Hi there, it’s Shannon here. Let’s get real for a moment and talk about something so many of us fall prey to: shiny object syndrome. You know, that urge to chase every new idea, opportunity, or trend that pops up. It feels exciting in the moment, but when we’re constantly shifting gears, we end up diluting our energy and, ultimately, our results. Trust me, I’ve been there.

My Journey with Staying Focused (or Not)

For years, I became known for hosting a specific type of retreat—ones that combined stress relief, yoga, wine, and a whole lot of fun. These retreats hit that sweet spot where relaxation meets connection, and they brought me so much joy to host. They also happened to resonate deeply with my audience, who loved that balance of serenity and celebration.

But like many of you, I’ve had moments when I got side-tracked and diluted my focus. A few years ago, I had this brilliant idea (or so I thought at the time) to venture into a completely different retreat theme—something that was outside my usual vibe. However it felt fresh, exciting, and like a way to expand.

Here’s the thing: that retreat didn’t just fall flatter than I would have liked, it also took away from the energy I needed to focus on my signature retreats. Attendance dipped in my original offerings because I wasn’t putting in the same love and attention I had before. The shift wasn’t just in numbers but in how I showed up. My focus was scattered, and my results reflected that.

That was my wake-up call. I realized that every time I stretched myself too thin or diverted my focus, I was watering down what I had worked so hard to build.

What You Focus On Grows

This lesson is one I’ve learned over and over again: what you focus on grows. When you’re clear and consistent with your goals, your energy compounds in one direction, leading to real momentum. But when you’re constantly pivoting, it’s like planting seeds in a garden and then forgetting to water them because you got distracted planting more seeds somewhere else. Nothing flourishes.

For retreat leaders, this can look like chasing trends in themes, venues, or even marketing tactics that don’t align with your core message. Maybe you’ve been running wellness retreats for years, but suddenly you’re tempted to host a business retreat or jump into a new niche that doesn’t speak to your heart or your expertise. It’s okay to try new things, but when you keep moving the goalposts, you risk losing the very foundation you’ve built.

Go Deeper, Not Wider

Instead of constantly looking for the next big thing, ask yourself: How can I go deeper into what I’ve already created? For me, that meant doubling down on what made my stress-relief retreats so special. I focused on refining the guest experience, elevating my marketing to better reach my ideal audience, and consistently delivering the transformation my retreats are known for.

Going deeper allows me to create stronger connections with my guests, who return year after year, bringing friends along with them. It allows me to build a reputation that speaks for itself, and it also gives me the freedom to innovate within my core offerings, rather than branching too far out.

How to Stay Focused as a Retreat Leader

If you’re feeling pulled in a million directions, here’s my advice:

1. Revisit Your Why
   Why did you start hosting retreats in the first place? What transformation do you want to create for your guests? Stay anchored in your mission, and let it guide your decisions.
2. Refine, Don’t Reinvent
   Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, think about how you can enhance your existing retreats. Maybe it’s adding a new workshop, partnering with a guest speaker, or tweaking the schedule to maximize impact.
3. Say No to Shiny Objects
   Not every idea needs to be acted on. When a new opportunity or concept comes your way, ask yourself:
   • Does this align with my core mission?  With my why?
   • Will this strengthen or dilute my current offerings?
   • Do I have the bandwidth to give this my all without compromising my other commitments?
4. Measure Success by Alignment, Not Busyness
   Success isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters. When you focus on the retreats and experiences that light you up and align with your mission, you’ll attract the right guests and create lasting impact.

Final Thoughts: Focus Is Your Superpower

It’s easy to think that doing more means achieving more, but in reality, diluted focus leads to diluted results. When you stay true to your path and give your energy to what you’ve already built, you create the space for growth, abundance, and deeper connections.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to focus, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and it’s a process we all navigate as leaders. That’s why I’ve created programs designed to help retreat leaders like you stay aligned, grow your impact, and build a business that feels as good as it looks.

Remember, what you focus on grows. So, take a breath, realign with your purpose, and trust the journey. You’ve got this! 

PS- looking for the ULTIMATE way to build your retreat business? Check out our memberships.