Ever heard of the Flywheel Effect? Jim Collins explains it in Good to Great. Imagine the London Eye—a massive wheel weighing hundreds of tons. It takes a lot of effort to get moving but, with consistent pushes, it eventually builds unstoppable momentum.
Now, contrast that with an airplane propeller. It fires up almost instantly, reaching top speed in seconds. Sounds exciting, right? But here’s the snag: running a business is nothing like a propeller.
No Magic Switch for Success
New entrepreneurs—and even experienced optimists—sometimes fall into the “propeller trap.” They hope for a single, magical solution to propel their business to success overnight. Friends and colleagues often ask me, “Did you make it? Have you found the secret?”
Spoiler alert: there’s no secret. Success isn’t binary. It’s not about either hitting the jackpot or being doomed. That’s TV drama, not real life. The truth? Building a business is more flywheel than fairy tale.
Why Business Is a Flywheel
A flywheel doesn’t spin itself. Every little push counts, and persistent effort is the key. Yes, there’s friction—setbacks, challenges, and “ugh” moments—but those who keep pushing eventually see their wheel gain momentum. It’s not about raw talent or luck; it’s about showing up, staying disciplined, and doing the work.
This is where the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®) shines. EOS helps you build traction—steady, focused execution that turns small, consistent pushes into serious momentum. It’s the framework that encourages accountability, builds habits, and keeps the flywheel spinning toward success.
Ready to Start Your Flywheel Journey?
So, what’s your next push going to be? How will you keep your momentum going this week? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear how you’re building your flywheel!
