What's Slowing You Down Might Not Be What You Think
- eyestoanalyze
- May 30
- 2 min read
Photo credit: Vitaly Gariev
Most service-based business owners assume the biggest thing slowing them down is time.
Not enough of it.
Too much on the plate.
Not enough support.
But what I’ve seen (over and over again) is that the real slow-down doesn’t come from lack of time.
It comes from friction.
Friction in your workflows.
Friction in your team communication.
Friction in the way you’re trying to grow.
And once you start to reduce that friction? That’s when time seems to “magically” reappear.
What Is Operational Friction?
Operational friction is the drag you experience when things don’t move smoothly in your business. It might show up like:
Repeating manual steps every time you onboard a new client
Going back and forth with contractors to clarify basic tasks
Spending an hour each day just organizing your own to-do list
Getting stuck in decision fatigue over what tool or platform to use
It doesn’t always feel dramatic. In fact, it often hides in the little things, until you realize you’re exhausted and your growth has stalled.
The Tangible Fix: One-Hour Friction Audit
Here’s a simple exercise you can do.
Step 1: Track for One Day
For one full workday, keep a notepad or digital doc open and jot down:
Any task you had to repeat
Any confusion or miscommunication
Any decision that drained more energy than it should have
Any time you thought “I should automate this” but didn’t
Step 2: Label the Source of the Friction
Once you have your list, label each point with one of the following:
System: Missing or inefficient process (is your client onboarding different every time?)
Tech: Manual task that could be automated (like manually sending contracts or invoices)
People: Communication or task clarity issues (giving the same direction more than once)
You: Tasks only you are doing because no one else knows how
Step 3: Choose One Thing to Solve
From your list, pick the friction point that happens most often or takes the most energy. Then ask:
Can I document this once so it’s easier to hand off?
Can I automate this with a tool I already have?
Can someone else do this if I explain it once?
Solving even one point of friction will make a noticeable difference. That’s the power of building momentum.
This Is What Sustainable Growth Looks Like
You don’t need to hire five new people or overhaul your systems overnight.
Start with identifying where friction lives in your business.
And then bit by bit you build a business that flows.
One that runs without constant manual effort.
One that grows without costing your wellbeing.
Looking for a Thought Partner?
If this audit opened your eyes to some hidden friction points and you’re not sure what to do next, let’s talk. I help service-based business owners not just identify the friction but clear it, strategically and sustainably.
You don’t have to untangle it all alone.
Keep Exploring
Once you've pinpointed a key area of friction, consider how the right support can alleviate it. Our blog Who to Hire First offers insights into building a team that aligns with your operational needs.
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