You’ve been there, right?  (I can’t possibly be the only one!)  When you’ve decided, “Ok, this is the direction I’m going to take in my business and I’m going to go for it like my life depends on it!”.......and then….something shiny comes a long and you think…”Oh, wait! Maybe I should be doing it that way? Or maybe that’s the product I should be offering or that’s the marketing tool I should use next???”.

You jump from one thing to the next, never really making progress  and become frustrated that you aren’t taking your business to the next level.

Lack of consistent action in your business will be the death of it.

So, How do we avoid shiny object syndrome?!

Cure #1)   Break up your goals into 90 day quarters.

Choose one main 90 day business target or overall 90 day theme. Now,  when anything new comes your way you can check-in with your 90 day goals and see if this new project really aligns with where you are focused right now. If it is aligned with your goals, but not within this 90 day period, place it on the calendar for the next 90 day goal session.

Get started with my comprehensive 90 day goal setting workbook here.

Cure #2)   Emphasize your successes as you go.

When you consciously show yourself just how much you are moving in the right direction you can take a realistic view on whether you should change course.  

This can be done with a “Daily Done List”. At the end of the day write out what you actually got done .

By doing this, you'll  acknowledge that you are making achievements by focusing on what you’re already doing, and in order to continue with that success you should stay on that route.

If after a couple weeks you see you aren’t making much progress, then perhaps it is time to change direction.

Cure #3)   Get better at saying no to others.

Let people know you will think about it. If asked off the cuff, let them know you need to check your calendar first instead of an automatic “yes!”.  This way you aren’t accepting every new shiny thing that comes your way and instead are giving yourself time to really evaluate the best decision first.

Cure #4) Have a support system:

A group of business peers/besties is essential in navigating these tricky business waters. Not only to have a group  to hold you accountable (#stay focused) , but to also bounce ideas off of.

When you do have a shiny new idea or project come your way it’s invaluable to have people you know and trust to get feedback from and brainstorm with.  They can help you determine if that really is the next best step or something that will totally take you off course. Mastermind Groups are perfect for this!

Cure #5) The 5 most important Questions to ask yourself when faced with a new shiny object:

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>>Feel free to print out these questions and place in your office for easy access when you need it!

Just right click on the graphic and save. <<

The 5 Prescription Questions Explained:

Q 1: Will it move you closer to a primary goal?

This is where we usually get stuck right? You aren’t sure it will bring you to your ultimate goal or you are pretty sure it will...maybe….maybe this time….hmmmm.

To get to the bottom of this you need to ask yourself;

Q 2: What are the benefits of completing this task?

Write them out. Say them out loud. Really get into the true benefits.

If you then determine it is beneficial and it will help reach your goals, determine when it needs to be done.

       Q 3: Does this have to be done today or within this 90 day quarter or can it wait?

If it can wait for another time write it down in your “Future” or “Someday/maybe” notebook and revisit it at another time. Or if you know it’s something you want to re-visit sooner make a note in the calendar to review the idea at that time.

        Q 4: Do I personally have to do it or can this be delegated?

If it’s determined that “Yes!” this new project needs to be completed, ask yourself it it needs to be you that does it or can you delegate it?

If you still aren’t sure if you should do it now or later ask yourself:

Q 5: What's the worst that will happen if it's not completed today or within this quarter (90 day goal session)?

Shiny object syndrome can be the result of many different things; fear of failure, fear of missing out (#FOMO) or just not knowing the next best business step. Whatever the reason may be, we all know that lack of a strategic plan and consistent action in our businesses will not produce thriving results.

To help you narrow down your goals and create that strategic action plan, I’m sharing with you my 90 day goal setting workbook.

I want to see you get a head start on your next 90 day goals and still reach your 2017 desires!