Boil the Ocean: How Overambitious Projects Hurt Your Finances

Every ambitious project starts with optimism, but in Australian finance circles, the phrase ‘boil the ocean’ is a warning sign. It describes the urge to solve every problem at once—taking on sprawling, unmanageable projects that inevitably waste resources and time. In 2025, as economic headwinds and tighter capital force businesses and individuals to prioritise, understanding the risks of ‘boiling the ocean’ is more crucial than ever.

What Does ‘Boil the Ocean’ Mean in Finance?

Originating in management speak, ‘boil the ocean’ refers to trying to do too much at once—like launching a startup with every feature imaginable or attempting to overhaul a company’s entire tech stack in one go. In financial terms, it often means:

• Setting vague, overly broad business goals

• Spreading investment or resources too thinly

• Attempting all-encompassing change without clear priorities

For example, in 2024, several Australian fintechs struggled after chasing rapid expansion across multiple markets, only to retreat and restructure when costs ballooned and focus suffered.

Why ‘Boil the Ocean’ Projects Are Especially Risky in 2025

This year, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has emphasised discipline as interest rates remain elevated and funding conditions are tighter than in the previous decade. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has also updated its guidelines, pushing for more robust risk management and scenario planning in large-scale business initiatives.

Attempting to ‘boil the ocean’ in this environment can lead to:

• Cost blowouts: Projects that try to do everything often end up over budget and behind schedule.

• Loss of stakeholder confidence: Investors and boards now expect laser-sharp focus and clear milestones—not blue-sky plans without substance.

• Regulatory risk: APRA’s 2025 updates mean banks and financial firms must demonstrate concrete, staged progress in transformation projects, or risk intervention.

One high-profile example: A major Australian bank’s 2023 digital overhaul aimed to replace legacy systems across all divisions simultaneously. The initiative led to months of disruption, customer complaints, and a public backtrack to a phased, targeted approach by late 2024.

How to Avoid ‘Boil the Ocean’ Thinking

Whether you’re running a business, managing a super fund, or simply planning your finances, here’s how to sidestep this common pitfall:

• Break down big goals: Tackle projects in logical, bite-sized phases with clear KPIs and review points.

• Prioritise ruthlessly: Focus on the initiatives with the highest return or impact. For example, if you’re digitising your business, start with customer-facing processes before back-office systems.

• Align with 2025 policy: Stay current with APRA, ASIC, and RBA guidance—demonstrating compliance and risk management will keep stakeholders onside.

• Communicate progress: Set clear, regular check-ins with stakeholders to ensure everyone understands priorities and progress, reducing the risk of overreach or drift.

By focusing on what matters most and resisting the urge to tackle everything at once, Australian organisations and individuals can achieve real, lasting results—even in a challenging economic climate.

Conclusion: Keep It Simple, Keep It Smart

‘Boil the ocean’ thinking is tempting—especially when ambition runs high. But in 2025, with financial pressure and regulatory scrutiny at historic highs, the smartest move is to prioritise, plan, and execute in stages. The key to Australian financial success? Keep your projects practical, your goals focused, and your ambitions grounded in reality.