Why Systems Fatigue Happens (Even with EOS) and What to Do About It
If you’ve ever found yourself side-eyeing your beautifully built EOS system and wondering “Why does this feel so damn hard?”—you’re not alone. Systems fatigue is a real thing, even when you’re using a framework as solid as the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
I see it all the time. You implement EOS, get that clarity high, and everything feels amazing... until it doesn’t. Suddenly, your meetings feel performative. Your accountability tools feel like red tape. And you start to wonder—am I doing this wrong? Or worse—is this just not going to work for me?
Here’s the truth: you’re not broken. But something in the system might need a tweak.
Why Systems Fatigue Happens
There are a few common culprits:
You’re in the limbo zone. You’ve implemented the tools, but traction hasn’t hit yet. That space between “getting it going” and “feeling it work” can be brutal.
You're underusing (or overusing) certain tools. Maybe you’ve got a gorgeous accountability chart, but you’re not actually holding people accountable. Or you're leaning too hard on one tool and ignoring others.
Meetings are performative, not productive. If you’re sitting in a meeting wondering what the hell the point is, that’s a sign.
Structure feels like restriction. The system should support you, not suffocate you. If it’s the latter, something needs adjusting.
You're evolving as a leader. This might be the biggest one. As you grow, your needs shift. So should the system.
How to Diagnose the Problem
Not all systems fatigue means failure. Try asking:
Is this a clarity issue? Are people confused about roles or tools?
Is this a leadership issue? Are you (or your team) actually leading, or just avoiding?
Is this a cadence issue? Is the rhythm of your EOS tools still working for the size and speed of your practice?
The answer might be all three. But clarity starts by asking the damn questions.
What to Do Instead of Quitting EOS
Before you throw out the baby and the bath water:
Reground in your vision. EOS isn’t a checklist. It’s a lens. A framework. Use it to clarify, not control.
Simplify. Not every tool needs weekly airtime. Prioritize what matters right now.
Pause and reset. Sometimes the dust just needs to settle. Take a breath. Then take a clarity break.
Modify (with intention). If a piece of the system isn’t serving you, tweak it. You’re not married to the 90-minute weekly L10.
If you’re deep in that “WTF is happening” phase, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside the Living Practice is my membership for group practice leaders who want real support—not more fluff. Tools, training, community, and honest conversations like this one, all in one place.
About the Author
Dr. Tara Vossenkemper is a gently-candid consultant who’s been in the trenches of group practice ownership since 2017. With a hearty blend of depth, irreverence, and a solid dash of humor (or so she hopes), Tara helps practice owners navigate the can-be-messy process of hiring, culture-building, vision generating, people-y issues, and all the other things that keep you up at night. When she’s not consulting, she’s probably wrangling her animals or homeschooling her kids—because why not add more chaos to the mix?
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