Set Clear Goals
Be clear about what goals you want to accomplish within a month, a quarter and a year or two. When something new comes up, take a look at where it fits in helping you achieve your objectives. If they are not in alignment or don’t move you forward, hit the “pause” button.
Making a commitment to clear goals will help you avoid the shiny penny.
Make Commitments
Making firm commitments to your current goals can help you avoid Shiny Penny Syndrome. Set milestones and deadlines to keep you on track. Before jumping into something new, check your progress and assess whether the new thing will continue your progress or impede it. If it will slow you down or disrupt your progress, then make a hard pass.
Share your Goals
Sharing your goals with your mentor or coach can keep you on track. Letting others know your plans can provide accountability. Having conversations with those you trust about the new options and whether they are in alignment can help you clarify benefits or drawbacks.
Eliminate Distractions
Are you blasted constantly with new opportunities, new ideas, new trends? It could even be from a group that’s helpful to you, or that certified you in past trainings. If these sources become a disruption and slow your roll towards your goals, then limit or even consider actively removing yourself from their influence.
Understand the Costs
Before jumping into something new, calculate the cost of that decision. How long the new project interfere with your current goals? Will it enhance your current trajectory or cause delay? How long will it take you to recoup what is lost? Switching may cost you more than you realize.
Calculate the cost before you jump into something new.
Just say NO!
Learn to say, “NO!” This may not be easy to do but it’s a skill you must master if you want to meet your goals. And your “no” may just mean “not now,” and that’s okay, too. Putting a hold on something now doesn’t mean never. It just puts a “pause” in place in order to stay focused.
That shiny penny is alluring, but by implementing a few avoidance strategies, you can remain focused on your goals and objectives and accomplish a lot more.
For more information on growing a thriving coaching practice, check out The Coach Business Guide, The Path to Launch and Grow Your Coaching Practice, Chapter 23, Growing your Business.
