Shiny Object Syndrome: How to Stay Focused and Achieve Your Goals 💎
Issue #63 — Shiny Object Syndrome. Willing vs Wanting. Focus on Direction.
If you like reading this, feel free to click the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. 🙏
💡 Here are 3-tips to help you learn, grow, and be inspired this week!
🎓 Learn
I went to Washington, DC, a few months ago to attend one of my favorite business conferences -WordCamp.
I got so many great ideas from this event and meeting people.
It was as if a floodgate of inspiration had opened, and I couldn't wait to dive into all these new opportunities.
Little did I know that I was about to confront a common but often underestimated challenge—Shiny Object Syndrome.
And we keep doing this with books, courses, hobbies, habits, etc., because we think the next new thing is going to bring more value than the current thing.
What is Shiny Object Syndrome?
The term "Shiny Object Syndrome" is often used in business and personal development contexts to describe the habit of chasing after the latest trends or ideas, often at the expense of current goals and commitments.
It's that irresistible urge to jump from one exciting project to another, driven by the belief that the grass is always greener on the other side.
What is the cost of Shiny Object Syndrome?
Here's why:
Goal Achievement: Shiny Object Syndrome leads to the abandonment of projects and ideas prematurely, preventing you from realizing your full potential.
Time and Resource Management: Constantly shifting focus between multiple projects can lead to inefficiency and wasted resources.
Reducing Stress: Juggling multiple projects and constantly pursuing new opportunities can increase stress levels.
Why did we fall for Shiny Objects?
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): The fear that if you don't jump on a new opportunity, you might miss out on something great can be compelling.
Lack of Clarity: People often succumb to Shiny Object Syndrome when they haven't established a solid plan.
Impatience: In a world where instant gratification is the norm, we often switch to new projects because we want to see results quickly.
My Tips to Deal with Shiny Object Syndrome
Dealing with Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) requires self-awareness and a systematic approach to evaluating new ideas and opportunities. Here are my tips to help you navigate this common challenge:
1. Be Aware: Before diving into a new idea, ask yourself whether it's a Shiny Object or a real opportunity. Create a habit of consciously assessing each new concept that comes your way.
2. Validation: To distinguish between a Shiny Object and a genuine opportunity, consider the following:
Does this idea support your current goals or projects?
How does this idea align with your long-term objectives?
Can you delegate this idea to a team member who isn't currently assigned to existing projects?
Discuss the idea with a team member who didn't attend the conference. Their unbiased opinion can provide valuable insights.
Recognize that not all immediate actions are detrimental. Quick actions can include following up with someone you met at an event to discuss an opportunity or posting event pictures on your social accounts.
3. Calculate Costs: Assess the opportunity cost of both action and inaction regarding the new idea. Remember that saying "yes" to something new often means saying "no" to something else.
Consider:
What's the required investment in terms of money, time, and energy? If it's minimal, it may be worth pursuing.
How will pursuing this idea affect your current projects and tasks?
What opportunities might you lose without taking immediate action on this idea?
4. Create Space: To avoid immediate action on every exciting idea, create a buffer. Mark the big ideas and opportunities that might be Shiny Objects. Don’t take any immediate action for a few weeks. Revisit your notes and tasks after this period. If you still feel strongly excited about them, then start planning and working on them. Creating this space helps filter out fleeting inspirations from long-lasting pursuits.
Key Takeaway: No matter how hard you try or how excited you feel, if you realize you've been trying to climb the wrong mountain, it's a wasted effort. Being aware of Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) will help you stay focused, ensuring that you stay on the path to uncovering your true diamonds of opportunity amidst the sea of distractions.
🚀 Growth Tip
A few weeks ago, I read this article by Croey Wilks, which highlights the importance of willingness to do what is required to achieve our goals and dreams.
Here are three key messages on this piece:
It’s not about knowing how to do it; it’s about being willing to learn how to do it.
It’s not about having the discipline to do it; it’s about being willing to develop the discipline to do it.
It’s not about being fearless; it’s about being willing to develop the tools to push past fear, insecurity, and self-doubt.
Read the full article here.
🤩 Inspire
Focus on direction, not speed.
It's better to go slowly up the right mountain than fast up the wrong one.
May the Peaceful Growth be with you! 🪴
Excellent insights Anil. Let’s stay connected. I’m a stickler on productivity and have been writing on productivity for sometime. More strength to you.