Chasing Shiny Objects

It's pretty amusing to watch the kids playfully chase the bright, shifting lights on the ground.

This scene reminded me of the anxiety faced by many SMEs with the rapid evolution of tech trends like AI.

There is often an impulse to chase these fast-moving targets.

However, those who take a “spray and pray” approach might end up feeling like these children. Despite all the chasing, the ground just keeps shifting.

Rather than anxiously pursuing every new trend, consider stepping back and doing these three things to make change purposeful:

1️⃣ 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦

Are you aiming to improve your current business, or are you focused on future-proofing? Each goal requires a different approach, so knowing your why clarifies your how.

2️⃣ 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬

Instead of just "trying things out," be deliberate with each new initiative. Define a specific question or goal, and be clear on what you want to learn or achieve. This intentional approach builds insight, not just activity.

3️⃣ 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞-𝐛𝐨𝐱 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬

Setting time boundaries prevents drift. Define a time frame so each exploration has an endpoint, allowing you to move forward with focus, regardless of the results.

So, next time you’re tempted to step into the spotlight of a new trend, ask yourself: What are my intentions?

I first published this reflection on the "Innovation Made Simple. Growth Made Real” series on LinkedIn in Dec 2024. The video version of the cover photo in this post was taken by me in November 2024 at Pier 2 in Kaoshiung, Taiwan.