Organization With Suzie

Warning: Are You Stuck in the Generalist Trap? 3 Signs to Watch Out For!

Suzanne Roberts Lukowsky, MPH, CBC

8/11/20252 min read

a staircase in a house with a potted plant next to it
a staircase in a house with a potted plant next to it

Introduction: The Generalist Trap

Are you finding yourself juggling multiple roles like a CEO, marketer, and admin all at once? If you're nodding your head, you might be stuck in the "generalist" trap. While it's tempting to think that wearing many hats makes you more productive, the truth is that this constant context-switching is the #1 enemy of flow. It can feel like you're getting things done, but it’s actually capping your growth. Let’s explore three signs that indicate you may be caught in this trap.

Sign #1: Struggling to Prioritize

When you’re a generalist, you often feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of tasks that clutter your to-do list. Instead of focusing on high-impact activities, you're pulled in multiple directions, making it hard to prioritize your efforts. Do you find yourself spending too much time on low-value tasks? If you're constantly firefighting rather than strategically planning, it’s a clear indicator that you’re stuck. Streamlining your responsibilities can be the first step toward breaking free!

Sign #2: Diminished Quality of Work

Another telltale sign that you might be trapped in the generalist life is a noticeable decline in the quality of your work. Are you rushing through projects, feeling like you’re just checking boxes instead of delivering excellence? If you frequently miss deadlines or your output lacks the shine it once had, it’s likely due to the mental fatigue caused by switching contexts too often. Consider that every time you jump from one task to another, you lose precious time and energy that could be better spent honing your skills and delivering top-notch work.

Sign #3: Lack of Clarity and Direction

If you’re working across various roles without clear goals, you might feel like you’re spinning in circles. A lack of clarity and direction is a massive red flag that you're caught in the generalist trap. You might have great ideas, but if you’re not able to focus on what truly matters for your business’ growth, you’ll find it difficult to make real progress. Ask yourself: Are you making decisions that move your business forward? Or are you stuck in a loop of doing everything without a solid plan?

Take Action!

If any of these signs resonate with you, it's time to take action. It doesn't have to be overwhelming. By gaining clarity over your roles, you can start to build a sustainable and scalable business. Consider booking a session for my "Apex Intensive " strategy session, where together we can peel away the layers of confusion. You'll emerge with a clearer vision, ready to take your business to the next level. Don't let the generalist trap hold you back any longer!