Shiny Objects Will Blind You

byUSVet

196 followers

11 years ago

I have been in the new product development field for many years as an engineer and a marketer/business development role. Over that time, I have had the opportunity to see what separates successful inventors/entrepreneurs and those that were not. I call it the "shiny object syndrome".

Over the years I have seen many inventors/product developers fail. Everyone of them had traits in their personality and work ethic that are common among all of them that failed.

1. They all seem to have what I call "shiny object syndrome". They are looking for quick fixes and results that are not realistic. There are part of the development process that are slower than others. The idea is the easiest part, but implementation is a little harder. These people lack the stick-to-it attitude to achieve success.
   
2. They need the shiny object to keep them excited and occupied and the harder tasks do not get accomplished. They always think there is a shortcut. Be aware of people trying to sell you a quick fix that will supposedly get you across the finish line without the harder work getting done.

You will notice them with their "limited time offers", "only 5 left" and their $19.97, $47 and $97 price tags. I am not saying they are all bad, but buyer beware. Don't be distracted by the shininess, but evaluate whether it will really move you towards your goals.

3. They don't have any other goal than to sell their product and get rich. They don't realize the path to success is a long series of short-term and long term goals that when accomplished results in a successful product. You need to strive doggedly towards hitting your short term goals and the long term goals will be met. Set timelines and meet your timelines. If you have to miss your favorite show to write a blog, you can always catch it on Hulu or Netflix. The time you put in now will pay for itself many times over later.

Those product developers/inventors that are successful have a number of identifiable traits that are common amongst those that take successful products to market. Shiny objects do not affect these people.

1. Number one is that they have long-term vision of what they want their product to be and how important their role is making that product successful.
2. Number two is that they follow a product development process that they have been taught or developed themselves that greatly increases their chances of success. With WA, you have a proven step-by-step process that guides you to where you need to be and greatly increases your chances of success.
3. These people are fanatically dedicated to the efforts required to achieve their short and long term goals. If their goal is to have something done by Monday morning, they will spend all weekend if necessary to hit their timeline. Once you begin to rationalize why a timeline can be compromised, you can begin to rationalize all your other failures to get things done.

Your business is your product. When you are first starting out, there are baby steps as you go through your training. They are small steps, but each are important to building a foundation for your success later. Keep on schedule and dedicate a specific (minimum) time you will spend on your business each day or week. Don't let things get in the way. But if you miss a day, figure out how you can make that day up.

The most important thing is don't let yourself get discouraged. Keep positive and have fun. Take some time to listen to some motivational speakers if you are getting down. There are thousands of podcasts out there that you can listen to while you are working out, driving in the car or eating your lunch. Also stay involved in the WA community. These are all like-minded people with whom you have a lot in common with. There will be times they will pull you out of a ditch and times you will be there for them.

You are building a business that will give you a location independent lifestyle that many dream of, but most don't have the dedication to achieve. Enjoy the journey and reap the rewards.