If you are an entrepreneur, like me, then you have ideas. Lots of ideas. That's natural. But it's also natural to get caught up in things that don't propel you and your business forward. You know what I mean… those things we've come to know as Bright Shiny Objects.
They consume our time, confuse our thought process, and causes to procrastinate. And then, before you know it, hours have gone by and you've accomplished little if anything.
But there's some good news. Overcoming your bright shiny object syndrome is very possible. It may take a little bit of work on your part, but once you've achieved that goal you'll be so happy you went through the process.
Let me pay you a picture. As an entrepreneur, you are likely highly creative, tremendously intuitive, and optimistic by nature. You see opportunity where most people don't.
And that's where the trouble arises. You're open to other peoples ideas. You're constantly reading and exploring things to find new solutions and opportunities. And, in a perfect world you'd like to bring all of these ideas to life at once.
Did you see that squirrel?
Sorry, I got off track for a moment. Maybe I'll go check my email and then come back to writing the rest of this.
Okay. Good thing I did that. I just saw an offer in my inbox for something I would have missed out on if I had gotten there a minute later.
Okay, I'm kidding, but if this all sounds familiar, then you're suffering from this same affliction that keeps so many entrepreneurs from success.
So here's what to do about it…
Start with focussing on just ONE idea and direct your undivided attention on it. Of all the ideas you have in your head right now, which one has the potential to make you the most money?
This is the idea you want to focus your complete attention, energy and resources on.
Many other great ideas and opportunities will come your way as you work on bringing your best idea to life, but until that happens, keep a running “Great Idea/Opportunity” list where you can keep a record of these items for future attention.
All of those great ideas and opportunities are useless to you if you can't bring them to full completion within a reasonable time frame.
With your best idea at the forefront, decide on how to implement a structured plan. Map your plan into bite-size, manageable pieces and once done, focus your attention on completing the first step. Only once you have completed that step, move on to the next.
Keep in mind, throughout the process distractions will surround you. When presented with an opportunity, albeit a good one, learn to say ‘no' if it takes you away from your primary goal.
It's often hard for entrepreneurs to say ‘no' but chasing many ideas simultaneously will only put you further and further behind.
So, where do you start today? Here's a brief guideline to help you along:
1. Make a list of all the ideas and opportunities on your ‘to do' list right now.
2. Pick the one that will make you the most money or bring you most fulfillment (if money isn't what you seek) and develop a manageable plan to complete it.
3. When distractions arise, ask yourself, “Will this bring me closer to my goal or take me further away from it?”
4. If they take you away from your primary goal, learn to say ‘no.'
5. Keep accountable to yourself… by using this terrific FREE management system developed by Kelly McCausey at SoloSmarts.