Far from a medical pathology, the shiny object syndromeshiny object syndromeis a common phenomenon in which a person is obsessed with novelty and wants to appropriate every new trend at all costs: it is a frequent phenomenon in the private sphere but especially in the professional field!
Are you the type of person who is always on the lookout for new things, always wanting to test the latest products or services, or the one starting projects but never finishing them?
You probably suffer from the shiny object syndrome… But don’t panic! We will see how to deal with it.
What is shiny object syndrome?
Definition of the shiny object syndrome
We crave the latest fashionable item all the time, whether it’s the latest iPhone or the latest content creation app (like Canva, or Capcut).
In business, this syndrome translates into being attracted by the latest webinar, the new software, the new marketing strategy, etc.
Entrepreneurs affected by the shiny object syndrome find themselves chasing the latest trend as if the success of their business depended on it.
Do you buy training courses, but don’t really use them? Do you change your visual identity all the time? Trying every content creation platform without really creating a strategy behind each launch? You certainly suffer from the shiny object syndrome!
Then, you feel exhausted from putting all these things in place and frustrated that nothing has yet really moved forward. This situation is often disastrous for your mindset and productivity (and sometimes for your wallet as well).
Everyone is concerned!
Don’t feel guilty because everyone deals with the shiny object syndrome! The key is to be aware of it when we are concerned.
Nowadays, creativity is shown as necessary to have a business that grows, and thinking you’re looking for it, you can easily fall into the trap of shiny object syndrome: by dint of always wanting to create differently, we forget our initial objective.
Causes of Shiny Object Syndrome
There are several possible causes for the shiny object syndrome, but the main reasons that affect the entrepreneurial sector are as follows:
-Trends:
We are always led to believe that the success of our business is based on this miracle offer or product and since everyone around us is talking about it, then it is logical to think “without this I can’t succeed”. This is the whole strategy of influencer marketing, the trick is to be aware of it.
-The search for comfort and safety:
It’s so easy to buy another product or training because it takes your focus off your next big goal. You know, that big goal that will really lead your business forward, but will take you out of your comfort zone. The one you’ve been procrastinating on for too long already… So, you keep yourself busy by doing lots of little things that don’t scare you, and that gives you the impression that you’re moving forward (when in fact, you’re not)!
-Fear of failure:
It is common in the world of entrepreneurship, the fear of failure is so present that you are ready to buy the smallest solution that arrives on the market and guarantees you success… Thinking that it is the one and only answer to the success of your business, but it isn’t… That’s you!
What are the consequences of shiny object syndrome?
As we have seen, the shiny object syndrome is a real drag on your productivity! But then how does that actually translate?
In professional life
-Loss of focus:
By focusing on new things and new learning, we lose focus and attention on the original goals of our business.
-Difficulty completing tasks:
The constant distraction of the syndrome can make it difficult to perform simple or complex tasks. We lose in efficiency!
-Productivity Issues:
Losing efficiency also means losing flexibility and productivity. The fewer tasks that are really important are done, the less efficiency there is.
-Financial Problems:
People with shiny object syndrome may be inclined to spend money excessively on training, new objects or software, which can lead to a problem with managing one’s finances in the long run.
In personal life
-Depression and anxiety:
If the behavior related to shiny object syndrome leads to difficulties in daily life, such as feeling like you’re not doing enough, working against the wind, or burning out without results, it can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. In these cases, it is very important to consult a health professional.
-Social isolation:
In more unusual cases, being constantly in your work, in the anxiety of not succeeding, being too connected to networks and that negative self-image can really isolate you from the outside world and the things that really matter… Take care of yourself!
How to deal with shiny object syndrome?
Now that we have deconstructed the shiny object syndrome, let’s take action!
The first step was to have identified it and become aware of it, but it was still necessary to succeed in getting rid of it.
Refocusing
The first thing you need to do to deal with shiny object syndrome is to focus on your goals and values. Laying the groundwork to focus on what really matters to your business. So, when you are tempted to buy a new service, you will be able to ask yourself the question: will this thing I want really allow my business to progress? Does it fit my needs and values?
Taking action
It’s enough to take refuge in so-called miracle solutions to avoid tackling the real issues of your business. Instead of rushing out to buy that shiny new thing, review what your long-term goals are, and only take actions that move you toward them!
Focus on your ideal client
Your ideal client should be your #1 concern!
If you have a well-defined persona, you know exactly what’re their needs.
So if he doesn’t listen to a podcast you don’t need to buy a great microphone. Also, if he doesn’t watch videos, why would you need a camera? Etc.
Have a Content Detox
Social media have the unfortunate tendency to cut us off from reality. With new products and opportunities thrown at us all day long, it’s almost impossible for us to tell what’s really working and what’s just hot air… Cut back, slow down, and take some time for yourself! Sort through your newsletters, update your followed accounts on Instagram, etc. Create your bubble that fits your way of doing things!
Streamline
Not everything that is new has to be thrown away, quite the contrary! Moreover, it is also totally normal to give in to an advertisement because the object we buy is simply meant to please us. The key is to be aware of this at the time of purchase! Don’t expect miraculous successes, but use all these new tools to grow our way of seeing things, improve our workflow, take a step back from our habits. This is the last thing you need to put in place to deal with shiny object syndrome.
And above all, before buying a solution, really try to solve it on your own, because you are capable of much more than you think!
Well, do you also suffer from the shiny object syndrome? How did you repress it? Or how do you manage it on a daily basis?
