Stop chasing the shiny new things

It's so easy to say yes to that new project or that new initiative that everyone else has jumped on. But progress means focus, it's all about focusing on what you want and not getting side-tracked because you love new-shiny tasks/projects.

Sam, what the hell is a shiny new thing?

Shiny new things is the term I have come to describe for new projects, activities and initiatives that are tantalisingly exciting in the short term but over the medium to long term get you side-tracked and take your focus on the biggest goals that move the needle. Stop chasing them.

Get focused on what you want

Get clarity on what you want to achieve. If you're not where you want to be then focus on what you want and what needs to make that happen.

It's going to be hard to follow through

But once you are working towards your goals push through and get it done. It's a bit like that one random time I decided to do a marathon (not done one since) mile 15-20 were the worst - you were long past the start line but the finish line seemed like a mirage. You have to keep going and not get distracted because this is where success and failure happen.

Stop chasing now so you can say yes later down the line

Contract your focus inwards and set a period of time in your mind where you will do your utmost not to say yes to a new endeavour just so you can make sustained progress. If you can do that for 3 months, 6 months or a year do it. So it might mean staying in that job while you push through on your side hustle. It might mean that you close out a series of current projects you are working on so you can have some space to sum up the energy for your next big thing.

Your next steps...

If you need to get focused check out our free tools to help you

Academics - get our Trello board here to bring clarity to your working day

Individuals - If you need to find clarity in your goals and next steps check out our coaching programme here

Businesses - get your strategy clear and get your business working smarter for you by joining a small business strategy session.