Why My $600 Investment Failed

This past summer, I spent $600 US (so like $3,000 Canadian 😂) and a significant amount of time developing a tool for my clients.

I was excited…really excited. I built out an entire operating system in Notion, a system I’ve personally been using for years, and I was confident it would help my clients stay on track and see incredible results.

But here’s the funny thing:

No one used it.

Not one client has implemented that $600 Notion template I poured so much time and energy into.

A Little Backstory

I’ve been an entrepreneur for 13 years, and during that time, I’ve learned the importance of systems, both personal and business operating systems.

Systems are the backbone of success.

• They help you know what to take action on.

• They clarify who’s in charge of what and when it’s due.

• They break down big projects into smaller, manageable tasks.

• They keep you moving in the right direction with clear vision and purpose.

Why the Notion Template Didn’t Work

I give my clients quite a few resources to use, one of which is a simple spreadsheet that gamifies daily habits to keep them moving toward their goals.

That simple Excel sheet, which cost way less time and money to develop, has been far more impactful and useful than my fancy $600 Notion template.

It’s not that the Notion template is bad. In fact, it’s a powerful tool. But the face of the matter is, our brains don’t like complexity.

When something feels too complex or overwhelming, we avoid it. The simpler the tool, the better it works.

What I Learned

Here are the big takeaways from this experience:

1️⃣ Simplicity almost always wins. If a tool reduces friction and makes your workflow easier, it’s more valuable than the fanciest system out there.

2️⃣ Complexity can kill progress. The more tools you use, the harder it is to focus on what really matters. Consolidating everything into one place can make a huge difference.

3️⃣ Don’t get caught up in the flash. It doesn’t matter how much a tool costs or how nice it looks, if it’s not helping you consistently take action, it’s not the right tool.

4️⃣ Adapt when necessary. If a tool stops serving you, then it’s time to switch, but only after you’ve used it fully and know why you’ve outgrown it.

Find What Works for You

The Notion template I built is a great tool, but it’s not the right tool for everyone. And that’s okay.

The key is finding the tool that works for your unique situation and sticking with it. Use it to its fullest potential, and don’t switch unless the benefits outweigh the hassle.