Shiny new thing
Shiny object syndrome is a phenomenon that affects many entrepreneurs and business professionals. Reflected in a tendency to get easily distracted and infatuated by new and exciting ideas, projects, or opportunities that aren’t part of the business plan. And in doing so, losing focus on current goals and priorities, to the detriment of the main business. The entrepreneurial equivalent of a small child chasing shiny objects which as soon as they get, immediately losing interest in and starting to chase the next shiny new thing.
Getting a business off the ground and sustain any level of success requires focus, effort and persistence. Succumbing to shiny object syndrome is a problem for many as it takes energy, focus and commitment away from the core strategy and plan.
Unfortunately, it’s never been harder to avoid shiny object syndrome because there have never been more shiny new things to chase after. All presenting themselves as new and exciting, with a promise of great success for those who jump on them quickly.
You only have to look at social media or attend a business event to see what other people are apparently achieving. Never forget that most seemingly overnight successes took years, rather than someone simply spending a few hours on the latest technology and becoming a billionaire.
The problem with succumbing to shiny object syndrome is that it’s never over. As soon as you move focus from your core strategy and plan to that shiny new thing, another one will appear. You will forever be chasing the next shiny thing, never committing to one plan and never seeing anything through.
Remember, spreading your effort and resources across multiple strategies and plans because you’re trying out every new idea that pops up is really bad for business and will only serve to confuse both you and your customers. Confused customers don’t buy!
Experiencing shiny object syndrome doesn’t mean your existing plan or business is failing. It simply means you’re human and at least recognising when a shiny object is and isn’t useful may help you stay focussed on what you already have. As Sheryl Crow sang: “It’s not knowing what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got.”
When you become hooked on the possibility of a shiny new thing, remind yourself about the potential of your current thing. Think about what you’re already working so hard towards and how much progress you’re already making. Consider the impact on your current business and where the time would come from to devote to this new thing. It has to come from somewhere. If it’s not your existing business then it’s your sleep, leisure or family time.
You may then understand that in this fast-moving world, with so many possibilities, doubling down on one thing, your current thing is the surest way to achieving success.
