One common issue new people starting out online is distraction by “shiny objects”. Just like a real shiny object distracts the 
mind of a child off the task at hand, the doing business on the internet“shiny object” distracts the would be entrepreneur from proper business foundations.
We think of a new idea, we hear of a great new gadget or marketing technique, and ZOOM, we’re off! There’s great energy and excitement in starting something new.
The problem is that it’s easy to get distracted from the goals and commitments you’ve already made. Rather than seeing things through to completion, you abandon the goals and projects you’ve already started to chase after whatever new thing has just caught your eye.
Of course what happens is that that everything always gets started, but nothing ever gets finished. In addition, countless hours and dollars are wasted in pursuit of the new, shiny object without having thought through whether this new item, technique, service or product is “right” for your business.
Shiny object syndrome is rampant everywhere. In television it shows up as shows that are dumpd after 6 or 8 episodes barely allowing the show to take root with the public. Big businesses follow the latest business fad. Countless people have started blogs and abandoned them within a year (or less!) because they got tired of writing posts — or worse, no one was reading the posts.
I know it’s hard not to get excited about every new idea that comes past you. Some of them are very, very cool. But you are running a business and you must stop and ask yourself:
If you frequently abandon commitments in favor of new interests and projects, here are five techniques I’ve found helpful in evaluating new opportunities. Is
Delay Your Decision. This one is hard at least it is for me. It’s the adrenalin rush you feel when you get that new idea or find the latest product or service that you’re sure will be the QUICK EASY answer to all your problem. Try waiting a few days before making a final decision. During this self-imposed cooling-off period, you’ll probably find that your enthusiasm wanes and you’re better able to evaluate whether this new opportunity will move you closer to your goal.
Use Review Board. Ask people you trust and who understand your goals for input before you commit to taking on any new projects or work. Most entrepreneurs have plenty of friends on social media. Just ask them. You may find people that are already using the product or service Ask for an honest evaluation and what they might do differently if they didn’t have it or how it helped them in their business. They have nothing to gain by being untruthful to a friend so you are bound to get great feedback here
Inner Board of Advisors
Create an imaginary group of mentors that you can turn to for advice. Simply create some quiet time, close your eyes and ask your board for advice about the opportunity you are considering.
Are you clear as to WHY you are contemplating this new shiny object?
“Why is this important to you?”
“What if this shiny object were no longer important to you?”
“Will this move me closer to my goal?
“Do I have the time, resources, energy, and money to put into this to make it successful?”
“Do I have too many open projects sitting on my desk that need to be finished before I begin something new?”
“Do I have the ability to finish this new project, plus implement and maintain it?”
“What has to drop off my radar in order for me to start something new?”
There’s nothing wrong with loving innovation. Just make sure you don’t lose focus on what’s most important for you, your business and your customers.
Maintaining the focus you need to complete goals can be difficult when the world offers so many exciting things to learn, do and experience. Use these 5 tips to ensure that any new opportunities you choose to pursue will support, rather than detract, from your existing commitments. By resisting the adrenaline rush that comes from starting something new, you’ll find it easier to complete more of what you start – delivering a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat
That’s some very good advise. I think I might have shiny object syndrome every time I enter the sewing ideas on Pinterest!
Visiting from Ultrablog.