Soar to Success July 2016

Is This Idea a New

Opportunity or a Shiny

Object?

We entrepreneurs by nature are ideas people, aren’t we?

We are innovators who like to think big and are willing to

take risks to put our plans into action.

I’ve noticed that when a business is brand new we have

so much excitement knowing that our idea is becoming

a reality, it consumes our thoughts and we push forward

with vigor.

However, there comes a time, typically when a business

starts to grow, that new ideas and opportunities present

themselves. For the idea loving entrepreneurial mind,

these new opportunities are like a strong magnet pulling

us in their direction.

Shiny Object Syndrome

can be detrimental especially

when your business is not growing as fast as you thought

it would, which is typical for even the most seasoned

business builder. You start to question your strategy

and perhaps even your entire concept. Then, someone

or something comes along and presents what could be

the solution to all your challenges, distracting you from

staying focused on your strategy.

So how do you discern if it’s a distraction or a real

opportunity for you? Here are some suggestions: 1) ask a

mentor or coach, 2) ask your board of advisors, if you have

one, or finally 3) trust your gut. Quiet your mind and ask

yourself, why am I interested in this opportunity, what will

it do for me and is it in alignment with my vision. Use the 5

whys technique to keep delving deeper into it until you are

at the place of understanding your real motivation. That’s

when you’ll know if its a true opportunity or a distraction.

Pat Altvater