The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex

Episode: The Real Cost of Doing Everything Yourself
Host: Paul Alex Espinoza
Date: October 10, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

In this motivational solo episode, Paul Alex Espinoza dives deep into the "hidden costs" of doing everything yourself as an entrepreneur or ambitious professional. Drawing on personal stories from his early years transitioning from law enforcement to entrepreneurship, Paul challenges the bootstrap, “grind solo” mentality. He shares hard-earned lessons about delegation, trusting others, and reclaiming your time and energy – all with the aim of helping listeners accelerate their growth and well-being.

Key Insights & Discussion Points

1. The Myth and Danger of Doing It All Yourself

[01:04]

• Paul recalls his first business running ATM routes where he tried to handle every task: sales, maintenance, bookings, customer service—everything.
  • “I wanted to do every task, okay. Every role I filled, fixed, sold, booked, and cleaned. My phone never stopped. My family saw my back more than my face.” (Paul Alex, 01:10)
• He describes the toll: endless work, family time lost, and a “season” that stretched much longer than expected.

2. The Power of Delegation and Trust

[01:35]

• A pivotal moment: a mentor asks Paul the simple but life-changing question—
  • “Are you the only one who can do that job?” (Mentor, paraphrased by Paul Alex, 01:38)
  • Admits that for most tasks, the answer was no.
• By trusting and teaching “actual good people,” Paul discovered that:
  • His stress dropped
  • Service improved
  • He found mental “space to think and lead”
• Letting go is hard (“Control feels safe, but it becomes a trap. Trust feels risky and it becomes a bridge.” (Paul Alex, 02:08)) but is necessary for real, sustainable progress.

3. The Hidden Costs of Doing Everything Alone

[02:00]

• Burnout: Constant exhaustion, stunted joy
• Missed Opportunities: Focusing on low-impact tasks means lost chances for growth
• Slow Growth: Micro-managing delays scaling the business
• Emotional Drain: Relationships and personal well-being suffer
  • “You pay with burnout, you pay with missed chances. You pay with slow growth and weak joy.” (Paul Alex, 02:00)

4. Leaders as “Gardeners,” Not “Heroes”

[02:30]

• Effective leaders don’t do it all—their main role is “growing others”
  • “Leaders are not heroes who do it all. Leaders are actual gardeners who grow others well.” (Paul Alex, 02:32)
• Hold onto “work that uses your best gift,” but let go of draining tasks.
• When leaders empower teams:
  • Teams perform beyond expectation
  • Family life improves
  • The larger mission gains momentum

5. Universal Relevance—from Side Hustlers to 9-to-5ers

[01:55]

• These lessons apply not only to entrepreneurs but anyone in a “nine to five”:
  • “Even inside a nine to five, this matters, guys. You want to share credit, you want to share knowledge, you want to share the load. You rise faster when others rise with you.” (Paul Alex, 01:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “My family saw my back more than my face. I told myself it was only for a season. Look, the season stretched and my energy shrank.” (Paul Alex, 01:15)
• “Are you the only one who can do that job? The answer was no for most of my list.” (Mentor/Paul Alex, 01:38)
• “Control feels safe, but it becomes a trap. Trust feels risky, and it becomes a bridge.” (Paul Alex, 02:08)
• “Leaders are not heroes who do it all. Leaders are actual gardeners who grow others well.” (Paul Alex, 02:32)
• “You cannot carry a big dream with small hands alone, guys.” (Paul Alex, 03:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:42] – Paul Alex’s introduction and setup of the episode’s core message
• [01:04] – Early entrepreneurial struggles: trying to do everything solo
• [01:35] – The mentor’s pivotal question and the shift to delegation
• [02:00] – The hidden “costs” of trying to do it all
• [02:30] – Leadership as “gardening,” not heroics
• [02:55] – Moral of the episode; key takeaway

Takeaway & Actionable Advice

• Don’t wear “doing it all” as a badge of honor—recognize what tasks truly require your attention and which ones can be delegated.
• Building and trusting a team isn’t just a business move; it’s a life move that enhances growth, happiness, and purpose.
• True leaders foster growth in others, so everyone rises together.

To connect with Paul Alex or find more resources:
Instagram: @PaulAlex
Website: officialpaulalex.com

"You cannot carry a big dream with small hands alone, guys." – Paul Alex (03:00)