The Arc enterpreneur podcast

The Law of Diminishing Returns states that after a certain point, adding more effort, resources, or time produces less and less benefit. In business, this means that working harder doesn’t always mean greater results. There comes a point when more effort leads to exhaustion, inefficiency, or even losses.

Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of thinking that if they just put in more hours, invest more money, or expand faster, they will automatically achieve greater success. However, Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a season for everything, including work and rest. Pushing too hard beyond the point of effectiveness can lead to burnout, financial strain, and poor decision-making.

We see this principle in farming. A farmer knows that overworking the land without giving it time to rest will lead to poor crops. The same applies to business. There is wisdom in recognizing when continued effort is productive and when it’s time to pause, delegate, or pivot.

Becoming successful isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. By seeking God’s wisdom and discerning the right timing, we can avoid the frustration of diminishing returns and instead operate in a way that is both sustainable and fruitful.

Reflection Questions:

• Are there areas in your business or life where you are putting in more effort but seeing fewer results?

• How can you create a better balance between work and rest?

• What steps can you take to work smarter rather than just harder?