There’s nothing new here; you read this everywhere when you’re interested in entrepreneurship. The shiny object syndrome, sometimes abbreviated SOS, is detrimental to productivity. Focus is essential. Execution is everything. Easier said than done, even when using prioritization methods such as a Pareto Analysis or an Eisenhower Matrix.
How do you stay focused and execute properly when your head is filled with continuous new ideas? How do you deliver on your projects without having your head continuously in the handlebars?
In a hurry to turn the shiny object syndrome into a productivity advantage? Click here to skip the intro and get straight to the point.
Table of Contents
- 1 The Risks Of Being Devoted To A Unique Project
- 2 What Is The Shiny Object Syndrome?
- 3 How To Turn The Shiny Object Syndrome Into A Productivity Advantage
- 4 Expand Your Spectrum Of Skills And Knowledge
- 5 Use Your Endless Envy To Start New Things To Counterbalance A Perfectionism Bias
- 6 Leverage Your Excitement To Get Rid Off Of Tedious Tasks
- 7 Conclusion On The Shiny Object Syndrome
“I feel a bit like a magpie attracted to shiny things.”
Jessica Stockholder
The Risks Of Being Devoted To A Unique Project
What Is The Shiny Object Syndrome?
Shiny object syndrome is a term used to describe how people develop an interest in something but then divert their focus onto another topic.
It usually conveys a negative image: someone jumping from one task/topic to the next is more likely not to complete anything correctly due to a lack of commitment towards any particular subject for long enough.
How To Turn The Shiny Object Syndrome Into A Productivity Advantage
The short answer is to take advantage of each “not so bad” downside of the shiny object syndrome. Let’s break down three positive aspects of the shiny object syndrome that may help you to increase your overall efficacy (after factoring in resilience and endurance).
Expand Your Spectrum Of Skills And Knowledge
First, the shiny object syndrome encourages people to seek out new information and ideas. Whether you are an entrepreneur or a driven employee, seeking out further information and exploring trends and ideas is a positive behavior – as long as it stays in control. In short, with a bit of discipline, the shiny object syndrome can be used as a powerful driver to extend your knowledge and expand your horizon. Conversely, if you have a field you need to work on, but you’re not so enthusiastic about it, have a look if this field could be applied in the context of your new idea. The key here is to have the right amount of discipline between expanding your horizon and staying on track. If you lack discipline, explore a few tricks to build discipline here.
Use Your Endless Envy To Start New Things To Counterbalance A Perfectionism Bias
Secondly, any individual suffering from shiny-object syndrome has endless envy to start new things. This irresistible envy to start something new can be used as a tool to counter interact a perfectionism bias. A few exceptions aside, perfectionism is bad for your business and your wellbeing. So if you’re the kind of person that is always keen to improve things here and there, even if these modifications are not urgent nor essential, leverage your excitement for your latest idea to move on, at least temporarily! Set your current task as “complete” and kick off something new!
Leverage Your Excitement To Get Rid Off Of Tedious Tasks
Conclusion On The Shiny Object Syndrome
By definition, the shiny object syndrome does not bring along an optimal mindset that maximizes productivity. The shiny object syndrome fosters a tendency to opt for the most straightforward tasks first, as described by Laborit’s Law.
The strategies above bring a fresh and positive perspective on the shiny object syndrome. These productivity tricks can help individuals suffering from the shiny object syndrome make their lives slightly more productive while remaining enjoyable.
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