Aside from what is learned directly from reading an article, I find they often trigger ideas that can be applied in other, more specific areas. Not very surprising when realizing success principles are success principles and transfer across the board.
Such was the case when reading investment authority Steve Sjuggerud’s guest post recently in the online daily publication, Early to Rise.
The post itself was in regards to investing in property and the basic question he asked was, “Do you really want THIS PARTICULAR headache?” In other words, when you put the potential financial return against — not just your financial investment but — all the time, work, stress and other factors that you’ll incur, is it likely to be worth it?
Great question. And, while I’m not a real estate investor, I often struggle with where to invest my time and energy in terms of various projects.
Being a natural “shiny object pursuer” where most every idea looks good to me, I often find myself asking questions similar to Sjuggerud’s, though not with those particular words.
Well, the words are now changing. From now on, whenever considering a new project, idea, opportunity or any other investment of my time, I’ll ask myself, Burg:
“Do you really want THIS PARTICULAR headache?”
And, I see it being very clarifying.
What about you? Is this a question that would help you in the clarification process? What about prioritization? What areas do you find yourself struggling to say no to because the object really does look kind of shiny? Feel free to share. 🙂
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Bob, I have been one to be mesmerized by shiny objects. Really working at being focused and prioritized. Appreciate your reminder today!
I agree wholeheartedly 110%. Why put all that energy into something that you are probably not passionate about in the first place. And if you are not going to put 110% into the project anyhow you most likely are NOT going to get 110% out of it either. So exactly! Why put yourself through the stress. Great read Bob thanks for sharing!
Agi: Thank you for your comment. I think there are many of us who can relate to this! LOL
Yep. Sometimes I feel like a puppy dog in a pet food store, my nose attracted to so much. Thank you for the article Bob.
Steve: Thank you. Great way to put it!
Absolutely Bob. I also have a similar mindset and this question really helps me bring some clarity every time I feel overwhelmed. Thank you for bringing it up.
Regards,
Kumar
Kumar: My pleasure. Thank YOU for your always-kind feedback!
Robert: Thank you. Always appreciate you joining the convo!
Lol! Love it Bob. Not only do I suffer from shiny object syndrome, I wake up every morning, meditate, get great insights and have yet another wonderful idea to think about!!! Yes…I like that mantra “do I really want another headache…” Stay blessed and thanks for gentle reminder to stay focused on completing one thing at a time…uumm now that’s a novel idea…
Ntathu: Thank you. I greatly appreciate both your kind feedback and your terrific insight!
Haha… this is exactly why I’m not on Pinterest yet.
Beth: LOL Did you say…”yet?”
Bob,
I appreciate what you said here. My biggest fear is that I will jump from my “real job” into being fully THE IRREVERENT SALES GIRL and then…
The Irreverent Sales Girl will be my new headache.
I love that ISG is my passion and I am afraid I will turn it into my prison.
Thanks for giving voice to my fears!
Love your life UP!
The Irreverent Sales Girl
@ the Irreverent Sales girl. I have a woman that does our coaching on our staff and I am sure that she would love to work with you if that is what you desire. (Apologize if I am overstepping here Bob that is not my intent). We have seen this over and over and over again with those wanting to fulfill their passions but are “afraid” to take that next step for fear it might take over their lives. I was one of those people. Fear drove my life for a very long time. And most would tell me there is no way that they would believe it because I was a former Special Ops Sgt in the Army and I been to combat, etc etc. But the truth of the matter is, that it rules your life and it could be the deterrent to a better life. I was there and I lived what you are going through now. We are here to help if you need us. robert@focusdyna.com
D (Not sure if I’m allowed to use your secret identity) :-): I know you do a terrific job as the ISG. Obviously, if you take it on full-time it will indeed need to be with the knowledge that any of its headaches will be yours. By the same token, whether it turns out to be a “prison” or your “freedom” is something I don’t know enough about your situation to even guess. As we know, when your passion can also be your occupation…well, there are few things in life better than that. I’m sure you’ve considered: you might want to employ the services of a coach who can walk with you through this decision process. I wish you the very best of success. Please let us know how things turn out.
Bob, this question will certainly help me going forward. The two things I struggle with are chasing the shiny objects (as you describe) and underestimating the total investment on the front end. I am a card carrying optimist, and this question will help me take a balanced look at each opportunity. It’s simple and easy to apply… I like that.
As always, I appreciate your insight. Thanks for posting on this topic!
Robert: Not overstepping at all.
Stephen: Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I suspect that we “card-carrying optimists” are the most likely to fall into this trap.
Hi Bob,
Food for thought as always in your posts 🙂 When objects are very shiny it’s often easy to get caught up in their light, however it’s also easy to ponder a moment and think about how much time one would spend having to maintain that shine.
If one is partial to tarnished objects than as you say than the headache may stay far away 🙂 Or if one enjoys investing time and energy in keeping up the shine than us you say it’s clarifying.
We prefer to accept opportunities that are going to bring out the shine within ourselves, that’s when we find that the shine takes care of itself 🙂
Smiles from The English Sisters
English Sisters: Thank you! As always, you provided great wisdom in your feedback. I loved what you wrote and the imagery you provided (of course, as hypnotists…that’s what you do)! 🙂
Hi Bob, a wonderful little post, one that has big thinking! As always, I appreciate your thoughts and the constant reminder to check myself and myself, check!
Shameer: Thank you. And, as always, I appreciate your very kind feedback!