I wasn’t planning on writing anything today as I am on a deadline to file my 2009 taxes! I know, I know… who ever said I was perfect?
Yesterday, I had a great and in depth conversation with one of the few leaders I truly admire, Mike Klingler and unbeknownst to him, I wrote this as he inspire me to think and look around as to the reality of what’s going on around us.
There is a concern that has been nagging me for a few months now and I know I have been guilty and most of the people I know are guilty of this as well… it’s the “Bright and Shiny Object” syndrome or B.S.O. Syndrome. Trust me, I am guilty… In the past 6 years I have bought courses upon courses, seminars and systems with hopes that I will finally discover the “Holy Grail” that will leap my business forward.
I would tell myself… “Hmmm, sounds good… presentation is awesome… I am moved to action… love the benefits, I can use that in my business NOW and get a jump-start…”
BUT guess what? Some of those courses, systems and hundreds of pages of notes from events end up unused, untouched and they’re sitting there, useless…
So, in the past year… I started asking myself: “Is is it really just a Bright and Shiny Object Syndrome or is it an Escape Hole? Sometimes, we don’t even know the difference anymore as it has become the norm… it has become like an addiction…
In the past year or so, I finally took notice of this symptom. Granted, I am GRATEFUL that I took action in most of the opportunities and connections that came with the B.S.O. Syndrome. However, as I prepare my Excel spreadsheet for my taxes, it’s mind blowing how much I have actually spent on seminars, education, memberships, etc. – yes, including those that are still unopened!
Please don’t get me wrong.. I am all about personal development, staying inspired and learning skills necessary for entrepreneurs to stand out above the noise. But there comes a time when we become like “herds” and do things blindly and irresponsibly.
I am speaking from experience as you can probably sense my passion about this… I JUST DON’T WANT PEOPLE to make the same mistakes I did…
There is a huge surge on “celebritizing” ourselves… trust me, I know a thing or two about this one as I have a book called “Instant Online Celebrity” – however, being a celebrity goes much deeper than creating a following… Like Spidey’s wisdom says: “With great power comes great responsibility…”
We want to become – or at least be perceived – as celebrities but bottom line is, what’s your real intention? Is it just for self-gratification? Is it to lead a herd blindly or is it to make a difference and be able to really empower and move people towards the right direction?
I know I am getting off track here… I was writing about the B.S.O. Syndrome…
If you’re experiencing the B.S.O. Syndrome right now, here are some of my personal recommendations:
1) STOP… breathe… analyze…
2) Look through all the assets – the courses, info products you already have and see if you can make use of those first.
3) Check out the support you will get after you purchase something, does it include a live training, group coaching?
4) Understand what you’re getting into… what are the terms, guarantees, etc.
5) Look at your calendar and see how you’re going to fit in the learning curve you will have to invest in to implement it.
6) Create a personal “Accountability Challenge” for each development stage of your business… this is HUGE and it will keep you focused on the task at hand you need to finish. If you need an Accountability Mentor or Coach, find one!
7) Finally, DON’T RUSH SUCCESS! Good things still come to those who wait… Haste makes waste… this is true wisdom!
Ask yourself, is this really a “Bright and Shiny Object” or an “Escape Hole”? Sometimes, when the going gets tough, we think of ways to divert our attention into something else that we can sink our teeth into so we can tell ourselves we are “working” when in fact, we are escaping…. be honest with yourself… the truth could really set you free!
I trust that you will get some value out of this… I do care and you should care about your clients too…
Please share and/or comment… would love to hear your personal experiences…
Until next time, know that “I AM CHEERING YOU ON TO YOUR SUCCESS!!!”
Emma




