A wise person once observed that knowing you have a problem is half the battle.

Another sage (probably someone from the psychiatry profession) once noted that if you think you're crazy you're probably not.

Well, I'd been concerned for some time about a persistent set of my own symptoms, so the other day, I went to see a doctor friend. (Granted, the "doctor" in Dr. Aileen Huang-Saad's title stands for "doctorate in bioengieering", but I was hoping she could help me with a diagnosis anyway. She's with UM's Center for Entrepreneurship cfe.engin.umich.edu)

Our conversation went something like this...

Jim: Doc, I'm a serial entrepreneur.

Doc: Is that somewhat akin to a serial murderer?

Jim: I guess you could say that since we serial entrepreneurs can't help ourselves from acting out over and over again... But I'd sure hope that people would view us as standing on somewhat higher ethical ground.

Doc: So tell me, what is it that's troubling you?

Jim: It's just that I'm hooked on the thrill of shaping and launching new businesses. It almost doesn't matter to me what field the business is in - wireless technology one day, lawn furniture the next - as long as I'm involved with wonderful people and vibrant markets.

Doc: It sounds like you're someone who loves his work - that's hardly a problem in my mind. What's the issue?

Jim: Doc, the problem is that I can't stay focused on one business! As soon as I get one business airborne, I can't wait to scurry off and find the next great startup challenge! I feel like I have ADHD!

Doc: Ah!! I recognize this clinical syndrome, and it's very common among entrepreneurs. It's called ADOS: Attention Deficit Oh! Shiny! Serial entrepreneurs in particular often find themselves virtually incapable of maintaining focus on their current activity when a shiny new object enters their field of vision.

Jim: Yeesh, Doc - it sounds serious. Is there any cure?!

Doc: Sadly, there is no known cure for ADOS.