A single point of failure (SPOF) is the part of a system that if it fails, will stop the entire system from working.

SPOFs are undesirable in any system, be it a business practice, software application, relationship, economic strategy etc.

Systems can be made more robust by adding Redundancy in all potential SPOFs.

For instance, a solo singer playing the club circuit may be unable to complete their gig if their PA system breaks. They may even have to cancel future work until they can obtain a replacement. Redundancy can be achieved at various levels. For instance, they may have a second PA System in case the first one fails. At a higher level, they would have enough equipment to completely replace everything in case of multiple failures to their PA System, Backing tracks, leads, etc.                        

In the event of any given system breaking down, ‘Resilience’ is the measure of your ability to recover quickly and continue operating no matter what.

And so it’s time to examine all the various systems that constitute your life:

1: Seek out any SPOF’s

2: Ask: What’s my level of Resilience?                             

3: Ask: How can I make these SPOF’s Redundant?

This exercise was written before the outbreak of Covid-19, and many of our SPOF’s have already been exposed and found us wanting. And so as you go through this exercise, look for future SPOF not just present ones.

For example; many of us will be looking at new careers or new business opportunities right now. So this is a great opportunity for you to look at SPOF-Proofing your next move.

Here are some area’s to look at.

Financials (income, expenses, rent/mortgage, investments, savings, future plans like retirement)

Relationships (Significant others, family, business, work.)

Business (Employees/Colleagues, clients, internal/external systems, ordering, processing, delivering, location, cash flow.) 

Health (Fitness, vitality, diet)

Work (employer, colleagues, location, vocation, suitability. I would include looking at your employers SPOF’s, and how they could ultimately affect you)

Incidentals (Mobile phone, internet, washing machine, cooker, utilities, car, TV etc.)

Mark Denton Bevens

LifeChangeSystems.com