The Difference Between an Opportunity and a Distraction

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It’s the beginning of 2023, which means the promise of a whole new year of possibilities!

As a visionary, you’re likely especially anxious about getting started on tackling your new goals for your center.

But as a visionary, you also need to ensure you stay grounded in reality—and that means recognizing that not every new opportunity is of real value to your center.

Because you want the very best for your school, you can be particularly susceptible to what’s called “shiny object syndrome.”

Shiny object syndrome is the continual state of distraction brought on by the ongoing belief that there’s always something new worth pursuing. In early childhood education, this can look like a new software, curriculum, or even the latest teaching technique.

With so many potential opportunities, it’s easy to let your imagination run wild. But if you’re always focused on the possibilities, you become distracted from the present and the goals you’re working on right now.

So, how do you know what’s truly an opportunity worth pursuing and what’s simply a distraction from the big picture?

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m digging into shiny object syndrome and how you can tease apart opportunities from distractions.

Join me for a conversation about:

• The sneaky “shiny object syndrome” trap 
• The different types of shiny objects
• How to avoid falling into the trap
• How to undo any damage that’s already been done
• Ways to better prepare ourselves and our teams for shiny object syndrome

Your excitement about new opportunities may sometimes be a weakness, but it can also be your greatest strength. As long as you keep your sights focused on what matters, you can use your visionary power to steer your ship toward the legacy you want to build for your center.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Speaking of building a legacy, we’ll be diving into how to build legacy through values-based leadership at our 2023 Summit of Excellence. While this year’s summit is limited to members only, it’s not too late for non-members to participate. Just fill out an application for our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs today.

As a member, you’ll not only have the chance to attend the Summit of Excellence, but you’ll also benefit from tools, resources, community, and coaching that will produce real results and help you build a school of excellence.

Click Here to Listen on Apple Podcasts

Click Here to Listen on Non-Apple Devices

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life.

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

In addition to weekly solo episodes, she’ll also be inviting industry leaders and the changing makers of the landscape of education to give listeners the inside knowledge of what it takes to sustain excellence.

Don’t miss an episode, subscribe today for everything you need for your leadership journey!