Systems
The E-Myth Revisited
Michael E. Gerber
Why most small businesses fail — and how systems save them.
Recommended for: I Want to Grow but Don’t Know What to Do Next
All Challenges
Growth
I Want to Grow but Don’t Know What to Do Next
Find your current stage and focus on the next capability the business needs.
The Challenge
Use the roadmap from survival to stability, systems, team, growth, leadership, and legacy.
Why This Happens
- The problem has not been defined clearly enough to solve.
- Daily urgency has replaced a consistent process.
- The business is not measuring the few activities and results that matter most.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- 1.What is happening now?
- 2.How long has this been a problem?
- 3.What have you already tried?
- 4.What result do you want in the next 90 days?
- 5.What number would show improvement?
- 6.Who owns the next action?
What to Do First
1
Write down the current facts without assumptions.
2
Choose one measurable result for the next 30 days.
3
Schedule the first action and assign clear ownership.
Step-by-Step Solution
- 1
Identify the root cause instead of treating only the symptom.
- 2
Choose the smallest practical action that can create evidence.
- 3
Use the related tool or worksheet to organize the work.
- 4
Review progress every week and adjust from real results.
- 5
Share what worked so another owner can learn from it.
Three Levels of Solutions
Quick Win
Do this today
Write where you want the business to be in 12 months.
Build the System
Next 30 days
Use the priority pyramid to choose one focus area for the next 90 days.
Long-Term Transformation
Where you're headed
A clear growth plan the whole team understands.
Lessons From the Pass It On Library
From Fix This Next
Find the one thing to fix next.
Framework: Business Priority Pyramid: Sales → Profit → Order → Impact → Legacy
From Called to Create
Innovation grows from a clear purpose.
Framework: Idea → Plan → Action → Launch → Growth → Impact
Pass It On Action
Take the Find My Biggest Challenge check-up.
Your Action Plans
Sign in to check off steps and save progress to My Growth Plan. Sign in
7-Day Action Plan
- Day 1 — Identify the problem: write down exactly how “I Want to Grow but Don’t Know What to Do Next” shows up in your business.
- Day 2 — Review the numbers: gather the facts, figures, and examples connected to this challenge.
- Day 3 — Find the root cause: answer “What is happening now?”
- Day 4 — Choose one change: Write down the current facts without assumptions.
- Day 5 — Assign responsibility: name ONE owner, a deadline, and the expected result.
- Day 6 — Implement: Choose one measurable result for the next 30 days.
- Day 7 — Review what happened: what worked, what didn’t, and what you’ll do next week.
30-Day Action Plan
Week 1 — Diagnose
- Answer: What is happening now?
- Answer: How long has this been a problem?
- Answer: What have you already tried?
- Complete the 7-Day Action Plan.
Week 2 — Build
- Use the priority pyramid to choose one focus area for the next 90 days.
- Identify the root cause instead of treating only the symptom.
- Choose the smallest practical action that can create evidence.
- Use the related tool or worksheet to organize the work.
Week 3 — Implement
- Review progress every week and adjust from real results.
- Share what worked so another owner can learn from it.
- Train the people involved and assign owners.
Week 4 — Measure & Improve
- Compare results to where you started.
- Write one lesson learned.
- Adjust the process.
- Share what you learned with someone in the fellowship.
Biblical Principles
Wisdom for the journey — encouraging stewardship, integrity, and service, never a promise of guaranteed success.
#47 · Money Management
Create a financial plan
Proverbs 21:5
#74 · Growth
Growth requires patience
Proverbs 21:5
#92 · Wisdom
Commit your plans to God
Proverbs 16:3
Related Challenges
Recommended Books
Approved Bookshelf resources related to this challenge.
Systems
Traction
Gino Wickman
A practical operating system for growing past the owner's limits.
Recommended for: I Want to Grow but Don’t Know What to Do Next
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Challenge → Diagnose → Prioritize → Learn → Take Action → Measure → Improve → Help Someone Else
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