Shiny Object Syndrome
Jan 25, 2019
Does this sound like you? You have an incredibly unique brain that can think of so many different business ideas! You have a special gift of igniting wonderful idea after idea, that could no doubt generate millions.
..... if only you followed through with the idea.
Being an entrepreneur is hard and as much as you had always wanted to break free from a life having a boss, telling you what to do. At times, you wish there was someone there holding you accountable to yourself. I know myself... I feel like I am herding cats, just trying to focus myself sometimes.
What is Shiny Object Syndrome?
Shiny Object Syndrome, according to Jason DeMers, from AudienceBloom, "is a disease of distraction, and it affects entrepreneurs specifically because of the qualities that make them unique. Entrepreneurs tend to be highly motivated. They crave new technology and new developments. And they aren’t afraid to start new projects and create new things.
Ordinarily, these are great characteristics, but when SOS sets in, it forces you to chase project after project, and change after change, never settling with one option.
It’s called shiny object syndrome because it’s the entrepreneurial equivalent of a small child chasing after shiny objects. Once they get there and see what the object is, they immediately lose interest and start chasing the next thing. For entrepreneurs, rather than literal shiny objects, they may be business objectives, marketing strategies, clients or even other business ventures."
If you have an inability to finish projects, poorly plan your ideas and directives, burn through cash, confuse people.. then you might have SOS.
Don't feel bad... this is one of the number one things entrepreneurs struggle with. That amazing brain of yours is such a blessing and a curse.
In todays world... there is so much information out there, it's tough not to get overwhelmed!! There will always be more knowledge, there will always be more tools, more tricks and tips, hacks and gurus, and unlimited people trying to get your attention.
Picture a raging river with content being pumped down over the rocks and leading to a massive waterfall that leads into an even bigger content pool. There will be a point where you realize you have been trying to swim against the current trying to capture all this information and you're getting no where.
You need to pull your canoe (or river raft) over and get on land.
That is Step 1: Stop digesting all this knowledge. Step on solid ground and decide what it is you actually want to do, what is your goal?
This is Step 2: So many people don't know why they are so frustrated and they don't even know what they are working towards. Set long term and short term goals with each new project. Stay focused.
Step 3: Don't hastily share your idea, do a little research and hash it out... sit on it for a bit before deciding to put it into play. At this point people might be rolling their eyes anyway anytime you talk about your ideas, because this isn't the first time you've had that "big idea". Rebuild that credibility and take a deep breath and think things through... give yourself that buffer time. This is also advice for any of you out there who don't have a supportive spouse or partner, instead of shouting out every new idea you have... do some research. If you have someone you can confide in, you can also share ideas together to filter things out as well.
Step 4: Don't give up. Once you set your long term and short term goals, don't stop until you get there. You need to be patient.
Step 5: Do a brain dump once or twice a week. If any of those pesky "amazing shiny ideas" start to creep in... capture them in a notebook for later.. or for someone else. Don't be afraid to bless and release an idea. It can fly away and go belong to someone else. You need to stay on track... or you will get no where.
In conclusion, you are blessed with a special brain. You are special and you have so much amazingness inside of you, but also don't forget that it is nearly impossible to move forward with great success, if you can't stay focused. You will be inefficient at everything...
So lets go into battle and get this Shiny Object Syndrome under control!!!! Lets put up our blinders, stay focused and crush it!!
*DeMers, Jason. “Do You Have 'Shiny Object Syndrome'” Entrepreneur, 9 Feb. 2017, https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/288370.
If you would like to set up a discovery call and connect click the button below!
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
