The Real Cost of Chasing Bright, Shiny Objects in Business (And How EOS Keeps You Focused)

If you’re a Visionary like me, you know exactly what it’s like.

One minute you’re reviewing your to-do list, the next you’re outlining an entirely new business idea. Before lunch. Again.

This is both a gift & a curse.

Visionaries thrive on ideas, opportunity & innovation. We see potential everywhere. But when every idea feels like gold, we risk chasing glitter instead of results.

This is where many entrepreneurs get stuck. And if you’re running a growing business – especially one with 10–600 employees – this habit of chasing ‘bright, shiny objects’ could be the very thing holding your team back from executing well.

Let’s unpack why.

What Exactly Is a Bright, Shiny Object?

Not every new idea is bad. But not every idea belongs in your business – at least not right now. Bright, shiny objects are distractions disguised as progress.

Common culprits include:

1. A new software tool that promises to solve a problem… that wasn’t really a problem
2. Pivoting your marketing plan because someone in your network went viral
3. A “quick” side project that turns into a 6-month sinkhole of resources
4. Hiring or launching something new before fixing foundational issues
5. Jumping on industry trends without checking alignment with your Core Focus

Here’s my personal confession: I once built out an entire coaching programme before validating whether anyone wanted it. (They didn’t.) But the branding? Stunning.

Why Visionaries Keep Falling for Distractions

You’re not alone – and you’re not broken. Visionaries are wired this way.

Here’s why we fall for the bright & shiny:

1. We’re energised by possibility, not process
2. We crave novelty – routine can feel like a straightjacket
3. We’re persuasive – we can talk ourselves (and our teams) into almost anything
4. We resist structure – until we realise we’re stuck in the same patterns

But while these traits are common, they can be dangerous if left unchecked. You may think you’re innovating, but your team sees chaos. That disconnect slows down execution, hurts morale & stops you from achieving traction.

How EOS Helps Visionaries Stay Creative & Focused

If you’re using EOS (the Entrepreneurial Operating System), you already have the tools to protect your creativity without derailing progress. Here’s how:

1. Use Your V/TO as a Filter

Your Vision/Traction Organiser (V/TO) should act like your internal business compass.

Every new idea must align with:

1. Your 10-Year Target
2. Your Core Focus
3. Your 1-Year Plan

If it doesn’t fit? It’s a no. Not “maybe.” Not “later.” Just a straight no.

2. Capture Ideas, Don’t Action Them

Park them. Create a “Bright Ideas Parking Lot” where nothing gets lost – just delayed. Review them quarterly. This way, your best ideas don’t die, but they also don’t derail.

3. Lean on Your Integrator

You’re the accelerator. Your Integrator is the brakes. Together, you create traction.

Give your Integrator full permission to:

1. Challenge your thinking
2. Protect the team’s focus
3. Prioritise action over activity

The Visionary/Integrator combo is powerful – but only when both roles are respected.

4. Set & Stick to 90-Day Rocks

If everything is a priority, nothing gets done.

Choose fewer, more impactful goals. Finish what you start. Don’t dilute your energy – or your team’s.

5. Learn to Say “Not Now”

This one’s hard for us Visionaries. But saying “Not now” isn’t saying “never.” It’s just respecting timing, team capacity & your bigger vision.

Discipline Doesn’t Kill Creativity. It Accelerates It

EOS doesn’t exist to shut down Visionaries. It exists to give them traction.

Your wild ideas still matter. They just need to land in the right season. Otherwise, you’ll keep spinning your wheels instead of driving real growth.

When in doubt, ask:

“Does this help us move toward our vision – or just distract us from it?”

And if you’re not sure?

Park it. Talk to your Integrator. Or give me a ring – I’ll tell you straight.

Ready to Bring Structure to Your Visionary Energy?

If you’re tired of chasing shiny things that don’t move the needle, let’s talk.

I help entrepreneurial leadership teams align, gain traction, and actually execute the right ideas at the right time – without losing their creative edge.

📩 Email me at debra@businessaction.com.au

Written by Debra Chantry-Taylor, FBA Accredited Family Business Advisor, Certified EOS Implementer & Founder of Business Action.

Business Action is focused on helping Entrepreneurs lead better lives, through creating a better business. We have a small team of accredited family business advisors, EOS Implementers & Leadership coaches, as well as access to a huge range of advisors through our Trusted Partners Network.