My week in pictures (from L-R:) Good times in Seattle speaking to the amazing Pacific Northwest branch of iaap, getting inspired at the Art of Leadership and hearing Amy Cuddy speak live (and meeting her!) with Heather Moyse, Leigh Mitchell and friends, the 3 finalists of the CAPS Toronto Chapter ‘Catch a Rising Star’ contest, learning lots at ‘What Mama Didn’t Tell Us About… hormones’ hearing the incredibly inspirational Orlando Bowen speak at the Oakville chamber YPEG event. Phew… busy week!

Shiny Object Syndrome?!? 3 Ways To Squash it!

We’re almost coming into the season of lights, giving, and lots of shiny objects. (crazy, right?!?)

However when I say shiny object syndrome, I’m not talking about a crazy obsession with glass ornaments or shiny balls.

I’m talking about those of us who are so full of ideas we all too easily get distracted, or we feel we need to go after the latest trend, or we get so excited by the next project we never actually complete what we are working on NOW.

The challenge? You’re a creative type – so of course you’re going to have lots of ideas swimming around in that head of yours at any one time. However, sometimes it’s due to other things that are going on around us, or in our own head. Once identified, you have the power to do something about it.

And if you are ever going to see anything into fruition, into the full potential it can be, you have to have crazy discipline and immense focus, and stick to one thing before chasing your next big idea.

If you really want to make a difference, you need to work on only ONE THING at a time. (Not that all of your ideas aren’t possible, simply not all at the same time.)

EEK! Easier said than done, right? I’m preaching to the choir here I know… including to myself!

Here are three ways to get your awareness on WHY you may be experiencing shiny object syndrome, and how to squash it.

1. Comparitis

We often get distracted from our purpose, mission, or project du jour by looking at what everyone else is doing around us. And although this can be inspiring, it can also be dangerous!

How to stop it?

Avoid comparing yourself to others. Easier said than done, I know. However, you need to honour your own journey. Trust you are exactly where you need to be. And remember you are only ever going to be the best in the world at being you.

2. Noise

It’s information overload out there! So many fascinating things to learn about, successful people to listen to, books to read, trends to watch. And it’s tough to stay focused and stick to the task at hand when we are competing with millions of bits of stimuli and ideas and advice at any given time!

How to stop it?

Step away from the noise every once in a while. Don’t sign up for a new program, teleseminar, or webinar, until you have implemented all you learned from the last one. And trust you will find what you need to learn when you need to learn it.

3. Self-Doubt

When you don’t think your current idea or project is perfect enough, good enough, or you’re questioning it all together, may find yourself already thinking about your next idea. Not fair! Chances are you started what you’re working on now because you were passionate about it. And so you need to focus on that, and give your current baby a fair go.

How to stop it?

Connect to your why. Realize it’s not about you… remove yourself from the equation so you can come from a place of service. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. People who believe in you. People who will hold you up to your highest potential. And have some sort of ritual in place that connects to your true self… be it writing in a journal, reading your vision, meditating, going for a walk…

Shiny Object Syndrome, although it can mean you have a keen eye for nice things, it can also be detrimental to your business.

Step away from the shiny objects. Stop the self-doubt, the noise, the comparing. Stay on track. You got this! (Click to tweet it out!)

Have a FAB week!

P.S. You wanna hear Seth Godin speak LIVE in Toronto tomorrow? Come to Socialight Toronto… and because you are a part of this community, you are entitled to half off! Got to www.socialighttoronto.com and use code “LIVEBIG” !!!