Welcome back to our series on Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS), a common trap for many solo female entrepreneurs, creatives, and high-achieving professionals. In our first installment, we introduced our strategy acronym, F.O.C.U.S. (Find Observe Commit Understand Succeed), and explored the first two steps: ‘Find’ and ‘Observe.’ Now, let’s dive right into number three and four, the ‘Commit’ and ‘Understand’ stages, which are crucial to battling the allure of the new and shiny and staying on course towards your business goals.
3. Commit (Goal Setting and Prioritization)
To overcome SOS, you need to commit to your chosen path. This commitment involves setting clear, measurable, and achievable goals for your business. When a shiny object appears on your horizon, you can evaluate it against your pre-defined objectives. Does it align with your goals? Does it contribute to your long-term vision? If not, it might be just another distraction.
Prioritizing is also an integral part of commitment. By determining what is most important to your business success, you’ll be better equipped to filter out irrelevant shiny objects. Create a priority list, which will serve as a road map, guiding your decisions and actions.
To beat SOS, R.A.C.E.
To help you commit effectively, I recommend a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) based activity, R.A.C.E.: Recognize, Analyze, Confront, Execute.
Recognize: Acknowledge the allure of the shiny object. Is it an attractive business strategy, new course or a new technology tool?
Analyze: Evaluate its alignment with your goals. Will it help you achieve your long-term vision or merely divert resources and attention?
Confront: Challenge the shiny object. Question its relevance to your business and its potential to add value.
Execute: If it aligns with your priorities, integrate it into your action plan. If not, let it go. Remember, not every shiny object is worth your time.
You have finished the R.A.C.E. , now it is time to Understand.
4. Understand (Reflect and Learn)
Understanding is about reflecting on your actions, learning from your experiences, and gaining insights about your SOS triggers. When you’re drawn to a shiny object, take a moment to understand why it attracts you. Is it the promise of quick results? Or is it the thrill of trying something new?
Use these insights to identify patterns in your behavior and adapt your decision-making process. For instance, if you find yourself constantly drawn to get-rich-quick schemes, you might need to reassess your attitude towards success and patience.
In the end, understanding yourself better will help you navigate the sea of shiny objects more effectively. You’ll learn when to dip your toes in and when to stay on the shore.
That’s it for Part 2. Remember, overcoming SOS involves more than just awareness. It requires commitment to your goals, understanding your triggers, and learning from your experiences. The road might be challenging, but with persistence and the F.O.C.U.S. strategy, you can turn this vulnerability into a strength.
In my final installment, we’ll explore the last stage of F.O.C.U.S.: ‘Succeed.’ We’ll look at accountability measures, celebrate progress, and reinforce how taming SOS can lead to long-lasting success. Until then, keep working on ‘Find,’ ‘Observe,’ ‘Commit,’ and ‘Understand,’ and you’ll already be well on your way to better managing SOS.
Shirley L.A. Brooks is a sought-after life and business strategist who blends her expertise in entrepreneurship, strategic consulting, and personal growth coaching to holistically empower individuals and their businesses. Known for her dynamic and insightful approach, Shirley goes beyond traditional business strategies, focusing on the interconnected growth of personal ambitions and business success. Her commitment to fostering transformational journeys resonates in every interaction, making her a treasured ally for those aspiring to reach their full potential. Learn more about her at bit.ly/Shirleylabrooks
