everything yourself. If you’re the bottleneck, your business can’t grow, and neither can your people.

3. You’re running on empty

Are you physically, emotionally, or mentally drained? Are you exhausted more often than not?

Action step: Prioritise self-care. Schedule daily exercise. Eat well. Rest. Stephen Covey calls this “sharpening the saw”. If you focus only on production and ignore your capacity to produce, you’ll burn out. Take care of the asset – you.

4. You sacrifice personal time

When was the last time you took a real break? Do your hobbies still exist, or did you trade them in for long hours?

Action step: Reclaim your personal time. Schedule short breaks during the day. Take mini-holidays every 90 days. They don’t have to be expensive, just intentional. Turn off your phone. Go for a bushwalk. Have a picnic with your family. You’ll return sharper, calmer and more focused.

5. Lack of systems and automation

Are you still managing everything manually? Are you drowning in spreadsheets and paper trails?

Action step: Systemise and automate. Use CRMs, project management tools and automation software to handle repetitive tasks. Automate the routine; humanise the exceptions. That’s how you create space to think, plan and lead.

The bottom line

Being a workaholic in your own business isn’t a badge of honour, it’s a warning sign. Success doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from doing less of the wrong things, and more of the right ones.

The real mark of a successful business owner is the ability to create a business that thrives without them doing everything. If you’re ready to step back from the chaos and into a more strategic role, where you lead instead of just do, then take the first step. Set boundaries. Delegate. Re-energise. Systemise.