Have you ever seen the movie Up? In it, there’s a scene where a talking dog (he has a collar that translates his thoughts) is explaining his voice, only to be derailed by the passing of a squirrel. You may know this example as “shiny object syndrome.” Whatever you call it, it’s becoming a big problem for businesses and entrepreneurs. Here’s why and what you can do about it if it’s interfering with your success. The Escalating Problem of Squirrels
Experts argue over whether our attention spans are diminishing or not, but the one thing we know is true as business owners, there are a greater number of things distracting us. New social media platforms are popping up. Gurus tell you there are newsletters to be written and sent, podcasts to be recorded, conferences to attend, and a host of other things that are “guaranteed” to improve our businesses. There are only so many hours in the day, and you can’t do everything. How’s a businessperson supposed to choose? What path should they navigate or what tasks should they undertake for success? Why Is Shiny Bad for Business? Chasing squirrels or shiny object syndrome entices business owners to pursue business success in a non-goal-oriented way. In these cases, your eye is continually drawn to the glimmer, the new trend, the quick answer to revenue. These things can be exciting (and distracting) with promises of easy wins. Business owners who pursue them often get halfway down a path and then either lose interest or they realize they simply can’t keep up. Have you ever recorded a few episodes of a podcast only to abandon it when you learn you don’t have the time to market yet another thing? Don’t beat yourself up. Any innovative, creative leader can be drawn in, especially when the leadership push these days is innovation and failing fast. Finding the right mixture for business success can feel like heading up a squirrel rodeo. If you’re pulled in many directions and find yourself wondering where the path to business success is, you need to stop chasing squirrels and focus on the nuts. Stop Chasing Squirrels Here are some suggestions on how you can cut down on chasing after the quickest-moving thing:
Chasing squirrels (or shiny object syndrome) can be a significant obstacle to long-term success in business. Remember, success comes from staying focused, charting progress, and making deliberate choices aligned with your core objectives. You cannot do it all or you will spread yourself too thin to be successful at any of it. By implementing these strategies, you can steer your business toward sustainable growth and achieve the outcomes you aspire to with fewer distractions and more nuts stored up for winter. Christina Metcalf is a writer/ghostwriter who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She loves road trips, hates exclamation points, and has been known to suffer from wanting to do all the things. _______________________________________ Twitter: @christinagsmith Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking LinkedIn: @christinagsmith Threads: @christinametcalfauthor
3 Comments
7/22/2024 11:36:12 pm
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9/17/2024 07:32:08 am
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