Shiny Object Syndrome: Revealed
Shiny Object Syndrome comes in various forms, but my variety comes in the form of dropping what I am doing now, then chasing after something new and eventually dropping that too. It leads to a feeling of doing a whole lot of starting of a whole lot of different things, but never seemingly completing anything.
Shiny Object Syndrome: A Cry for Help
I have overwhelmed myself with shiny objects.
- I have a library full of unread and unfinished books on my Kindle app.
- I have several self-paced online courses. Sometimes I forgot I have them.
- Lord knows I have hundreds of “How To” blog posts and articles saved to my Pocket app. The idea is that I will read them later.
- On my various Apple devices, iPhone, iPad, or MacBook, I have more than one app serving the same purpose. The hope is each new one will be better than the previous one.
I think I need help. Are you in the need of help too?
Shiny Object Syndrome: First Steps to Getting Over It
I do not know about you, but I am fed up with my Shiny Object Syndrome. That is why I have started to do something about it.
Over the past couple of weeks I have taken the time to assess what may be causing my need for shiny objects. Here is what I determined is causing the problem in my life. Are these familiar?
Being easily distracted by new things. Learning something new gets me so excited, I forget I was in the midst of something else.
Lack of clarity. Not being sure of my life's purpose, where my career is headed, and how to make my calling as a speaker a reality, causes me to do endless searches for clarity. Next thing I know, I am swimming in shiny objects.
I sell myself short. In an effort to get better at what I may consider a weakness, I seek new shiny objects to help me improve.
Not focusing on what matters. I go into shiny object overload by getting bogged down with too many, irrelevant details.
End Shiny Object Syndrome Challenge
In my efforts to do things right, be better at everything, and in my chase for my life's purpose, I have been driving myself crazy with shiny objects. Often times I cannot get to most of them.
Over the next few months I am going to challenge myself to work on each of the above. Below is what I am going to do. I encourage you to join the challenge.
1. Limit my distractions. Set aside time for research. Have a set time for email and social media browsing.
2. Build on the clarity I do have. I am confident that speaking is my calling. I will focus on that bit by bit. The clarity will come.
3. Stop selling myself short. I will start focusing on what I do well. When I do well, I will occasionally stop to allow time to celebrate small victories.
4. Focus on what matters. Like when I started this blog, I will focus on what is most important. I will also set priorities.
Help Your Friends End Shiny Object Syndrome
On behalf of other Shiny Object Syndrome sufferers, we are open to advice and suggestions. Please share in the comments below.
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The more people we reach, the more lives we touch.