“Certain things catch your eye, but only follow those that capture the heart.”
-Ancient Indian Proverb
Every successful person I have ever known by their very nature, sees opportunities all around them. They notice ways to make things better, meet a need, or fix a problem.
However, this acute awareness can become their greatest weakness if not kept in check. Often it’s not a lack of ideas that keeps them from achieving things, but having TOO MANY ideas to choose from! There are just so many shiny things to distract us!
“Shiny Object” Syndrome is the tendency to get distracted by new thoughts and ideas, and never focus on or complete anything.
It looks like this:
In the middle of a project, you decide to check your email, peruse a favorite newsfeed, Facebook, or Twitter. An hour later you go back to the project and have to reorient yourself as to where you were before you can continue.
You’re always ready to take on a new project, even if your workload is heavy, because he allure of a new challenge is just more than you can resist.
You’re constantly starting new ideas only to move on to the next one as soon as implementing the first idea gets difficult. For example, you start a new workout program, then drop it for the latest craze, never reaching your original fitness goal.
Basically, you constantly start things, but often don’t finish them before you are on to the next shiny object.
Don’t worry, it’s not fatal, but it can cause you to fill up your day with busyness, as opposed to actions that move you toward that important goal. You waste countless hours and dollars in pursuit of a new shiny object when you haven’t thought through whether this new item, technique, service or product is “right” for your business or your life.
When we are chasing after shiny objects instead of taking focused action toward what’s important to us, we become frustrated, disappointed in ourselves, and downright weary. At the end of the day we begin to question our commitment and even the goal or dream we started out for in the beginning
QUICK TIP: Here are some very effective steps you can take to avoid being distracted by shiny objects once and for all. I call them the 3 C’s.
First, CHOOSE 1 – do your homework, form a focus group, get professional advice – then Choose 1 idea!
Second, COMMIT to the time, money, energy, resources – whatever it’s going to take to accomplish it. Keep your eyes on the prize! Be committed to see it through to the finish! Stay focused!
Third, my personal favorite, CELEBRATE your results. When you celebrate your results it renews your spirit. It gives you the energy to choose the next idea wisely and make it a reality.
This Quick Tip is an excerpt from Joan’s best-selling book, You’re Busy. I Get It. Quick Tips to Accomplish More with Less Stress. Available on Amazon and at www.joanwashburn.com.
