Shiny Object Syndrome

byEaton3122

140 followers

5 years ago

Wow, my very first post here on the WA platform! I’m super excited about where this journey will take me, so let’s dive right in!

Something I’ve struggled with for quite a while now is shiny object syndrome. Let’s talk about what it is, what causes it, and some of the things I’m trying to do to prevent it. Hopefully this can help some of you as well!

What is Shiny Object Syndrome

I’m not going to overcomplicate the definition. Basically, I think shiny object syndrome is the effect of getting distracted from your goals by other things that are promising the world. You end up hopping from one fad to the next without ever really putting in much work on any of them in the grand scheme of things.

Shiny object syndrome has, in my opinion, become more prevalent today because there is an overload of information available at our fingertips. Every time we search the internet for a topic, new information may be presented. Ads are constantly yelling at us on every social media platform to try some new item or method.

It is easy to get distracted and think that what we’re doing isn’t working. I mean, just look at the success the person in this ad is seeing from this new way of doing things! Just take their course and you can see those results too!

What Causes Us to Feel This Way

I think everyone would agree that we have become an instant gratification society. We want things right away, and this even includes business success.

Everyone would love to have more money and become financially independent. Many would like to be able to work from anywhere in the world. The “gurus” play to these emotions, and they pull you in with promises of wealth and riches.

All the ads we see make it seem so easy. “One month of work and you can be making $50,000+ each and every month!” However, that’s simply not reality. Building a true business takes hard work and dedication.

What To Do About It

I’ve been just as guilty as anyone falling victim to shiny object syndrome in the past. I’ve tried my hand at real estate wholesaling, dropshipping, local lead gen, and a few others. I’d put in a few weeks worth of work and then get discouraged when I didn’t see results like I thought I should.

I’ve found that you have to try and block out everything else that’s not related to your focus. Unsubscribe from email lists that aren’t related to your focus. Don’t click on ads promoting some new business opportunity.

Also, try not to make instant revenue your #1 goal. Focus on other goals, and the money will come. I know this is easier said than done, but if you’re always just looking for a way to make a quick buck, you’ll never have a sustainable, passive business.

Since joining WA, I have tried to stay as focused as possible. I’m focused now on building something that I really enjoy AND that can make me money (eventually). Hope these tips can help some of you on your journey!