Oh my!
This month, each of my brilliant clients is feeling overwhelmed by the abundant distractions that keep showing up in their lives, and the limited amount of time available to participate in each experience. Too many choices and “Shiny Lures” of distraction seem to be everywhere causing acute experiences of pleasure and pain. These powerful women want to have it all, but occasionally get lost in the land of potent distraction. Here are some ways you can address the anxiety surrounding an attractive diversion, get clear about your choices, and move forward on the path of your choosing.
I learned a great lesson from Arleen Boyd (better known as “Aloha” Arleen) when I interviewed her for my new book, Life on Your Terms. She said: “Just because you’re an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you’re living life on your terms. Recognize your purpose, and stay vigilant on that path. What I’ve found is that you can have it all—you just can’t DO it all at the same time.”
This is sage advice from a woman who started her own telecommunications company in the early 1980s and enjoyed the cutthroat business world and her CEO status until she realized that she was not running her business: it was running her. My recent conversations with powerful women like Arleen nudged me to share some supportive ideas about living in a world filled with desirable distractions. I am happy to report that today, Arleen brings her expertise to companies in the area of social media, building her clients’ internet presence to lift awareness, build brands, generate income, and keep customers. She strongly believes in surrounding herself with a network of peers who are also in positions of leadership. This network has allowed her to reach out and collaborate, and to stay grounded.
Supportive tips to keep in mind when you are snagged by a provocative shiny lure:
Experience and dream about the potential of the interesting, inviting and sexy opportunity – Part of the joy of being an entrepreneur is following your passion and making your own decisions. Another part is allowing yourself to dream and explore enticing opportunities. You don’t have to say YES to every exciting offer. Remember that you have only so many units of you to share with the world.
Allow 24 -48 hours or more to make decision on your investment or involvement – Have you ever been fully drawn into something immediately, only to find that a couple days later the thrill is gone? When I am read to chomp on a shiny object, I allow myself to get fired up and then let the idea / opportunity simmer. Immediate deadlines be damned! Let the idea sit and then revisit your energy in a day or two.
Explore the potential outcome of letting the shiny object pass you by – What is the worst case scenario if you do not pounce on the object of your immediate affection? Can you live with this potential outcome? Is this an experience you can enjoy a year from now?
Is the fear of loss motivating you to take action? – Often we can get caught up in a brilliantly crafted offer and lose our sense of balance out of the fear of missing out on an opportunity. Marketers know how to push our buttons. You know the drill: Only 2 spots left for blah blah blah… Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. RIGHT. When an offer resonates with you and is in your best interest, things will naturally fall into place. Do all you can to blow off fear-based involvement in ANY activity.
Does this shiny opportunity fit in with your vision for your business and your life? – This question will help you make solid decisions. If you don’t have a vision for your business, it is time to begin creating one. I’ve found the people I work with who have a plan or dream have a much easier time discerning which lures to chase.
For those of you who have a voracious appetite for all things shiny and new, I feel for you. Remember that you can have it all–You just can’t fully enjoy and experience it all at the same time.
Hutchison’s Law: “Any occurrence requiring undivided attention will be accompanied by a compelling distraction.” – Robert Bloch
By Shann Vander Leek
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